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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2006

Western Kentucky University

Sociology

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Effects Of Wildland Fire On A Community: A Study Of Bell County, Kentucky, Mary Moneta Dec 2006

The Effects Of Wildland Fire On A Community: A Study Of Bell County, Kentucky, Mary Moneta

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

As the number of people living in forested areas continues to grow, so does the likelihood that an individual will suffer from a wildland fire. There has been little research produced strictly looking at the human dimensions of wildland fire, especially in southern rural communities (Machlis, Kaplan, Tuler, Bagby, and McKendry 2002). Using two of Kumagai, Carrol, and Cohan's (2004) propositions on the social impact of disaster and the theoretical framework of Emile Durkheim's (1933) view of community and collective consciousness, the primary purpose of this research was to aid in understanding the effects of wildland fire on the social …


The Influence Of Children's Gender And Behavior On Parental Perceptions, Virginia Lowery Dec 2006

The Influence Of Children's Gender And Behavior On Parental Perceptions, Virginia Lowery

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Parents' perceptions of children's behavior may vary depending on the gender of the child and the type of behavior displayed. It is important to delineate which factor(s) influence parental perceptions because parental perceptions directly influence whether or not parents respond to their children's behavior and how parents choose to manage the behavior. The present study examined how the gender of the child and the types of behaviors (internalizing vs. externalizing) the child displays affect parental perceptions regarding the severity of the behavior. One hundred and three parents of children ages 1 V2 to 5 years in the Southeast region of …


Women In The Lifestyle: A Qualitative Look At The Perceptions, Attitudes, And Experiences Of Women Who Swing, Mindy Popplewell Dec 2006

Women In The Lifestyle: A Qualitative Look At The Perceptions, Attitudes, And Experiences Of Women Who Swing, Mindy Popplewell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The study consisted of a qualitative analysis of female swingers' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to their participation in the Lifestyle. Using feminist standpoint theory and pro-sex feminist theory as the theoretical framework, in-depth interviews were conducted via the Internet using instant messaging with sixteen female swingers. The women were asked questions regarding their attitudes and perceptions about swinging as well as their experiences in the Lifestyle. Findings were compared with previous studies from the 1970s as well as with common feminist thoughts and potential misconceptions about the Lifestyle. The results showed that although demographically the female swingers were similar …


The Internet Has Changed Many Things, But Not Everything: The Effects Of Internet Use On Gendered And Political Views, Jessica Ritchie May 2006

The Internet Has Changed Many Things, But Not Everything: The Effects Of Internet Use On Gendered And Political Views, Jessica Ritchie

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Individuals who use the Internet can obtain uncensored information about nearly any subject with ease. The unlimited access and the perceived freedom make the Internet an extremely popular media form. The purpose of this research is to examine the differences in how the types of sites individuals visit affect their gendered views. I specifically examined (1) individuals who go to gender-issue sites are less likely to support traditional, female gender-roles and (2) individuals who go to political sites are more likely to support traditional female, gender-roles. This study, using special questions pertaining to gender-roles within the household and visiting gender …


When And Where I Enter: Social Determinants Of Mental Health Services Use Among African American Women, Shonreh Doss May 2006

When And Where I Enter: Social Determinants Of Mental Health Services Use Among African American Women, Shonreh Doss

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

African Americans utilize mental health services significantly less frequently than do White-Americans. This study examined the social factors that work to influence the decision to seek services outside of the social circle. Using the National Survey of Black Americans, 4th wave, factors were examined using logistic regression analysis to test the likelihood of accessing the sick role. In addition to the sick role, regression analysis was used to determine the sick role's effect on the decision to seek outside care. Controlling for education, perceived racism, religiosity and employment problems, the findings suggest that life control and socioeconomic status factors influence …


Religiosity, Volunteering, And Donating: An Examiniation Of The Association Between Religiosity, Volunteering, And Donating In America, Stacey Carnes-Darst May 2006

Religiosity, Volunteering, And Donating: An Examiniation Of The Association Between Religiosity, Volunteering, And Donating In America, Stacey Carnes-Darst

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

As a society we often attribute our actions to our religious beliefs, or level of religiosity, and assume that those who are more religious often do more to help others in need. However, from a conflict theorist's perspective, these beliefs regarding religiosity could be viewed as a way to maintain control and promote solidarity among the masses, as exemplified by the comment of George H.W. Bush. This study, using the special topic module on volunteering and donating from the 1996 General Social Survey, examines this question to determine whether religion and volunteering and donating are related and whether the relationship …