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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Sociology

Western Kentucky University

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

2007

Articles 1 - 5 of 5

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Examining Social Capital: A Theoretical And Empirical Assessment Using The Work Of Bourdieu, Coleman And Putnam, Brent Lovitt Dec 2007

Examining Social Capital: A Theoretical And Empirical Assessment Using The Work Of Bourdieu, Coleman And Putnam, Brent Lovitt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The value that individuals attribute to their social ties with other residents can have an impact on the amount of crime that occurs within their own neighborhood. While previous criminological research has identified a negative relationship between the levels of social capital and victimization within neighborhoods, these studies often used different conceptualizations of social capital. This study seeks to extend previous research by examining the multiple dimensions of social capital within each classical approach and to assess each dimension's influence on self-reported violent victimization and property crime victimization in Chicago neighborhoods using data from the Project on Human Development in …


The Influence Of Adolescents' Educational Aspirations And Religiosity On The Desire To Marry Among High School Seniors, Erica Scott Dec 2007

The Influence Of Adolescents' Educational Aspirations And Religiosity On The Desire To Marry Among High School Seniors, Erica Scott

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study uses data from the 2004 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) to evaluate how twelfth grader's educational aspirations and religiosity influenced their desire to marry. Previous research indicates that education attained and increased religiosity increases the probability of marriage (Bumpass, Sweet, and Cherlin 1991; Goldstein and Kenney 2001; Sweeney 2002; Thornton, Axinn, and Teachman 1995). Exchange theory explains that higher levels of education increase one's odds in the marriage market, and the actual act of marriage is perceived as a "reward" to highly religious individuals (Becker 1973; Blau 1964; Edwards 1969; Friedman and Hechter 1988; Homans 1974). Results …


Public Trust In The Mass Media, Lindsey Dixon Dec 2007

Public Trust In The Mass Media, Lindsey Dixon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this research is to determine whether the public has an elevated amount of trust in the industry of the mass media. The data for the research come from the 2005 Eurobarometer 64.2. The participants consist of the population of the respective countries of the European Union Member States. The participants are all more than 15 years of age. The results of this study show that certain groups of people have an elevated amount of trust in the media, but overall the dependent variables used explain little with regard to trust in the mass media.


A Test Of The Homophily Principle Using On-Line Personal Advertisements, Amanda Schrock May 2007

A Test Of The Homophily Principle Using On-Line Personal Advertisements, Amanda Schrock

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

With the increasing popularity and accessibility of the Internet, there is a need to reexamine dating and relationship preferences in the high-tech information age. Previously research pertaining to dating has focused on relationships and attitudes as well as the concept of homophily. In an effort to bridge the gap between previous dating conclusions and a modern means for meeting people, this research is an attempt to determine if previously established conclusions about homophily transcend to mate selection conducted through the use of the Internet. This research utilizes content analysis of online personal advertisements in order to compare the demographic characteristics …


Assimilation Into A Therapeutic Community For Substance-Abusing Women, Joni Furlong May 2007

Assimilation Into A Therapeutic Community For Substance-Abusing Women, Joni Furlong

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Therapeutic communities provide structure, support and a safe living environment for individuals attempting to recover from addiction. Using peer influence, counseling, education, self-help groups, and case management, they assist residents in conforming to social norms and developing effective coping mechanisms while remaining drug-free. Prior studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of these programs. But, why are they effective for some and not others? This study explored the residents1 backgrounds and the methods employed by them to assimilate into the therapeutic community, the recovering community, and then society at large. The data confirmed my suspicion that the women's ability to conform …