Search

The objective of this paper is to present the perspectives of university scientists and staff on rewards, costs and risks embodied in nanotechnology research consortia on issues of product development, environmental health and safety, social implications, and regulation. This research uses qualitative interview data collected from approximately 20 researchers and university staff involved in a nanotechnology research center. In this paper I discuss university a) attitudes toward collaboration with university research consortia, b) perspectives on occupational health and safety associated with R&D activities as well as general social implications of nanotechnology, and c) thoughts on new and existing regulation. I expect that research collaborations occur to reduce the risk and uncertainty associated with the production of new technology. Successful collaborations allow new technology to progress from basic research to industry development more efficiently. Collaboration members buffer against risks (uncertain market interest, cost of development, and public and occupational safety concerns) and take advantage of the benefits of collaboration (lower cost of entry into new markets, clearer commercial promise of new technologies, increased exposure of basic research, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Class inequality is an important element of the current discussion on family leave. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 provides a job guaranteed leave of absence from work to care for a spouse or family member, it does not cover all employees or provide pay replacement during the leave. The unequal provision of workplace benefits by employee level reinforces inequality between classes. This paper will examine the effects of family oriented workplace policy, social class, and the interaction between benefits and class on returning to work after childbirth for new mothers. A review of literature suggests that: a) workplace benefits will have mixed effects on returning to work with benefits such as childcare assistance and phasing back to work making it easier for women to return to work, b) social class will have a negative relationship with returning to work after a leave, and c) the interaction between workplace benefits and social class will be negatively associated with returning to work. Paid leave will moderate the effect of income on returning to work. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]