Representing young people's sexuality in the 'youth' media.

This paper reports findings from a content analysis of the main messages about sexuality in media outlets consumed by young people. It examines how sexuality is represented and the level of sexual health information provided in some UK magazines and TV programmes targeted at young people. Our findings show that such outlets included a vast range of useful discussion including information about health concerns and in-depth exploration of issues such as consent and examples of couples exploring whether or not they were 'ready' for sex. In particular, the right of girls to 'say no' was vividly fore-grounded in several teen dramas and magazines. However, coverage was also characterized by certain limitations. A clear pattern was evident whereby contraception and managing 'how far to go' were depicted as women's responsibility. There was a limited range of representations for young men, a lack of positive images of lesbian and gay teenagers, and a failure to represent diversity. There were also no examples of how people might raise concerns such as safer sex. In this context, health educators need to be aware of both the richness and the limitations of current mainstream representations in order to work with and through the media to improve the quality and range of material for young people.

Changes in practice nursing: professionalism, segmentation and sponsorship.

In the wake of recent government policies and legislation, practice nursing has undergone major changes. Not least of these has been the rapid growth in the number of practice nurses. In addition, their work role has grown greatly over recent years. This has given rise to the question of whether their professional development now justifies their status as autonomous nurse practitioners. This and related issues are explored in the empirical part of this paper, which focuses on the changes in the work and responsibilities of practice nurses in two industrial towns in the English Midlands.

Managerialism and professionalism in general practice: teamwork and the art of "pulling together".

Considers the impact of recent government policy on the organization of primary care in England and Wales. Discusses the notion and practice of "teamworking" currently in vogue, and analyses implications for doctors, nurses and managers working in/attached to general practices. Draws on the findings of a study of primary care team building which took place in a UK health authority (here referred to as "Weston"), and focuses on the experience of four general practices as they have attempted to develop as multidisciplinary partnerships. Gives consideration to the "new managerialism" evident in the NHS and its attempt to redefine professionalism and professional autonomy.