Digital Commons Network^™

A Cross-National, Longitudinal Test Of Institutional Anomie Theory, Marc Alan Kittleson

Masters Theses

Institutional anomie theory, developed by Messner and Rosenfeld (1994), explains variations in crime rates across geographic areas and time as resulting from the interrelationship between social institutions and culture. Their theory predicts that when the institution of the economy dominates all other social institutions, and when norms and values focus heavily on monetary success, crime rates will be higher than when there is less dominance of the economy. Institutional anomie theory has been tested using a number of different methods and data from county-level to international-level aggregates. This study addresses the research question of whether variations in crime victimization can …

Income Inequality And Social Stratification: The Effect Of Market Versus State In Transitional Urban China, Qiong Wu

Masters Theses

The rise of inequality in China is one of the most serious social problems in the reform era in China. Previous studies have debated the relative importance of human capital, political capital, and other factors in determining personal income. By using a new dataset from 2006 China General Social Survey (CGSS2006), I replicate earlier tests to measure whether the market or state has more impact on incomes as a way to the competing hypotheses related to human versus political capital.

The results of the ordinary least squares regression analysis show no significance in party membership, state ownership, and work experience, …

Sweetness And Strength: Codes Of Femininity And Body Image In Branded Social-Networking Messages And Consumer Responses, Anne M. Holcomb

Masters Theses

This study critically analyzes visual and text updates posted by two clothing brands to the social-networking site Facebook.com, including consumers' interaction with these marketing messages. A semiological textual analysis was conducted using Facebook updates by the Victoria's Secret PINK and Nike Women apparel brands, and the responses of fans who subscribed to these updates. Advertising aimed at women in print media has previously been analyzed in this way, revealing patterns of sexualization and objectification that can be harmful to women and men alike. My analysis builds on this tradition. Social-networking sites such as Facebook allow individual users unprecedented access to …

Rape Myth Acceptance And Rape Attitudes In Campus Hook-Up Culture, Karolina Staros

Masters Theses

This study examines the norms of hooking-up and compares these norms to rape culture in order to measure rape myth acceptance or supportive attitudes towards rape as they manifest in hook-up culture on campus. By consulting what is already published in scholarship about rape culture and rape myths, this study builds on the very limited literature on hook-up culture.

This study uses mixed methods to inquire about norms of hook-up culture and measures the rape myth acceptance and rape attitudes by gender of respondents in a Midwest campus environment. By addressing the issues that students face with gender inequality and …

Western News, March 29, 2012 , Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: 'People's scholar' Boyce Watkins is 2012 diversity event speaker; New program will assist businesses; On Campus with Carolyn Wiley.

Ethiopian-American Relations During The Reign Of Emperor Haile Selassie, 1930-1974, Theodore Vestal

Distinguished Lectures on Africa

Theodore M. “Ted” Vestal, (Ph.D., Stanford) is professor emeritus of political science at Oklahoma State University and author of “The Lion of Judah in the New World: Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and the Shaping of Americans’ Attitudes toward Africa” (Preager Publishing, 2011). In 1964-66 he served as a Peace Corps executive in Ethiopia and has maintained an academic interest in the country and its people ever since. His book, “Ethiopia: A Post-Cold War African State,” was published in 1999” (Preager Publishing). Vestal has served as an expert witness in over 115 political asylum cases of Ethiopians and Eritreans since …

Western News, March 15, 2012 , Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Johnston, Carlson to lead governing board; WMU has best campus EV infrastructure in nation; Service anniversaries for March; On Campus with David Evans.

Health Outcomes Of Inter-Community Violence In Three Northern Kenyan Pastoralist Communities, Bilinda Straight

Distinguished Lectures on Africa

Bilinda Straight (Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1997) is associate professor of Anthropology at Western Michigan University. She works with Samburu pastoralists in northern Kenya on consciousness, cosmology, material culture, gender, health, and violence. She has published scholarly articles in a variety of journals and edited volumes. She is the editor of “Women on the Verge of Home” (SUNY, 2005), and author of “Miracles and Extraordinary Experience in Northern Kenya” (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007). She has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including Fulbright and National Science Foundation.

Knowledge, Wisdom, And Service: The Meaning And Teaching Of Professionalism In Medicine, Matthew K. Wynia

Center for the Study of Ethics in Society Papers

Papers presented for the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society Western Michigan University. Presented September 29, 2011.

Moving Beyond Dichotomies: How The Intersection Of Race, Class And Place Impacts High School Graduation Rates For African American Students, Heather L. Storer, Joseph A. Mienko, Yu-Ling Chang, Ji Young Kang, Christina Miyawaki, Katie Schultz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Over thirty years ago, William Julius Wilson declared that class trumped race as the more significant determinant of social mobility and economic opportunity. Despite the acclaim and scrutiny for Wilson's work, the United States has grown increasingly divided by intersecting factors of race, class and other demographic factors such as place (Massey, 2007). These divisions are especially evident in the public education system. We analyze how race, class and place interact to predict high school graduation rates in a national sample of schools and students. Results confirm that a singular focus on race, class, or locale is insufficient to explain …

Young, Jobless, And Black: Young Black Women And Economic Downturns, Raine Dozier

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This research challenges William Julius Wilson's (1980) postulation that social class has superseded race in predicting economic outcomes among African Americans. Among the evidence Wilson used to support his claim was the strong position of black degree holders, particularly women. Shortly after the publication of The Declining Significance of Race, however, the United States experienced a severe recession and slow recovery, contributing to a marked growth in the black-white wage gap among women. Young black women were particularly hard hit. Over the 1980s, their cumulative work experience became increasingly correlated with educational attainment, leading to an absolute loss in experience …

Racial Attitudes In The New Millennium: Cool Feelings In Hot Times, Sarah E. Cribbs

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In The Declining Significance of Race, William Julius Wilson (1980) stated social class was more influential than race in determining social outcomes for Blacks. This thesis remains a controversial centerpiece among race scholars. This paper examines one part of the overall puzzle of American race relations: white racial attitudes since September 11, 2001. Using Wilson's declining significance of race thesis, I question if white racial attitudes toward Blacks declined significantly from 2002 to 2004. If social class exerts greater influence on social indicators than race in the coming years, will racial prejudice, particularly toward Blacks, also decline in significance? What …

The Significance Of Race For Neighborhood Social Cohesion: Perceived Difficulty Of Collective Action In Majority Black Neighborhoods, Tara Hobson-Prater, Tamara G.J. Leech

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article explores William Julius Wilson's contentions about community cultural traits by examining racial differences in middle class neighborhoods' levels of social cohesion. Specifically, we explore the perceived difficulty of these actions--as opposed to general pessimism about their outcomes--as a potential explanation for low levels of instrumental collective action in Black middle class neighborhoods. Our results indicate that, regardless of other neighborhood factors, majority Black neighborhoods have low levels of social cohesion. We also find that this racial disparity is statistically explained by shared perceptions about the amount of effort required to engage in group action in different neighborhoods. These …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 39, No. 1 (March 2012)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Special Issue on The Declining Significance of Race-Revisited

• EDITORS' INTRODUCTION: REVISITING WILLIAM J. WILSON'S THE DECLINING SIGNIFICANCE OF RACE - Richard K. Caputo and Luisa S. Deprez
• MOVING BEYOND DICHOTOMIES: HOW THE INTERSECTION OF RACE, CLASS AND PLACE IMPACT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS - Heather L. Storer , Joseph A. Mienko, Yu-Ling Chang, Ji Young Kang, Christina Miyawaki, and Katie Schultz
• YOUNG, JOBLESS, AND BLACK: YOUNG BLACK WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS - Raine Dozier
• RACIAL ATTITUDES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: COOL FEELINGS IN HOT TIMES - Sarah E. Cribbs
• THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RACE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL …

"Waiting For The White Man To Fix Things:" Rebuilding Black Poverty In New Orleans, Robert L. Hawkins, Katherine Maurer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper revisits William Julius Wilson's thesis that class has surpassed race in significance of impact on African Americans. Our study uses qualitative data from a three-year ethnographic study of 40 largely low-income families in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. We also include a review of the recent U.S. Census study assessing New Orleans's current economic state. Participants in our study viewed race and class as major factors in four areas: (1) immediately following the devastation; (2) during relocation to other communities; (3) during the rebuilding process; and (4) historically and structurally throughout New Orleans. Our analysis concludes that racism …

Towards A Practice-Based Model For Community Practice: Linking Theory And Practice, Amnon Boehm, Ram A. Cnaan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Careful examination of the literature of community practice shows that existing community practice models do not adequately respond to the unique and changing needs of various communities. This article provides an alternative model that challenges the existing models. Based on extensive content analysis of the literature and practice knowledge, this alternative model offers sufficient flexibility to adapt to any particular community. The model is also participatory, process-oriented, and reflective. Herein we first review existing models, provide criteria for assessing their applicability, then introduce the new model, and subsequently discuss its applicability and merit.

The Criminalization Of Immigration: Value Conflicts For The Social Work Profession, Rich Furman, Alissa R. Ackerman, Melody Loya, Susanna Jones, Nalini Negi

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article examines the impact of the criminalization of immigration on non-documented immigrants and the profession of social work. To meet its aims, the article explores the new realities for undocumented immigrants within the context of globalization. It then assesses the criminal justice and homeland security responses to undocumented immigrants, also referred to as the criminalization of immigration. It subsequently explores the ethical dilemmas and value discrepancies for social workers that are implicated in some of these responses. Finally, it presents implications for social workers and the social work profession.

Review Of Family, Kinship And State In Contemporary Europe (3 Vols.) The Century Of Welfare: Eight Countries (Vol. 1). Hannes Grandits, Editor. The View From Below: Nineteen Localities (Vol. 2). Patrick Heady And Peter Schweitzer, Editors. Perspectives On Theory And Policy (Vol. 3). Patrick Heady And Martin Kohli, Editors. Reviewed By Natalia Sarkisian., Natalia Sarkisian

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book reviews of

Patrick Heady, Principal Editor, Family, Kinship and State in Contemporary Europe. (2010), in 3 Volumes. University of Chicago Press for Campus Verlag. $57.00 each volume (paperback). Vol. 1: Hannes Grandits (Ed.), Eight Countries. Vol. 2: Patrick Heady & Peter Schweitzer (Eds.), The View from Below: Nineteen Localities. Vol. 3: Patrick Heady & Martin Kohli (Eds.), Perspectives on Theory and Policy.

Review Of Colonialism And Welfare: Social Policy And The British Imperial Legacy. James Midgley And David Piachaud (Eds.). Reviewed By Melinda Williams Moore., Melinda Williams Moore

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of James Midgley & David Piachaud (Eds.), Colonialism and Welfare: Social Policy and the British Imperial Legacy. (2011). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited. $110.00 (hardcover.)

Review Of Homelessness, Housing, And Mental Illness: Broadening Our Understanding Of Wellness. Russell K. Schutt With Stephen M. Goldfinger. Reviewed By Geoffrey Nelson., Geoffrey Nelson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Russell K. Schutt with Stephen M. Goldfinger, Homelessness, Housing, and Mental Illness: Broadening our Understanding of Wellness. (2011). Harvard University Press. $49.95 (hardcover).

Review Of New Deal, New Landscape: The Civilian Conservation Corps & South Carolina's State Parks. Tara Mitchel Mielnik. Reviewed By Marguerite G. Rosenthal., Marguerite G. Rosenthal

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Tara Mitchel Mielnik, New Deal, New Landscape: The Civilian Conservation Corps & South Carolina's State Parks. (2011). The University of South Carolina Press. $34.95 (paperback).

Review Of Citizenship Social Work With Older People. Malcolm Payne. Reviewed By Edward J. Gurnz., Edward J. Gumz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Malcolm Payne, Citizenship Social Work with Older People. (2011). Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books. $36.95 (paperback).

Review Of What Every Environmentalist Needs To Know About Capitalism: A Citizen's Guide To Capitalism And The Environment. Fred Magdoff And John Bellamy Foster. Reviewed By Paul Saba., Paul Saba

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Fred Magdoff and John Bellamy Foster, What Every Environmentalist Needs to Know About Capitalism: A Citizen's Guide to Capitalism and the Environment. (2011). Monthly Review Press. $13.95 (paperback).

Union Initiated Obstacles That Limit Discretionary Power Of Mid-Level Managers Of The Social Security Administration, Daniel Daugherty

The Hilltop Review

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine union initiated obstacles that Social Security Administration (SSA) mid-level managers face in using discretionary power. Managers should be aware of the bounds in which they operate in order to adequately negotiate decisions, which ultimately seek to serve public needs and promote workplace democracy. In examining the limitations of discretionary power I emphasize the importance of contractual restrictions by focusing on the elements of collective bargaining and grievance resolution. The intent of contractual obligations is to promote participative leadership and equality. However when management is stripped of certain discretionary powers strong …

Academic Achievement Of Children In Single Parent Homes: A Critical Review, Mark S. Barajas

The Hilltop Review

In the United States, almost half of all children by age 15 will have lived in a single-parent family. Many authors have documented differences between children raised in father-absent and father-present homes. A few researchers have focused on resiliency and the strengths of single parent homes. Despite calls for a greater emphasis on discovering strengths, the majority of research concerning single parenthood has focused on the disadvantages faced by children raised in the absence of their father. This paper summarizes current research, discuss problems with that body of work, and suggests areas for further study.

A Rose By Any Other Name: State Criminality And The Limits Of Social Learning Theory, Elizabeth A. Bradshaw

The Hilltop Review

Over the past thirty years, social learning theory has emerged as one of the top criminological theories of the time. Capitalizing on Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory, social learning theory provided the means for a quantitative assessment of Sutherland’s propositions. Advanced largely by Ronald Akers, the vast majority of research conducted on social learning theory has been limited to self-report studies of adolescents and college students, largely due to convenience. The limitations of the methods developed to empirically test social learning theory combined with the difficulty of gaining access to people in positions of power, has been the primary impediment …

Notes From The Editor, Joshua Berkenpas

The Hilltop Review

No abstract provided.

The Hilltop Review, Vol 5, No 1, Fall 2011

The Hilltop Review

The complete issue of The Hilltop Review vol 5, no 1, Fall 2011 includes the cover, editorial board, table of contents, notes from the editor, all the articles, artwork, and calls for papers, art and other submissions for the next issue.

The Pillar Spring 2012, College Of Education And Human Development

College of Education and Human Development News

No abstract provided.

Prism #60, February 2012, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.