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Parent Involvement Typologies And Student Achievement: A Correlational Study Of The Overlapping Spheres Of Influence, Phillip J. Elliott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between six types of parent involvement and student achievement. These typologies included parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating with community. Four research questions guided the study and nine null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the level of significance. The degree of relationship between the independent variables, parent involvement typologies, and student achievement were analyzed by utilizing Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The study sample consisted of 627 elementary and middle school parents in Mitchell County, North Carolina. The results …

Mexican Elites In The United States: An Introductory Investigation Of Privileged Mexicans In South Texas, Maria Elena Elias De Mounce

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Privileged Mexicans--first generation elite Mexican immigrants living in the United States-Mexican border--are herein described in terms of their cultural capital. Levels of assimilation are explored. A greater knowledge of this group, not yet fully appreciated in the literature, may advance sociological knowledge in a transitional region. The sample comprises wealthy, professional business people, architects, physicians, academicians, socialites, writers, artists and their families. Facilitated through interviews in Spanish, participant observation, and a detailed questionnaire, the study examines their attitudes toward South Texas, toward Mexican Americans, and evaluates the process of their integration into the community. Questions focus on religion, education, language, …

Work Role Vs. Familial Roles: Management Of Work And Family Responsibilities Among Blue-Collar Chicana And Mexican Immigrant Women In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Apparel Industry, Maria Olivia Villarreal-Solano

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This qualitative study examined how a select group of forty Chicana and Mexican immigrant women employed as apparel production workers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley manage work and family responsibilities. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted over a one year period in the county of Hidalgo, Texas. This study identified two processes used by women in managing work and family. Age and the timing of life events were found to have the greatest influence on the process of managing work and family responsibilities among the studied women. Ethnicity, contrary to existing explanatory models, was not …

Neighborhood Characteristics And Crime Specific Victimization Rates: A Sociological Analysis., Esther Celeste Jones

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation examines the influence of ecological, institutional, and cultural variables on neighborhood victimization rates of assault, burglary, and robbery in 30 urban neighborhoods. Ordinary least square regression analysis is sued to determine which variables are most predictives of these rates. Based on social disorganization theory, social control theory, and subculture of violence theory, an integrated model is developed. The integrated model includes elements of all three theoretical orientations, clearly indicating that crime is not unidimensional, and that different variables are predictive of specific types of crime at the neighborhood level. It was found that assault and robbery were best …

Security And Rational Choice: Household, Community, And Public Provision., John Collins Kilburn Jr

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation examines the problem of order through an analysis of individual practices of security. Because security is a multi-dimensional issue, no unified perspective currently exists to explain security practices. Based on my analysis of data from a detailed survey of 137 residents of a Baton Rouge neighborhood, I argue that there are three main dimensions of security and each has a unique set of determinants, since individuals are contextually situated in their households, neighborhoods, and municipalities. This dissertation examines variables related to psychological, stratification, social network, and rational choice perspectives. The analysis demonstrates that although factors suggested by each …

Imaginary Companions In Preschool-Aged Children: A Theoretical Examination, An Exploration Of The Role Of Parents, And A Study Of The Relationship Between A Child And Her Imagination, Joy Lyn Bryan

Doctoral Dissertations

Two theories about why children create imaginary companions were examined, the void-stress and the psychoanalytic theories. The relationship between children and their imaginary companions, the role of parents, and fantasy choice were also examined. To these ends, children completed measures of loneliness, moral reasoning, locus of control, stress, and self-perceived competence. If they had an imaginary friend they also completed a perceived competence scale from the point of view of their imaginary companion. Children with imaginary companions also completed two measures of the relationship between themselves and their imagined friend: relationship circles and the Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience. All …

Illusions Of Change: An Analysis Of The Fatherhood Discourse In "Parents Magazine", 1929-1994, Candice Leonard

Doctoral Dissertations

This project explores the question of women's expectations and experience across the transition to parenthood. Specifically, the source of women's unmet expectations about the genderedness of household division of labor and familywork are examined, bridging the literatures on expectation formation and information-seeking behavior.

The centerpiece of the study is a comprehensive, context-sensitive analysis of the fatherhood discourse in Parents Magazine from 1929 through 1994, which uses both quantitative and qualitative methods. Importance is placed on the fact that this is primarily a male-produced discourse that defines fatherhood for women. It was found that there are significant differences by author sex …

Structural Inequalities, Family And Cultural Factors, And Spousal Violence Among Anglo And Hispanic-Americans, Jana Lynn Jasinski

Doctoral Dissertations

There is some evidence that rates of spousal assault are higher among Hispanic Americans compared to Anglo Americans, however, very little empirical research has focused extensively on Hispanic Americans and their risks for spousal violence. There is even less research that considers different Hispanic groups. This study used the 1992 National Alcohol and Family Violence Survey to examine the relationships among structural inequalities, family relations, and spousal assault among a sample of 1,768 Anglo and Hispanic Americans.

The results indicated that Hispanic Americans were more likely to use minor or severe physical violence against their spouses, however, there were also …

The Role-Set Of The Truck Driver: Issues Of Worker Autonomy, Ideology, And Identity, Bruce Patrick Day

Doctoral Dissertations

In this dissertation, I explore occupational socialization and identity formation within the context of work, the workplace, and work practices. The workers presented in this study are long-haul, freight carrying truck drivers. The components of this study include: (a) a socio-historical analysis of the trucking industry, and (b) how characteristics of the truck drivers' work influence his identity, and how this influence is different for various types of drivers.

I have reviewed changes in the trucking industry from its beginnings at the start of this century to its current status in 1996. This includes looking at organizations developed in response …

Changes In Self-Sufficiency: A Feminist Approach To Literacy Program Evaluation, Marcia Ann Makris

Doctoral Dissertations

This research was a follow-up investigation of a federally-funded literacy program which was established to assist its participants to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. The program was designed and implemented in response to the federal legislative law, the Family Support of Act of 1988 (FSA), which mandated that states provide Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) programs to "assure that needy families with children obtain the education, training, and employment that will help them avoid long term dependency" and "assist recipients to become self-sufficient." The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the characteristics of the program that …

The Evolutionary Dimension Within Economic Thought, James Julius Neidhart

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation integrates the concepts of circular causality, emergence, and hierarchical organization through an investigation of the evolutionary dimension within economic thought. The different sections of this dissertation represent complementary perspectives on this theme.

The first chapter introduces the concept of circular causality and the technique of causal diagramming. These tools are used in the second and third chapters to highlight the evolutionary dimension within the history of economic thought. The particular theorists and groups of articles discussed include Adam Smith, Alfred Marshall, the Increasing Returns debates of the 1920's, Gunnar Myrdal, and Nicholas Kaldor. The significance of the Increasing …

"Getting America Told": The Black Press And Its Dialogue With White America, 1914-1919, William George Jordan

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation examines the role of African-American newspapers as a forum for interracial discourse during World War I. The black press addressed itself to white America, arguing that African-Americans' participation in the war made them worthy of full citizenship, pointing out the similarity between the nation's aim of championing democracy in Europe and the goal of creating racial justice in America, and drawing parallels between atrocities against civilians in Europe and the lynching of African Americans in the Southern states. Some influential white Americans paid attention to these arguments and responded to them. In doing so, they sought to use …

The Characteristics And Motivations Of Female Volunteers In Long-Term Care Settings., Linda. Fata

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The intent of this study is to examine the relationship between the major characteristics and motivations of female volunteers in long-term care settings. Both a detailed description of who tends to volunteer as well as a sociocultural explanation for why one volunteers are provided. To assist in the sociocultural explanation, a life course paradigm of work transitions is utilized. Age-related differences in volunteer motivation are expected and represent the central focus of this study: Older women are primarily motivated by the internal rewards of volunteering whereas the younger volunteers are primarily motivated by the career-related rewards. The influence of gender, …

A Critical Examination Of The Early Years Of The Hour-A-Day Study Club, 1935-1955., Jennifer Patricia. Mills

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on the development of the Hour-A-Day Study Club during the period of 1935-1955. This thesis explores the origins and development of the club by focusing on its programs, its organizational structure, its charitable events, its cultural events, its self-improvement efforts and its cooperation with other clubs that formed the context of the club's activities. Central issues addressed are: What were the conditions influencing the development of the club? What were the goals of the club? What role did this club fulfill within the black community and for the members themselves? These questions reveal that club members were …

The Gendered Construction Of Part-Time Work Within A Canadian Bank: A Demographic Examination Of Gender, Job Status, And Job Grade., Dino. Pizzuti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The data presented was a comparative study of the labour organization, utilization and valuation of male and female bank employees as it relates to job status and job grade. Variables such as education level, amount of time employed by the bank, age, marital status, and number of children were controlled in this examination. It was found that education level, time employed by the bank, and age were not significant variables in explaining the job grade differences between full-time and part-time employees, and male and female employees. The only exception occurred for employees 25 years of age or less, and part-time …

The Impact Of Fiscal Resources On Organizational Structures And Cultures: A Case Study., Lynda Christine. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how an organization's financial environment impacts its culture(s). Conducted at a mid size university, the research consisted of an archival review and open ended in depth interviews. Utilizing the cultural audit models of Schein (1992), Hofestede, Neuijen, Ohayv and Sanders (1990) and Sethia and Von Glinow (1985), two subcultures within the non academic, administrative division of the university were revealed: one within the non-ancillary departments and another within the units operating as ancillaries. It was concluded that the differences in these two subcultures could be partially explained by how they obtained their required fiscal resources. Although the …

Filial Piety In Canada: A Case Study Of Social Change Among Korean Immigrants., Sung-Eun. Kim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examines change in the tradition of filial piety among Korean immigrants in Calgary. Based on a sample of 85 respondents consisting of both the aged parents and their oldest son or only son/daughter, the study found that the case of Korean-Canadians presents an anomaly in the theories of modernization and inter-ethnic group relations. There are particular aspects of the Korean-Canadian group, such as its recent history in Canada and the social and structural barriers, which are not considered within the modernization, assimilation, and cultural pluralist models. This study also shows that cultural resources and structural pressures are …

Native Women And Sexual Assault: Their Patterns And Experiences., Elizabeth G. Gomes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the last decade there has developed a greater awareness of Native people and the problems they are confronting in Canadian society. In particular, Native women are victims of racism, of sexism and violence. This thesis examines the unavailability of information on sexual assault and Native women. This vital information I believe is not being compiled or brought to the attention of the public and researchers. A socialist feminist perspective was utilized to support existing data and the data which was collected through the methodology. The methodology consists of life histories/historical analysis, interviews and participant observation (researcher as observer). The …

An Examination Of The Effects Of The Mother's Education And Household Exposure To Disease On Childhood Diarrheal Morbidity In Sudan., Dawood Hussein Sultan

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation examines the effect of increases in the mother's level of education on the likelihood of diarrheal morbidity among Sudanese children aged 6 to 23 months. Maximum likelihood logistic regression models are used in the analysis. The logit estimates obtained from these models revealed that children of mothers who are illiterate run on average more than 10 times the risk of diarrhea as that run by children to mothers with a senior secondary or higher education. Slight increases in the mother's education, as indicated by an incomplete primary school education, reduce the likelihood of diarrhea by more than 50%. …

Gender And Spousal Violence: A Test Of Social Control And Resource Theories., Deborah Marie Hanrahan

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This research provides an explanation of spousal violence that has previously been lacking in the family violence literature--a social control approach. This research tests the hypothesis that those with stronger bonds to society will be less likely to engage in spousal violence. Furthermore, this research will incorporate the role that family structures have in stratifying social control for males and females by testing power-control theory, which suggests that women from egalitarian households of origin will be more likely to commit wife-to-husband violence than those from patriarchal households. Conversely, men from egalitarian households should be less likely to commit husband-to-wife violence …

Transactional Interactions And Growth In The Global Economy: A Multiple-Network Analysis., Kuo-Hua Chen

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation postulates that the trend of increasing globalization of economic activities within the shifting features of the world economy has been the dominating force transforming and integrating the international economic structure. I adopt ecological theory's external view of system structure, and focus on a more relational view of international exchange. Using network methodology, I analyze the effects of global transactional interactions on economic growth. This research extends concepts of the macro-urban approach to an analysis of international transactions. Based on data for 93 nations over a 20-year period (1970-1978 and 1978-1990) from three transactional networks (93 x 93 matrices), …

Social Tolerance For Drug Use Among Junior High School Students In Taipei, Taiwan., San-Yi Li

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This study examines the degree of social tolerance for drug use among junior high school students in Taipei, Taiwan, and the relationships between their social tolerance for drug use and their individual, family, and drug environment characteristics. The theories of anomie, socialization, social control, and differential association are used as a guide for these examinations. The data for this study were collected from a sample of 604 students from 16 classes in three grades at five schools using a self-administrated questionnaire designed for this purpose. These classes were randomly selected from all 85 junior high schools which were stratified by …

Investigating The Antecedents Of Youth Unemployment: Individual, Family, And Neighborhood Factors., Mary Smalley Delamatre

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Young adults are two to three times more likely to be unemployed than older adults, and African-American and poorly educated youths are disproportionately unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1995a). The goal of the present study was to identify precursors of youth unemployment that could be targets of interventions. This longitudinal study explored the relationship between individual, family, and neighborhood factors, measured during junior high and high school, and the employment status of 19-year-old males. Participants were individuals participating in the Pittsburgh Youth Study, a longitudinal study of prosocial and antisocial behavior. This random sample of 506 males were 7th …

The State And The Reproduction Of Social Control: A Study Of The History Of Canadian Juvenile Justice Practices., Andrew Brian. Doerr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following text analyses the Canadian criminal justice system's various reform movements between the late 1800's and the end of the 1980's. Specifically, three periods are investigated in detail and compared: 1900-1910, 1950-1960, and 1980-1990. Of particular interest to the author are the hypotheses introduced by various State Theorists (Miliband, 1969, Poulantzas, 1969, 1973, Quinney, 1974, 1980) as well as Michel Foucault's (1979) study of penal control. The research which follows attempts to evaluate the accuracy of their assertions in light of Canadian youth justice reforms initiated during each of the chosen periods. These include the introduction of the reformatory …

Determinants Of Migration: Inter-European Migration, 1950-1989, Sven Mikael Jansson

Digitized Theses

It is commonly assumed that governmental regulations determine the flow of international migration streams. Time-series techniques are used to analyze the migration flows to Belgium from France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands in the post-war period 1950-1989 in order to estimate the impact that the migration policy change in 1968 had on these flows. A survey of the predominantly cross-sectional migration literature revealed that substantial contradictions are reduced when studies are separated according to their power to detect the significant push and pull factors. The preliminary findings for the time-series analyzed indicated that these series required differencing once before achieving …

Communication, Culture And Reproduction: Analysis Of Contraceptive Adoption In Kenya, Lewis Odhiambo Omwanda

Digitized Theses

This dissertation explored the relationships between social communication, culture and reproductive behaviour. Drawing upon theories of structural and behavioral change, mechanisms of value formation and transformation over time were discussed and used to build upon Lesthaeghe and Surkyn's (1988) postulation linking the ideational system reproductive behaviour. Accordingly, theories that posit reproductive choices in sub-Saharan Africa as primarily rooted in past practices and traditional value systems were questioned and, instead, interactionist bases of reproductive choice were suggested that accord with communication theories of behavioral innovation and social change.;The theories were tested using the 1989 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data, and …