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2012

Sociology

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Articles 1 - 23 of 23

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Behind The Seams: An Ethnographic Study Of The Performative Nature Of Theatrical Costumes, Emily M. Lindholm Dec 2012

Behind The Seams: An Ethnographic Study Of The Performative Nature Of Theatrical Costumes, Emily M. Lindholm

Student Publications

Actors are said to bring a play to life, but what about the garments that they wear? Like set production, light design, and direction, the role of the costume plays an important part in informing and enchanting the audience. However, this is not all that they do. This paper acts as an in-depth examination of the culture of costume creation and destruction at Gettysburg College, researching their roles as garments, as well as how the garments themselves "act" around others. Imbued with their own set of responsibilities, the costumes are expected to behave certain ways, perform specific functions, and put …

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Village Literacy: Adult Education In Northeastern Kenya, Jodi Heidorn Nov 2012

Village Literacy: Adult Education In Northeastern Kenya, Jodi Heidorn

Senior Honors Theses

The underdevelopment of effective adult literacy programs in Northern Kenya is a problem that must be addressed to meet the needs of a changing generation of nomadic pastoralists. Existing programs must be reevaluated in order to increase their efficiency and incorporate the unique aspects of local cultures into their design. This paper explores the broadening definition of literacy and discusses how there are in fact multiple literacies in any given culture. Next, it examines the history of education in Kenya and the barriers that may be unique to adult literacy programs in Northern Kenya. Also, it examines how changes in …

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Should A Program Of Sex Education Be Mandatory In Public Schools From 4th-12th Grade?, Tara St. Onge Oct 2012

Should A Program Of Sex Education Be Mandatory In Public Schools From 4th-12th Grade?, Tara St. Onge

Sociology Student Scholarship

For a position paper and presentation in her Changing Family course last fall, Tara explored the debate surrounding sexual education in the public school system. After completing extensive research regarding the policies which are already in place and evaluating their success, Tara formed the position that a program of sexual education should be mandatory in public schools form 4th to 12th grade. During an era where popular reality television shows include “Sixteen and Pregnant” as well as “Teen Mom” depict what a large issue teenage pregnancy is and how mainstream it has become in society. Tara does an …

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The Implications Of Africa-Centered Conceptions Of Time And Space For Quantitative Theorizing: Limitations Of Paradigmatically-Bound Philosophical Meta-Assumptions, Nikitah O. Imani Jun 2012

The Implications Of Africa-Centered Conceptions Of Time And Space For Quantitative Theorizing: Limitations Of Paradigmatically-Bound Philosophical Meta-Assumptions, Nikitah O. Imani

Black Studies Faculty Publications

“The Implications of Africa-centered Conceptions of Time and Space for Quantitative Theorizing,” looks at Eurocentric scientific conceptions of time and space, how they effect theorizing concerned with these matters, and how they are altered as one considers non- Eurocentric conceptions. For example, one might look at the assertion of circularity, holism, and continuity in contrast to linearity, disjunction, and discontinuity. The example focused on is a scholarly article focusing on constraints associated with time travel. The article deconstructs the piece as Eurocentric and re-conceptualizes it from an African-centered cultural and social perspective.

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Correlations Between Language, Identity, And Discrimination Among Spanish Speakers In Providence, Katherine Rennie May 2012

Correlations Between Language, Identity, And Discrimination Among Spanish Speakers In Providence, Katherine Rennie

Global Studies Student Scholarship

This study examines how discrimination based on language hinges on the importance of language to one’s personal identity. In order to understand the connections between discrimination and language, the literature on discrimination and its various components is investigated. Scholars’ findings concerning the connection between language and identity are then examined. A discussion will follow of the neuropsychology of language and of the scientific argument that human language came about in response to an evolutionary need for symbolic communication. These themes create a framework for the following study. In order to understand the experience of discrimination as a result of language …

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The Sociology Of Harriet Martineau In Eastern Life, Present And Past: The Foundations Of The Islamic Sociology Of Religion, Deborah A. Ruigh Apr 2012

The Sociology Of Harriet Martineau In Eastern Life, Present And Past: The Foundations Of The Islamic Sociology Of Religion, Deborah A. Ruigh

Department of Sociology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This paper is a critical analysis of Harriet Martineau’s philosophical stance and epistemological modes, her systematic sociological methodology, her use of this methodology, and her sociology of religion. How to Observe Morals and Manners (1838), Eastern Life, Present and Past (1848), and other relevant works will be used to examine Martineau’s evolving epistemological modes as well as her sociology of religion. How to Observe, Martineau’s treatise on systematic sociological methodology and cultural relativism, will serve as an exemplar for analysis of Martineau’s methodological practice as evidenced in Eastern Life. The research problem herein is three-fold: (1) to examine …

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Discovering Resilience In Children Who Witnessed Their Caregivers With Cancer: A Retrospective Study, Cassandra N. Menz Apr 2012

Discovering Resilience In Children Who Witnessed Their Caregivers With Cancer: A Retrospective Study, Cassandra N. Menz

Social Work Theses

Cancer is a powerful disease and has been shown to affect both the individual battling the disease as well as the friends and families. Research has shown that children and/or adolescents who have witnessed their caregivers with cancer have emerged as resilient from this experience. Through interviews, this study investigated college students at a small liberal arts school in Southern New England, who have or have had primary caregivers with cancer to see if they have gained resilience. This study revealed the effects that cancer can have not only on the individual who is battling the disease, but also on …

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Facebook: The Newest Weight Loss Supplement?, Jaclyn Longo Apr 2012

Facebook: The Newest Weight Loss Supplement?, Jaclyn Longo

Social Work Theses

This study sought to find a correlation between Facebook usage and exercise and diet habits among college-age females. A review of literature has shown the prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses and the pressures directly associated with these statistics. Eighty surveys were collected in order to measure both qualitative and quantitative data concerning the participants Facebook, eating, and dieting habits. Results revealed a strong drive among these females to stay thin through the use of diet and exercise habits, along with a correlation between viewing Facebook photos and the urge to workout. Further research on this subject should focus …

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Effects Of A Witnessing History On The Female Ability To Negotiate Romantic Relationships: A Retrospective Analysis, Kimberly Rodrigues Apr 2012

Effects Of A Witnessing History On The Female Ability To Negotiate Romantic Relationships: A Retrospective Analysis, Kimberly Rodrigues

Social Work Theses

Research suggests that witnessing domestic violence (DV) in childhood may have long-term negative effects as a person enters adulthood. This exposure may hinder the ability for adults to build healthy romantic relationships. In an effort to better understand how a witnessing history affects adult romantic relationships, this study focused on the retrospective stories of women who were in recent domestically violent relationships and who also reveal witnessing DV as children. Participant’s narratives were analyzed for themes relating to their witnessing history, such as type of violence witnessed, frequency of violence witnessed, and whether or not participants felt their witnessing history …

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Why Do College Students Stay In Unhealthy Relationships And Why Are Peers Hesitant To Intervene?, Melissa Devito Apr 2012

Why Do College Students Stay In Unhealthy Relationships And Why Are Peers Hesitant To Intervene?, Melissa Devito

Social Work Theses

This study focused on why college students remain in unhealthy relationships and why they may not intervene. Additionally, the study sought to determine student’s perception of themselves and others using scales that measured their self-esteem, comfortability, and vulnerability. Sixty five students at a Catholic southern New England private college participated in this mixed method study. Results revealed that the definitions of relationships were gender based and students were aware of sexual abuse but remain neutral about reporting it and intervening. Implications from this study include the need for future research on reporting sexual abuse on college campuses and to gather …

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Effectiveness Of Anti-Bullying Policies In High Schools, Angela Ju Apr 2012

Effectiveness Of Anti-Bullying Policies In High Schools, Angela Ju

Social Work Theses

This study focused on the effectiveness of anti-bullying policies in high schools from the perspectives of college students. Literature suggests that anti-bullying policies are in place nationally in high schools but implementation of these policies have been questionable. Several studies have indicated a need for more enforcement of bullying prevention efforts in high schools. This quantitative study gathered data from surveys distributed to and completed by college freshmen students, almost all of whom have had a bullying experience at least once in high school. Findings imply that participants were split in their perspective of how effective and beneficial their high …

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Is Mental Illness An Access Barrier To Seeking And Receiving Abortion Services?, Miranda Cummings Apr 2012

Is Mental Illness An Access Barrier To Seeking And Receiving Abortion Services?, Miranda Cummings

Social Work Theses

This study examines the relationship between one’s mental health status and access to abortion services. A review of the literature confirms that no prior research has been completed to determine whether or not mental health status is a barrier to seeking and/or receiving abortion services. A qualitative study using professionals from the mental health and abortion service fields was conducted to explore this relationship. Findings suggest that there are implications for some individuals experiencing mental illness. Another finding concludes that mental illness may be a secondary access barrier if one’s health insurance is provided by governmental funds. An implication for …

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Caught In Cultural Limbo?: A College Student’S Perspective On Growing Up With Immigrant Parents, Melissa Weiss Apr 2012

Caught In Cultural Limbo?: A College Student’S Perspective On Growing Up With Immigrant Parents, Melissa Weiss

Social Work Theses

Much recent scholarship of immigrants, has found a second-generation disadvantage, or an “immigrant paradox” instead of a “second generation advantage”. In contrast to past studies, this study employed qualitative methods to explore mental health and risky behavior variables of the immigrant paradox among college-aged children of immigrants who attend a private, liberal arts institution to gain a more meaningful understanding of this “paradox”. No strong evidence suggesting an “immigrant paradox” in terms of these variables was found, but instead participants expressed cultural pride. It was also found that these individuals valued their present support systems and those they had while …

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Sex Education In Our Schools, Kelley Conti Apr 2012

Sex Education In Our Schools, Kelley Conti

Honors Projects

This research project involved interviewing 42 parents with children between the ages of 12 to 18-years-old regarding their views and opinions on sex education for today’s youth. All 42 parents agreed they wanted a more informative sex education for their children than what they were exposed to as children. This included those with formal sex education as well as those that learned from peers, siblings or in their neighborhood. Another aspect all parents agreed on was the need for a more comprehensive sex education. Thirty-eight parents thought abstinence should be included as an option in sex education classes but not …

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Reconstructing World Politics: Norms, Discourse, And Community, Sungjoon Cho Feb 2012

Reconstructing World Politics: Norms, Discourse, And Community, Sungjoon Cho

All Faculty Scholarship

This Article argues that the conventional (rationalist) approach to world politics characterized by political bargain cannot fully capture the new social reality under the contemporary global ambience where ideational factors such as ideas, values, culture, and norms have become more salient and influential not only in explaining but also in prescribing state behaviors. After bringing rationalism’s paradigmatic limitations into relief, the Article offers a sociological framework that highlights a reflective, intersubjective communication among states and consequent norm-building process. Under this new paradigm, one can understand an international organization as a “community” (Gemeinschaft), not as a mere contractual instrument of its …

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Discursive Fault Lines: Reproducing White Habitus In A Racially Diverse Community, Meghan Burke Jan 2012

Discursive Fault Lines: Reproducing White Habitus In A Racially Diverse Community, Meghan Burke

Scholarship

This is a qualitative study detailing the links between racial discourse and social action. Specifically, this article provides evidence for the ways in which a white habitus is reproduced in a racially diverse community, despite the best intentions of its community members. This is chiefly due to the influence of national color-blind ideologies and the diversity discourse that follows. Because this ideology and discourse are individual in nature and centered on a white norm, it chiefly produces consumption-driven actions for individuals and collective action that protects those with racial privilege. While prior studies have detailed the influence of this ideology …

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Sociological Impact On Cancer, Michelle Little Jan 2012

Sociological Impact On Cancer, Michelle Little

A with Honors Projects

Demographics of cancer and other sociological impacts on cancer.

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The Sociological Impact Of Cancer: Cancer Among The World, Jenna Kooy Jan 2012

The Sociological Impact Of Cancer: Cancer Among The World, Jenna Kooy

A with Honors Projects

Cancer among ethnic groups and in high income/low income regions.

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The Social Impact Of Diabetes, Denise Lujan Jan 2012

The Social Impact Of Diabetes, Denise Lujan

Natural Sciences Student Research Presentations

This poster describes the social impact of living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

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The War Next Door: Peace Journalism In Us Local And Distant Newspapers' Coverage Of Mexico, Katherine Lacasse, Larissa Forster Jan 2012

The War Next Door: Peace Journalism In Us Local And Distant Newspapers' Coverage Of Mexico, Katherine Lacasse, Larissa Forster

Faculty Publications

This study explores the relationship between proximity to a conflict and the tendency to use peace journalism rather than war journalism modes of reporting. In the context of the current drug war occurring in Mexico, articles from both local, border region US newspapers and from distant US newspapers were coded according to their usage of war or peace journalism frames. Analyses revealed that local newspapers utilized more peace journalism frames overall, and presented a less pessimistic and negative view of the conflict and parties. Distant newspapers, however, were more likely to showcase complexity of the conflict and many parties and …

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Reflections On Visual Field Research, Kenneth Tunnell Jan 2012

Reflections On Visual Field Research, Kenneth Tunnell

Justice Studies Faculty and Staff Research

This article describes ongoing visual field research by focusing on its self-reflective and auto-ethnographic components. Photographs and field notes are presented and personal encounters from the field are described. Recognizing the symbiotic order of the personal and political, the author details confrontations and emotions from ongoing efforts at recording visually.

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Essential Ethics Education In Social Work Field Instruction: A Blueprint For Field Educators, Frederic G. Reamer Jan 2012

Essential Ethics Education In Social Work Field Instruction: A Blueprint For Field Educators, Frederic G. Reamer

Faculty Publications

Ethics content in field instruction is a vital component of social work education. Ethical standards and knowledge have expanded significantly in recent years. The author provides a comprehensive overview of core ethics content that should be incorporated into students’ internships, and also highlights key themes that should be addressed. Essential ethics content addresses core social work values, students’ personal and professional values, ethical dilemmas in field placements and social work practice, ethical decision-making frameworks and strategies to manage ethics risks.

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The Management Of Feral Pig Socio-Ecological Systems In Far North Queensland, Australia, Gabriela Shuster Jan 2012

The Management Of Feral Pig Socio-Ecological Systems In Far North Queensland, Australia, Gabriela Shuster

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The development of management programs for socio-ecological systems that include multiple stakeholders is a complex process and requires careful evaluation and planning. This is particularly a challenge in the presence of intractable conflict. The feral pig (Sus scrofa) in Australia is part of one such socio-ecological system. There is a large and heterogeneous group of stakeholders interested in pig management. Pigs have diverse effects on wildlife and plant ecology, economic, health, and social sectors. This study used the feral pig management system as a vehicle to examine intractable conflict in socio-ecological systems. The purpose of the study was …

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