Regional Sociology Commons^™

Stewards Of The Forest: An Analysis Of Ginseng Harvesters And The Communal Boundaries That Define Their Identity In An Area Of Environmental Degradation, Eric Arthur Edwards

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Research introduced here demonstrates the use of protagonist framing as a means of identifying the boundaries that define a community’s identity in relation to an antagonist. Specifically, this research examines the two-sided nature of boundaries and the impact such boundaries have on the identity of a community. Through the telling narrative of two distinctively contrasting members of the ginseng steward community, this research explores how boundaries and protagonist framing can be used to identify the schemata of interpretation that enables the ginseng steward community to locate, perceive, and label themselves in relation to American society and a capitalist mentality. The …

This One's For The Children : Collaborative Leadership In A Rural Appalachian Community, Jennifer J. Scharf

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current research is an ethnographic case study of one collaborative community group that worked toward solving complex problems related to early care and education in their community. The methods used consisted of conducting in-depth interviews and observations, recording and transcribing group meetings, and collecting documents that furthered understanding of the group. The research questions addressed were related to the nature of the relationships among the members, leadership enactment in the group, and how they created positive outcomes and overcame obstacles they faced. Several themes emerged related to each question, confirming and extending current understanding of collaboration and collaborative leadership. …

The Developmental History Of A Social Action Program, Action For Appalachian Youth, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Michael E. Kearney

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Today there are great and ever increasing opportunities for progressive communities to work out solutions to their common social problems and to build a better life for all their citizens. Financial aid is not lacking. It is available from a large array of private and governmental agencies and often these funds go begging for want of community interest and innovative ideas. It is felt therefore that the presentation of one community's experience might be helpful to others by providing an example of what can be done.

The beginning of the process is an idea. By following this idea from its …