Digital Commons Network^™

Appearance-Based Predictors Of Suicidal Behavior, Cynthia Anne Stockton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The objectives of this study are to determine the effects of weight, weight perception, and physical attractiveness on suicide ideation among adolescents and adults. Further, this research aims to determine whether this effect differs by gender and race.This study employs the public-use version of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Waves I through IV (N=6,504). Odds ratios are estimated to determine whether actual or perceived weight is a better predictor of suicide ideation, and whether measures of interviewer-rated attractiveness or self-rated attractiveness predict suicide ideation. Analyses reveal that perception of self is the most important predictor of suicide ideation. …

Barriers For Foreign-Born Students In Elite Post-Secondary Education In The United States, Charmian Lam

Theses and Dissertations

Foreign-born students complete college at a lower rate when compared to native-born students. It is essential to examine both the known and latent barriers that prevent foreign-born students from successfully completing the first four years of college. The purpose of this study is to assess the applicability of Bourdieuian notions of capital in explaining the discrepancy in educational attainment between foreign-born and native born students. The data is from the 1999 National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen (n=3176), a survey designed to test various theoretical explanations for minority underachievement in higher education. Stepwise regressions were used to determine the individual impact …

Developing Degrees: An Exploratory Analysis Of Laureate International Universities' 21st Century Entry Into Mexico And Ecuador, Beau Thomas Hunsaker

Sociology ETDs

Laureate International Universities (LIU) embodies an emerging international phenomenon in which a multinational corporation (MNC) functions as a holding company that acquires and operates brick-and-mortar higher education institutions in a for-profit model; each individual portfolio institution granting degrees under its own name with any potential profits from each institutions operations flowing to the holding company after local expenses are paid. Organizational institutions theory outlines the desire to legitimize and achieve success prompts organizations to seek legitimating scripts beyond mere market dynamics; those factors and operating conditions that allow organizations to carry out their activities without undue scrutiny by members of …

Religion And Spiritual Experience: Revisiting Key Assumptions In Sociology, Steven F. Cohn, Kyriacos C. Markides

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

In this paper, we examine the dominant materialist assumption that there is an inherent conflict between sociology, religion, and spirituality. We will suggest that such a conflict is not fundamental and that accepting the possibility that religious experiences might reflect contact with a transcendent reality can enrich the theoretical possibilities of sociology, supplementing rather than replacing existing insights.

Transpersonal Sociology: Origins, Development, And Theory, Ryan Rominger, Harris L. Friedman

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Transpersonal theory formally developed within psychology through the initial definition of the field in the publishing of the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology. However, transpersonal sociology also developed with the Transpersonal Sociology Newsletter, which operated through the middle 1990s. Both disciplines have long histories, while one continues to flourish and the other, comparatively, is languishing. In order to encourage renewed interest in this important area of transpersonal studies, we discuss the history, and further define the field of transpersonal sociology, discuss practical applications of transpersonal sociology, and introduce research approaches that might be of benefit for transpersonal sociological researchers and practitioners.

A Sociology Of Constituent Power: The Political Code Of Transnational Societal Constitutions, Christopher Thornhill

Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies

This article proceeds from a critical sociological revision of classical constitutional theory. In particular, it argues for a sociological reconstruction of the central concepts of constitutional theory: constituent power and rights. These concepts, it is proposed, first evolved as an internal reflexive dimension of the modern political system, which acted originally to stabilize the political system as a relatively autonomous aggregate of actors, adapted to the differentiated interfaces of a modern society.

This revision of classical constitutional theory provides a basis for a distinctive account of transnational constitutional pluralism or societal constitutionalism. The article argues that the construction of transnational …

Review Of The Warcraft Civilization, By William Sims Bainbridge, Anthony T. Sansone

Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture

[First paragraph]

The evolving complexity of video games in narrative, gameplay and technology has steadily pulled researchers from game studies and other disciplines into examinations of games and what they say about our culture. Some examine what games say about players and what their activity says about them as part of society. Others explore what the game itself reflects about our culture; how a specific game can, could or does affect our society.

Sociology As Theodicy, Robert Meldau, Dr. Stan Knapp

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to use the works of Freidrich Nietzsche, Max Weber, and Charles Taylor to construct a critique of Sociology. Our intention was to argue that Sociology (and all of social science) is a secularized theodicy; an attempt to explain why humans experience suffering. Using the works and ideas of these theorists, we believed we could formulate an argument that questions the legitimacy or correctness of social science’s desire to understand itself as a disinterested, objective endeavor. Our goal was to co-author a paper for publication in a major Sociological journal.

Interview With Shannon Simpson - Oh 273, Shannon Simpson

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her June 12, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Shannon Simpson detailed her time as an undergraduate student at Winthrop from 1995-1999. Discussed are details of Simpson’s life as a student – residence halls, classes, meals – rules and regulations on campus, and her desire to go back to Winthrop as a graduate student in 2013. Included are Simpson’s thoughts on professors, traditions, and cultural events on campus. Simpson also shares details of her career as a police officer after attending Winthrop to a transition as an employee in Human Resources. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise …

Civic Vision: Seeing The Invisible On The Path To A Just Society, Ronald J.O. Flores

Baccalaureate Addresses

Sociology professor Ronald J. O. Flores once collaborated with the Mohawk Nation to offer undergraduate service learning seminar on Native American Children and Youth and shares his insights on this experience with the Connecticut College community gathered for Baccalaureate, an annual celebration of the spiritual diversity of the graduating class.

Of the students in the class, he found that, "by spending time and sharing experiences, by engaging in honest and open dialogue, and by working together in the spirit of reciprocity and equality, they began to see, to feel, and perhaps to understand the injustices faced by those who were …

From Affordable Care Act To "Obamacare": Political Party And The Framing Of Health Care In The 2012 Presidential Election, Anna Sours

Science and Social Sciences

In the world of politics, language can be the difference between success and failure. Through language, we are able to communicate and understand one another, and it is important to critically analyze the language used by public figures in order to gain insight into their goals and attitudes. This study examines the language used by Barack Obama and Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential election. Specifically, the study explores the ways in which Romney and Obama utilized frames, or the mental structures that shape the way they see the world. A sample of each candidate’s rhetoric and language was analyzed, …

The Brutal Reality Of Bringing Kids Up To Level: Are Critical Thinking And Creativity Lost In The World Of Standardized Testing?, Jamie M. Carroll

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Since the passage of No Child Left Behind, the output of education has been measured through student achievement on standardized tests. School ratings, student graduation, teacher jobs and school charters are all tied to these tests. This study analyzes the extent to which math and science public high school teachers in New Orleans focus on critical thinking and creativity, skills needed to be successful in the future. Through a framework of Richard Paul’s model of critical thinking and Theresa Amabile’s social psychology of creativity, this study evaluates support for critical thinking and creativity through classroom observations, analysis of instructional materials …

"…And Women Must Weep" V. "Anatomy Of A Lie": An Empirical Assessment Of Two Labor Relations Propaganda Films, Thomas G. Field Jr., Juanita V. Field

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Masaryks Of Czechoslovakia: Contributions In Sociology, Social Welfare And Politics, Rebecca L. Hegar

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article profiles contributions to sociology, social welfare and politics by members of the Masaryk family of Czechoslovakia, with primary emphasis on the career of Alice G. Masaryk (or Masarykovd), an applied sociologist and founder of Czech social work. As the daughter of Tomdi G. Masaryk, an academic philosopher and early sociologist who became the first President of Czechoslovakia in 1918, her life and work are inextricably linked with the country's history and with one of the remarkable families of their era. Research for this articlei nvolved searchingl iteraturef rom several disciplines and reviewing historical publications and documents from relevant …

“What Would Make This A Successful Year For You?” How Students Define Success In College, Nancy Jennings, Suzanne Lovett, Lee Cuba, Joe Swingle, Heather Lindkvist

Faculty Research and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Challenges Of Minority, Non-Affluent Students: Perceptions Of The Transitions To College, Justin Gilliam

Social Work Theses

This study explored whether low income minority students at a predominantly White institution felt socially, financially, and academically prepared for college. A review of the literature revealed that the supports necessary for low income minority students to ensure a positive transition to college are their family members, staff members at their high school, mentors, and college preparation programs. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through interviewing eight participants who fit this study’s definition of a low income minority. The findings from this study revealed that family members, mentors, staff members at their high school, and college preparation programs were supports …

Female Students’ Perceptions Of Sexual Victimization In The College Environment, Nicole Sadoski

Social Work Theses

Research indicates that sexual victimization is a significant problem on college campuses in the United States. Ranging from unwanted sexual contact to rape, sexual victimization of female students is not only a pervasive issue in the college environment, but it also may lead to devastating short- and long-term consequences for survivors, including physical, psychological, and emotional implications. In an effort to better understand the scope of this issue, the researcher attempted to conduct a comprehensive study about female students’ perceptions of sexual victimization at a mid-size, Northeastern, Catholic, liberal arts college. Participants’ recommendations for ways in which colleges can educate …

Obstacles In Human Service Work With Teen Mothers, Chloe Casale

Social Work Theses

Research has shown that it is extremely beneficial for teen mothers to have support during their pregnancy and during their new experience of motherhood. Teen mothers can be extremely vulnerable because of the many obstacles they may face including unhealthy relationships, lack of education attainment, mental health concerns, and isolation. One source of support can come from human service workers. In an effort to better understand the obstacles faced by teen mothers, and thus the obstacles faced by home visitors, this study focused on the stories, opinions, and experiences of those who are working with teen mothers in a home …

The Effects Of Advertising And The Media’S Portrayal Of The “Thin Ideal” On College Women’S Self-Image, Mary Sheehan

Social Work Theses

This study explores the relationship between media images’ portrayal of the “thin ideal” and college women’s self-image and self-esteem. A review of the literature validated the researcher’s hypothesis that women are negatively affected by the media’s portrayal of “ideal” body types. However, the review of literature also presented a contrasting theme that media images can positively affect women through motivation and determination to maintain healthy lifestyles. A mixed methods study using Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale and media images portraying different body types was used to examine this relationship. Findings indicated that the level of the women’s self-esteem prior to completing …

Prevalence Of Bullying At The Elementary School Level: A Descriptive Analysis, Katherine M. D’Ascenzo

Social Work Theses

A quantitative, descriptive study on the prevalence of bullying at the elementary school level was conducted in Providence, Rhode Island. A review of the literature outlined the definition of what aggressive behavior constitutes as bullying, details the aggressor and target roles and confirms the potentially harmful consequences of bullying. Factors such as the aggressor and target’s grade level, gender and race were documented to explore whether these factors held an influential role in the bullying incidents. Findings suggested that elementary aged children bully students within their same grade and of similar gender. Another finding revealed that race is not a …

Best Practices Regarding Homelessness And Mental Illness, Brittany Kowaleski

Social Work Theses

Preliminary research indicates that homelessness is a growing problem in the United States, especially in Rhode Island. It is very common for those who are homeless to also be impacted by a mental illness, which creates an additional barrier for them to overcome. This qualitative research collected stories from homeless individuals in Rhode Island regarding their perceptions of services that work best to overcome homelessness as well as related problems, including mental illness and substance abuse. This is a local and national problem, and understanding the stories from those who “live” the experience of homelessness is valuable for practice and …

A Secret Society, Hayley Reagin

ESSAI

No abstract provided.

The Internet And Mass Society: Civic Engagement In The Digital Age, Simon J. Purdy

Masters Theses

In this study, the relationship between Internet use and civic engagement is examined. Building off of the work of previous researchers, which has found no clear relationship between Internet use and civic engagement, this analysis attempts to find differences between those who are civically engaged at different levels, in terms of Internet use, types of civic engagement and feelings of being able to affect change through civic engagement. Several hypotheses about this relationship are tested using data collected from undergraduate students at a medium sized Midwestern university with an online survey method. The statistical analysis entails building a series of …

Abnormal Sexual Assault Situations And Its Influence On Rape Myth Acceptance, Amber Carlson

Honors Theses and Capstones

The crime of rape, unwanted sexual contact, is a heavily researched topic in the sociological field. The majority of research, however, has revolved around incidences of stranger rape and the typical gender combination of male offender and female victim. The updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale was created to measure the level of participants agree with the typical rape myths of: she asked for it, he didn’t mean to, it wasn’t really rape, and she lied. This research study was designed to test the influence of gender in rape situations and how this affects the acceptance of rape myths. In …

Alumni Profile / One Year, $100, One Great Cup Of Coffee, St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College Magazine 2013-2018

Nell Benton ’01 graduated with a degree in sociology and a desire to work for humanitarian causes. Armed with a talent for cooking, she also had the idea that someday she might become a chef. Today, Benton, 37, marries her talents as the owner and executive chef of The National, a café in a Milwaukee neighborhood in transition.

Community As Text, Melanie Radzicki Mcmanus

St. Norbert College Magazine 2013-2018

Two freshman classes in the Honors Program have now experienced “City as Text,” a unique common course that helps students understand how the activities and decisions of past generations shaped the present-day landscape – in particular, the landscape surrounding their college. The curriculum develops through onsite visits, discussions, problem-solving, and research papers.

Evaluation Of Evaluation In Development Organizations, Dr. Tim Heaton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In some respects, we did not achieve all of the goals of the proposed work, but in other ways this project lead to the development of a new program that has been a success. The first objective was to review the literature on evaluation. This phase of the proposal was completed as proposed. Students searched a variety of journal articles and classified published articles according to the type of organization, the type of project, research method used, and conclusions. This review confirmed our sense that a wide variety of organizations do evaluation, but that there is not a strong sense …

Sociology & Anthropology News, Georgia Southern University

Sociology & Anthropology: News & Publications (2012-2020)

• Sociology Student Going to D.C.

The Changing American Family: Can The Courts Catch Up?, George Thomas

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

Making A Case For Multi-Disciplinary Analysis, Matthew J. Richard, Michael G. Noll, Catherine Oglesby, Mark Patrick George, Tracy Woodard

The Journal of Public and Professional Sociology

In recent years, I have been drawn to inter-disciplinary approaches to scholarship. Specifically, I have been attracted to “mind studies”—an alluring amalgam of Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Social Psychology, and Anthropology—as offering more satisfying explanations of human action. In this paper I want to explore more deeply and expound further upon the benefits of multi-disciplinary research. To do so, I’ve invited colleagues of mine who work in other disciplines to view an ethnographic film about a poor Appalachian family and to identify specific issues in it that they would develop further in their classes. My working assumption is …