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Rationality In Social Work: A Critical Examination, Shimon S. Gottschalk, Stanley L. Witkin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper critically examines the definitions and criteria for rationality in social work in light of western philosophic tradition. Rationality in social work is seen as instrumental (means-oriented) and individualistic rather than substantive (ends-oriented) and social. A set of criteria which expand the basis for making rationality claims in social work is suggested. These additional criteria aim to serve the valued social justice ends of social work practice.

Introduction: Social Work And Philosophy, Roberta Wells Imre

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A journal issue unequivocally about philosophical concerns in social work is evidence of the recent progress we have made in the profession in recognizing the importance of philosophical commitments in social work activities. Awareness of the presence of these commitments and dissatisfaction with conventional social work resources for addressing them led to the organization of the Study Group for Philosophical Issues in 1985. The papers presented here have been contributed by members of this group, which is open to anyone interested in joining the conversation.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 18, No. 4 (December 1991)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

SPECIAL ISSUE ON PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK

• SOCIAL WORK AND PHILOSOPHY - Roberta Wells Imre
• THE PLACE OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK - Ann Weick
• MY PARADIGM CAN BEAT YOUR PARADIGM: SOME REFLECTIONS ON KNOWLEDGE CONFLICTS - Glenn Haworth
• TECHNOLOGICAL FIX: ALTERING THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION - Dennis Saleebey
• INTERPRETIVE METHODS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE AND RESEARCH - Edmund Sherman
• MEANING AND MOTIVATIONAL COMPLEXITIES OF PRACTICE INTERVENTIONS - Jerome Sachs
• QUALITATIVE RESEARCH AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE: PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY - Howard Goldstein
• RATIONALITY IN SOCIAL WORK: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION - Shimon S. Gottschalk and Stanley L. …

My Paradigm Can Beat Your Paradigm: Some Reflections On Knowledge Conflicts, Glenn O. Haworth

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Disagreements about knowledge generation and application in social work are examined from a paradigmatic level to try to account for the moral indignation often accompanying the disagreements. The positivist paradigm with its pervasive influence on social science inquiry has been challenged in recent times by a more relativistic, interactive, consciousness based paradigm. The problem of "standardizing Intersubjectivity", and the process of "Inversion of Mastery", are used to examine the paradigm differences. The positivist's accusation that the newer paradigm advocate is "irresponsible", and the rejoinder that positivism contributes to a "damaging hoax" on humankind are the crux of the moral heat …

Meaning And Motivational Complexities Of Practice Interventions, Jerome Sachs

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social phenomenological theory and methods are used to uncover, examine and understand the complexity of meanings and motives which precipitate social work practice. The meanings and motives were coded into five categories; worker, client, agency, other institutions, and noninstitutional meanings and motives. In addition, three theoretical concepts, operational themes, therapeutic worth of the client and operational dilemmas were developed and explored.

Qualitative Research And Social Work Practice: Partners In Discovery, Howard Goldstein

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The methods, outcomes and distinct characteristics of qualitative research are presented to establish the relevance of this mode of inquiry for research in social work practice. The phenomenological foundations are outlined and the various methods including ethnograpy, participant-observation and life history are illustrated by the use of an array of qualitative research projects. The same studies also disclose the forms of knowledge generated by qualitative research relative to the importance of values, ethics, culture, spirituality and aesthetics.

East/West Philosophical Synthesis In Transpersonal Theory, Edward R. Canda

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Transpersonal theory is a perspective on human behavior and development that synthesizes philosophical and scientific insights from Eastern and Western traditions of thought. This article presents challenges from transpersonal theory to ethnocentric limitations of conventional developmental theories in social work. Three fundamental philosophical assumptions of conventional theories are critiqued: that linear, rational thinking is the standard for optimal cognitive development; that autonomy is the standard for psychosocial maturity; and that ordinary waking dualistic consciousness is the standard for normal mental operation. Limitations of transpersonal theory are also examined. Based on the challenges and insights of transpersonal theory, suggestions for innovation …

Western News, November 14, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Senate charges committee to complete general ed program, Haenicke says University will cover MPSERS cost, Final two candidates for student affairs VP scheduled for public forums Nov. 18 and 20, Fund-raisers celebrate victory at 105.4 percent of goal, 'Marathon Man' Schmaltz achieves life dream by finishing New York City race in five hours

The Effects Of Perceived Consequences On Ethical Decisions, Eldean Gwen Cornish

Honors Theses

Increasing public awareness of ethics in business, or a lack thereof, has inspired an abundance of study, research and a variety of theories regarding ethics and has encouraged many firms and associations to establish corporate and professional codes of ethics. This thesis begins with a literature review surrounding the definition of ethics and ethical decision-making behavior. The Theory of Reasoned Action model designed by Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) proposed a linkage of external variables and an individual's behavioral intention (Randall, 1989), the theory being that change is ultimately a result of changes in beliefs. Tests to predict behavior suffer from …

Western News, November 7, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: $1.3 million grant from EPA to fund recycling research, Assistance with algorithms is just a telephone call away for KPS students, Continuing education program for incarcerated earns regional excellence award from NUCEA, Experts on European history and culture here for series of lectures on the future of that area

Western News, October 31, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: University's strength will hold it in good stead for the future, Haenicke says, Candidates for dean of College of Education due for interviews and public presentations, James lecture on college choice, Alumni Career Allies Program helps students break into job market by providing experience

Western News, October 24, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Engler's vetoes could cost the University $2 million, Campus III Weekend College targets adult learners, Haenicke to give address at Academic Convocation, Expert on child development and blindness to speak as part of visiting scholars program, Tuition stabilization tops the list for PRRs, power plant leads capital outlay requests, Jazz dance master to perform and lecture during residency here Oct. 30-Nov. 1

Western News, October 17, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Haenicke to recommend Light as distinguished visiting professor, Three to receive awards for superior classroom skills, Loaned executive lends a hand to local United Way, Homecoming celebration to focus on 'united cultures', Washington Post columnist to give keynote talk during Peace and Justice Education Week, Visually impaired athletic teams to compete in goal ball tournament here Saturday, Oct. 19

Western News, October 3, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU earns continued accreditation from North Central Association, Distinguished Alumni Awards go to three notable grads, English teachers to gather for conference to explore the 'neglected language arts', Future of European Community to be focus of lecture by faculty member from Germany

The Medieval Feminist Art History Project, Pamela Sheingorn

Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality

No abstract provided.

Western News, August 22, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Behm to head computing, communication services, Contract awarded to demolish Walwood interior, McElroy named to position in institutional advancement, Vander Lende joins Fetzer staff

A Hydrogeochemical Characterization Of A Glacial-Drift Aquifer System In Southwest Michigan, Patrick G. Barrese

Masters Theses

A hydrogeochemical investigation of the Schoolcraft Aquifer, an unconfined, glacial-drift aquifer located in southwest Michigan, was undertaken to focus on three topics: (1) the geochemical definition of recharge and discharge zones both vertically and laterally along projected flow paths, (2) the description of the carbonate and redox chemical systems, and (3) groundwater degradation associated with excessive nitrate, ammonium, and chloride concentrations.

The results of the study were inconclusive in defining recharge and discharge zones; however, iron and alkalinity concentrations were identified as possible indices for recharge and discharge conditions. The carbonate analysis indicated that the aquifer is saturated with respect …

Patterns Of Illicit Drug Use Among American High School Youth: An Examination For The Years 1976 And 1986, Dennis Rosado Malaret

Masters Theses

Previous studies have noted the importance of structural and demographic variables for the study of drug use among high school students. The present study focuses on the pattern and extent of legal and illegal drug use by high school seniors, by variables such as gender, race, religion, and academic achievement, among others.

The data used for this study were taken from Monitoring the Future (Bachman, O'Malley, & Johnston, 1980, 1987) for 1976 and 1986. Each data collection phase included a sample of over 15,000 students from approximately 125 to 135 public and private high schools, selected to provide an accurate …

State-Corporate Crime In The U.S. Nuclear Weapons Production Complex: A Case Study, David Kauzlarich

Masters Theses

The objectives of this research are (1) to identify the characteristics of the environmental law violations committed during the production of nuclear weapons, (2) to identify the historical forces and events which have contributed to those violations, and (3) to use data on the illegal acts of the nuclear weapons production complex to help adjudicate between a number of competing explanations of the causes of organizational crime.

This research, a qualitative, socio-historical case study, found that a historical and structural level of analysis is best equipped to explain the causes of the weapons production complex's criminality. The conclusion of this …

Reagan-Bush Drug Crusades: An Historical Perspective And Critique, Martin Randall Hill

Masters Theses

This study is a sociological analysis of anti-drug legislation during the last one hundred years within the United States. Anti-drug legislation is explored with regard to specific substances, as well as in general, and compared to anti-drug legislation of today. The conflict perspective was employed as an aid in understanding the occurrence of such phenomena as anti-drug legislation and drug wars. It becomes apparent that social problems or deviance, related to drug use, are more than simply a matter of someone transgressing. The laws are created in an effort to perpetuate the existence of groups with access to power and …

Denominational Rituals As Influencers Of Grief Adjustment, Suzanne Jean Martz Webb

Dissertations

This study identified rituals and traditions that are used by some mainline Christian denominations for grieving parishioners. Determining if there are differences between denominations in either the adjustment widows make during grief or the funeral rituals in which they participated at the death of their husbands was the initial research question. The second research question was whether the degree of ritual used by members of denominations impacts adjustment during grief.

Three denominations of Christianity--the Roman Catholic church, the United Methodist church, and the Reformed Church in America--were chosen to study this issue. The three have some of the same informal …

The Debate On Lesbian Sadomasochism: A Discourse Analysis, Gudbjorg Ottosdottir

Masters Theses

This study examines an issue debated within the U.S. lesbian community since the mid-1970s, lesbian sadomasochism. The issue has been whether sadomasochism is consistent with lesbian feminism, a political ideology which has much shaped lesbian identity and community. The claims and counter-claims made about lesbian sadomasochism are analyzed, as are the underlying ideologies and their relationship to general lesbian political and cultural history. It is argued that the debate is the result of a limited subject position offered by lesbian feminism. The perspective of lesbian sadomasochists is seen as a call for a renewed lesbian feminist discourse. It is proposed …

Drug Problem And Social Change In Saudi Arabia: A Study Of The Attitude Of Saudi Students Studying In The U.S.A. Towards Drug Use In Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Yousef

Masters Theses

The main focus of this study is the relationship between level of income, level of education, length of stay in U.S.A., frequency of contact with foreigners, and level of religiosity on student attitudes towards smoking cigarettes and hashish, and drinking alcohol.

A sample of 110 students was randomly drawn from three areas: Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, and Lansing, Michigan. Data were collected through administering a questionnaire.

Analysis of the data revealed the following: income, level of education, length of stay in the U.S., frequency of contact with foreigners, and level of religiosity were associated with student attitudes towards drug use.

An Analysis Of Self-Report Delinquency: A Test Using An International Instrument, Linda Robyn

Masters Theses

This is part of an international pilot study on juvenile delinquency in the U. S. and six European countries. Research questions were designed based on using Hirschi’s (1969) theory of Social Control as a guide. Among the questions to be studied are the relationships between delinquency and single- and two-parent homes, participation in organized sports, and acts committed alone or with others. Interviews were conducted with 100 youths from 14- to 18-years of age. The population consisted of past and present students from junior high and high school in a mid-western city. The data were stratified into census tracts and …

Western News, July 11, 1991, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Grant to support study of entrepreneurs, Haenicke issues letter discussing budget situation, Academic personnel action approved by board, Grants already surpass last year's total, Trustees table tuition hike; OK other measures, Dominguez directs program for migrant students

Building For The Future: The Faculty Recognition Dinner 1991, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

Building for the Future: The Faculty Recognition Dinner

June 7, 1991

Honored Guests:

• Leila Bradfield
• Robert Brashear
• Alan Brown
• Sondra Brunhumer
• Mary Cain
• William Carlson
• Albert Castel
• A. Bruce Clarke
• John Cummings
• Jacqueline Driscoll
• Reginald Gammon
• Russell Grandstaff
• Arthur Howson
• Chris Koronakos
• John Lindbeck
• Nathaniel McCaslin
• Fredric J. Mortimore
• Necia Musser
• Richard Neschich
• Robert Neubig
• Charles E. Osborne
• Richard F. Raklovits
• Barbara Rensenhouse
• William H. Rowekamp
• William P. Schreiber
• Donald Sellin
• Norman Slack
• Shirley Sparks
• Richard Suddendorf
• Mary Taylor
• Robert F. Wyman
• Joyce R. Zastrow

The Development Of Mental Health Services In Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case Of Rwanda, Froduald Gatarayiha, Franz Baro, Morton O. Wagenfeld, Rene Stockman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper considers several aspects of the evolution, organization and current status of the mental health system of Rwanda. The centerpiece of the Rwandan mental health system is the neuropsychiatric hospital in Ndera. Resource constraints preclude development of an extensive system of specialty mental health care. The World Health Organization has proposed that mental health services can best be delivered in developing countries through decentralization and integration with primary health care services. The accomplishments and problems encountered in implementing this model in Rwanda are described and, based on this experience, some recommendations are offered for other developing countries.

Mental Health Services In Hong Kong: History, Modern Development, And Issues, Wai-Kwong Mak

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper provides a comprehensive account of the history, current mental health services, and related-issues in Hong Kong. Psychiatric services provided by the Government such as inpatient, outpatient, and daypatient treatments are highlighted. Community mental health services rendered by the voluntary sector such as the counseling and casework, care in half-way houses, and psychiatric nursing are also discussed. Recent statistical information provides a detailed picture of psychiatric institutions and characteristics of patients. Mental health issues typical of developed countries are discussed.

The Global Economy And The American Welfare State, Howard Jacob Karger

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The American social welfare state is approaching a crisis because of the global economy. Survival in a new world economy requires corporations to become more efficient, a strategy which leads to a rapidly changing technology, plant shutdowns, and industrial reorganization. To aid corporations, government often curbs taxes to make capital available for investment. These policies can lead to governmental debt, reduced welfare services, a deterioration in the infrastructure, and myriad social problems. This article investigates the effects of the global economy on the American welfare state.

Racial Differences In The Use Of Drugs And Alcohol Among Low Income Youth And Young Adults, John E. Poulin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examines the use of drugs and alcohol among 284 youth and young adults of a low income urban community. Racial differences in the use of drugs and alcohol are examined for four age groups between 12 and 25.

Overall, the findings show significant racial differences in the use of both drugs and alcohol. Black youth and young adults have lower drug use and alcohol use rates than their white peers. The differences hold for the four age groups examined. Implications of the findings for drug prevention programs are discussed.