This journal is published in French only.

Josée Bernier

Factors Influencing Development of a Separate Identity in Identical Twins (Influence du facteur gémellaire sur l’acquisition d’une identité distincte) (p. 9–66)

Abstract:

This paper discusses the identity problem of identical twins in order to see if twinship interferes in the development of separate identities. Several variables relating to self concept, relations, quality of bonds, and difficulty of separation were tested on a stratified sample of 20 identical twins and 20 individuals.

Keywords: Twinship factors, acquisition, identity.

Pierre Bouchard

Theory of Action and Life Courses (Théorie de l’action et parcours de vie) (p. 67–114)

Abstract:

The study underlying this paper criticizes the position of rationality which confines action. The author analyzes the complexity of social action and presents elements partaking in action which are not taken in consideration by utilitarist theories. An investigation among 30 individuals demonstrates that their actions are not necessarily derived from rational factors, but rather result from relations, which in turn are always of an emotional dimension.

Keywords: Action theory, life itinerary.

Mélanie Girard, Simon Laflamme, and Pascal Roggero

Is intent as Universal as the Theories of Action Make It Out to Be? (L’intention est-elle si universelle que ne le prétendent les théories de l’action ?) (p. 115–148)

Abstract:

Even if sociology of action theories recognize that the individual is a complex being, they insist on defining that the individual acts and communicates in a relational (interested, strategic, conscientious, autonomous and intentional) fashion. The authors of this paper propose an analysis based more on relation rather than on action, thus examining the individual in his relations rather through his actions.

Keywords: Intention, action theory.

Claude Vautier

Essay of Complex Modeling in Social Sciences: The Case of Intercommunality in Tarn (Essai de modélisation complexe en sciences sociales : le cas de l’intercommunalité dans le département du Tarn) (p. 149–217)

Abstract:

The paper discusses a study done in two communes of Tarn (France) and proposes to verify a new approach of territorial phenomena through complex systems. The underlying hypothesis stipulates that the southern communes near the sous-préfecture of Castres will fair better than the northern ones near the préfecture of Albi. This hypothesis was verified through a questionnaire administered to political figures and individual representatives of these regions.

Keywords: Complex modeling, intercommunity, region, Tarn.

Rachid Bagaoui

Note de lecture. La systémique, penser et agir dans la complexité, de Gérard Donnadieu et Michel Karsky, Paris, Éditions Liaisons, 2002 (p. 219–224)