Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Correlates And Infant Mortality: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Among Black Women In The United States, Paulette Aubrey

Masters Theses

Often referred to as "cot death" or "crib death," sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the single leading cause of infant death in infants aged 28 days to 1 year of life. Although the exact etiology of SIDS remains unknown, epidemiological studies have identified risk factors associated with higher rates of SIDS. In this study, the relationship between sudden infant death syndrome and maternal education among black women who gave birth in the United States during 1983 was examined.

The population for this study consisted of black infants who were born in 1983 and died before their first birthday. Among …

Judicial Decision Making And Public Opinion In The Warren And Burger Courts, Nancy L. Siemion

Masters Theses

For many scholars, the Warren Court is the epitome of antimajoritarian policy making since many of the Court's decisions overturned legislation passed by Representatives of the people. By examining nationwide public opinion polls in that era that ask the public their thoughts about particular issues the Warren Court has ruled on, it is evident that most of these rulings were truly majoritarian and received public approval. In addition, this thesis analyzes some recent studies that discern national attitudes with respect to government policy making (public mood), assessing congruity or incongruity between the Court's liberalism and public policy mood which provides …

Language Abilities Of Male Adolescents In A Juvenile Detention Center, Krista J. Klein

Masters Theses

This study was designed to analyze the language abilities of male adolescents with delinquent behavior. It was based on the hypothesis that male adolescents with delinquent behavior would have lower language skills during expressive language tasks. Language skills of male adolescents in a juvenile detention center were examined by comparing 12 grammatical variables, four subtest scores, and one total score from the Screening Test for Adolescent Language (STAL; Prather, Ausdal-Breecher, Stafford & Wallace, 1980). Results indicated that the adolescents with delinquent behavior omitted significantly more words, but also produced significantly more secondary verbs in a narration task. Significantly lower results …

Self-Control And Choice In Children: Effects Of Food Magnitude And Reinforcer Delay, Ellen Lee Sharenow

Dissertations

The present research was designed to replicate and extend earlier studies with humans and nonhumans in the area of self-control. A discrete trial, within-subject experimental design over multiple sessions, with food as the reinforcer, was used. Instructions did not describe contingencies of reinforcement Subjects were preschool age children, a population that questionably possess the verbal repertoire capable of generating sophisticated tacting, or mediating behavior during long delays. Four experiments consisted of fixed-ratio, concurrent chain schedules with initial and terminal links. Initial links were forced trials, terminal links, choice trials. In Experiment I, the effects of differences in magnitude while holding …

Lounge Chair Criteria For The Elderly, Edna M. I. Bosco

Masters Theses

This study investigated relationships between lounge chair design, functional positioning and comfort for the elderly. Thirty-five elderly residents from two local congregate living residences were assessed utilizing lounge chairs located at the residence. Measurements of the chairs were taken, coded and compared to specific norms established by Harris and Mayfield (1983b). Measurements consisted of armrest dimensions, seat depth and height, seat slope, and backrest dimensions. Each chair was scored based on the number of recommended standards for comfort met in the Harris and Mayfield research (1983b).

Frequency counts were taken and descriptive data collected and analyzed to determine relationships between …

The Effects Of Differing Response Force Requirements On Response Rate And Post-Reinforcement Pause, Kenneth Lee Ailing

Dissertations

The present study consisted of three experiments in which rats were exposed to two-component multiple schedules of reinforcement. In the first experiment, fifteen responses were required to produce reinforcement in both components of the multiple schedule. In one component 25 g of downward force was always required to operate the response lever. In the other, the force required varied from 25 g to 200 g across conditions. In the second experiment, fifteen responses were required to produce reinforcement in both components of the multiple schedule. In one component 25 g of downward force was always required to operate the response …

Beyond An Underclass: An Essay On Up-Front Politics, Paula L. Dressel, Jeff Porterfield

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Debate about underclass conceptualization has once again forced sociologists to acknowledge the political context and implications of our work. This article extends the critical examination of underclass conceptualization to relatively undeveloped but politically important areas of concern. Initially we discuss the political economic context of conceptual controversies surrounding poverty. With a preference for structural analysis, we call for the return of class to economically marginalized people and suggest how that goal might be enhanced by a focus on relations of distribution as well as production. Valuing subjects' vantage points, we recommend how sociologists' work can return agency and diversity to …

Empirical Studies On Foster Care: Review And Assessment, Susan Horan, Gay Kang, Murray Levine, Caroline Duax, Barbara Luntz, Carolyn Tasa

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This is a selected review and critique of twenty articles which investigate psychosocial characteristics of children in foster care. Each article represents an effort to describe the foster care population and/or to test hypotheses about issues in foster care. Articles were selected within the time frame of 1974 to 1989. Data are presented in summary tabular form. Discussion focuses upon behavioral characteristics and emotional/health problems of the children. A general methodological critique of research is provided. Policy recommendations incorporate those variables/factors most frequently studied and suggest direction for further research.

Structuring Support For Volunteer Commitment: An Aids Services Program Study, Taryn Lindhorst, Ronald Mancoske

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Since the AIDS epidemic began over a decade ago, the bulk of services for people living with HIV in the community setting have been provided by volunteers. Volunteers are confronted with the stigmatized status of people with HIV and must learn to manage multiple crisis issues. This paper describes research on volunteerism in a buddy program for people living with AIDS and the perceptions of volunteers about the structural supports of the volunteer program. Issues around perceptions of stress and the relationship between bereavement and volunteering are explored.

Book Reviews, James Midgley, David Stoesz, Howard Jacob Karger, Henry J. D'Souza, Leslie Leighninger, Joel Blau

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK REVIEWS

• Poverty amidst affluence: Britain and the United States, Vic George and Irving Howards, Aldershot,England, Edward Elgar Publishers, 1991, Reviewed by James Midgley
• Separate societies: Poverty and inequality in American cities. William W. Goldsmith and Edward J. Blakely,Philadelphia, Temple University Press, 1992, Reviewed by James Midgley
• The new politics of poverty: The non-working poor in America Lawrence M. Mead, New York, Basic Books, 1992, Reviewed by James Midgley
• The End of Equality. Mickey Kaus. New York: Basic Books, 1992, Reviewed by David Stoesz
• The Moral Construction of Poverty: Welfare Reform in America. Joel F. handler and Yeheskel …

Theory And The Generation And Subversion Of Knowledge, Dennis Saleebey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This essay is an argument for the refurbishing of theoretical thinking in social work. In particular, the author calls for the infusion of generative as opposed to normative theory in the profession. Only generative theory has been proven to invigorate the thinking and doing of professional social workers.

Social Support Networks Of Gay Men, Raymond M. Berger, David Mallon

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Although social workers and other helping professionals frequently stress the importance of social networks among gay men, there has been little empirical research to describe these networks. In the present study, the authors analyze data on perceived social support from 166 gay men recruited through gay community groups and social networks. Most gay men were found to have large and diverse social networks. Frequent communication occurs between respondents and network members, most of whom know of respondents' homosexuality. The most frequent and supportive network member was a close friend, and the most common type of support received was emotional. Those …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 20, No. 1 (March 1993)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• THEORY AND THE GENERATION AND SUBVERSION OF KNOWLEDGE - Dennis Saleebey
• BEYOND AN UNDERCLASS: AN ESSAY ON UP-FRONT POLITICS - Paula L. Dressel and Jeff Porterfield
• RACE, GENDER, OCCUPATIONAL STATUS, AND INCOME IN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYMENT - R.L. McNeely, Jerome L. Blakemore, and Robert 0. Washington
• FROM WELFARE TO WORK: DOES IT MAKE SENSE? - Ann E. Kerlin
• CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES AND NON-WELFARE FAMILIES - Kimberly A. Folse
• FOCUS GROUPS, PROGRAM EVALUATION, AND THE POOR - Robert S. Magill
• INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS OR WELFARE CLIENTS: THE SELECTION OF A MASTER STATUS FOR INDOCHINESE REFUGEES BY AMERICAN VOLUNTARY …

Race, Gender, Occupational Status, And Income In County Human Service Employment, R.L. Mcneely, Jerome L. Blakemore, Robert O. Washington

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Data obtained from more than 1,900 public welfare workers employed in five regions of the country were examined to compare occupational status and earnings by race and gender. The study group was stratified so that respondents' educational attainment and job seniority levels could be taken into account. Findings indicate the presence of significant sex and race-linked differences.

From Welfare To Work: Does It Make Sense?, Ann E. Kerlin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A great deal of thought and energy currently is being focused on moving welfare recipients off welfare and into the job market. This article reports the results of a study of the work versus welfare choice of women who are limited to the minimum wage job market. Due to the level of the minimum wage, these women face poverty even when working full time. Working often brings them little financial benefit compared to being on welfare, and does not include important benefits such as health coverage for their children. one might ask, then, why women facing this choice would be …

Child Support Services And Non-Welfare Families, Kimberly A. Folse

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Under the law, Child Support Enforcement services are supposed to be available to all single-headed families with absent parents who are not paying support, or not paying enough support. Using Alabama as a case study, it was determined that factors operating at the agency level effectively control how many non-public assistance clients are being served. The number of non-AFDC clients was found to be a function of the number of AFDC clients rather than a function of the free-market of services. It is proposed that the incentive structure for collections, which limits incentive payments for non-AFDC to 115 percent of …

Focus Groups, Program Evaluation, And The Poor, Robert S. Magill

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Focus groups are a qualitative research technique which can be applied to program evaluation with low income clients. Focus groups are relatively easy to organize and operate, can be less expensive than other research techniques, can provide quick feedback, and possess the potential to empower low income clients.

This paper discusses the development of focus groups, their strengths and weaknesses, and their utility in program evaluation. An example of their use in the evaluation of a state low income energy program is provided along with some guidelines for their use with low income respondents.

International Migrants Or Welfare Clients: The Selection Of A Master Status For Indochinese Refugees By American Voluntary Agencies, Jeremy Hein

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Government funding of nonprofit organizations is a dominant trend in American social welfare and it has greatly influenced the voluntary agencies resettling Indochinese refugees. Some agencies identify their clients as international migrants from the Third World, but others view them primarily as welfare recipients. These distinctive master statuses lead agencies to provide different services, thus affecting the refugees' initial adaptation to American society. Religiosity, period of creation, links to the welfare state, and international activities shape the selection of a master status for Indochinese refugees.

The Welfare Reservation: A Worst Case Scenario For A Federal Role In Homeless Assistance, Joseph M. Conforti

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The purpose of the little-known Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 is stated as "... States, units of local government, and private voluntary organizations have been unable to meet the basic human needs of all the homeless and, in the absence of greater Federal Assistance, will be unable to protect the lives and safety of all the homeless in need of assistance: and the Federal Government has a clear responsibility and an existing capacity to fulfill a more effective and responsible role to meet the basic human needs and to engender respect for the human dignity of the …

Book Notes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

BOOK NOTES

• Human Development Report 1992. United National Development Program, New York, Oxford University Press, 1992. 219
• The Impact of Tax Legislation on Corporate Income Security Planning for Retirees. Ruth Ylvisaker Winger. New York, Garland Publishing Inc., 1992. 219
• The Poverty Debate: Politics and the Poor in America. C. Emory Burton, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1992. 220
• Inequality Examined. Amartya Sen. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1992. 220
• The Political Economy of Poverty, Equity and Growth: Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Henry J. Bruton. New York, Oxford University Press, 1992. 221
• The Political Economy of Basic Needs. Bruce E. Moon. New …

102-Phase I Archaeological Assessment Of The Riverfront Walk-Brookside Park Project, City Of Otsego, Michigan, William M. Cremin

Reports of Investigations

Upon verbal receipt of authorization from Ms. Jennifer Antel of the Office of City Manager, Otsego, Michigan to conduct a Phase I archaeological survey along the Kalamazoo River in Section 23 of Otsego Township (T1N R12W) where the City proposes to create a recreational walkway, the Principal Investigator initiated a literature and site file search and his associated on 17 May undertook an-site evaluation of the project area in order to determine whether the proposed activity would adversely impact potentially significant archaeological resources. Two days later Ms. Antel and the Office of State Archaeologist, Bureau of History, Michigan Department of …

The Underground Economy 1993-94, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

The Underground Economy is the thirtieth Annual Public Lecture Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. In this series the concerns of policymakers and economists about the alleged growth in underground legal and illegal economic activity are explored. This year's series is directed by Susan Pozo of the WMU Economics Department and is co-sponsored by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All lectures (followed by a question and answer session) are open to the public.

103-Report Of The April 1993 Archaeological Survey Of The Little John Site (20ae344) In Allegan Township, Allegan County, Michigan, Arthur J. Desjardins

Reports of Investigations

In the Fall of 1992, Mr. Mark Horn contacted the Anthropology Department at Western Michigan University regarding property he owns in Allegan County, Michigan. In his assessment, this property exhibited a significant amount of prehistoric cultural material on the surface, and he felt that it might warrant formalized archaeological investigation. Additionally, Mr. Horn, a school teacher in Allegan, asked about the possibility of including his stndents in any future fieldwork that might be conducted on his property. This information was recieved by Dr. William Cremin of the Anthropology Department, who took the matter under consideration as a potential undertaking for …

An Arbitrary Matching Training Supplement To The Avc Discrimination Test, Charles P. Butler

Masters Theses

Kerr, Meyerson and Flora (1977) devised a series of small learning tasks that could be used to assess developmentally disabled individuals on the typical tasks to be performed in a school setting or sheltered workshop and required only very simple equipment. Davine (1990) suggested that there may be transitional skills between AVC levels IV and V not found by Kerr et al. Davine looked at four experimental steps designed to test this notion. The results of this study were inconclusive. Wilson (1991) tested the same notion by devising a series of non identity matching tasks which were generally found to …

Interest Group Influence On U.S. Congressional Committees: A Case Study Of The United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement, Laurel L. Hoffman

Masters Theses

The impact of special interests on Congress has long been a matter for concern. A content analysis of testimony presented at 14 Congressional committee hearings on the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement revealed that three broad categories of witnesses participated: business, government, and non-business. Total testimony for business and government were comparable, while non-business had fewer witnesses and less testimony. Government supplied more testimony in oral form, which was interpreted as a higher degree of participation than written testimony, predominantly supplied by business. There was little evidence of lobbying coalitions as measured by crossreferencing; witnesses rarely referred to anything but …

Examination Of Community Mental Health Services For Persons With Serious Mental Illness: A Descriptive Study Of 31 Counties In Michigan, Pamela C. Werner

Masters Theses

Thirty-one out of 55 Community Mental Health Boards participated in a survey conducted by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Michigan. This study examined a number of variables in the questionnaire using a product-moment correlational analysis.

Results indicated that family and consumer input is modestly correlated with comprehensive service delivery and staff/consumer education and training. Budget and the active number of mentally ill cases had a low correlation with comprehensive service delivery and staff/consumer education and training. Interagency collaboration was modestly correlated with program evaluation, and comprehensive services available to consumers. Weaknesses were noted in the management structure of …

Homelessness And The Low Income Housing Crisis, Cushing N. Dolbeare

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The cost of housing is beyond the means of a growing number of housholds. This "affordability gap" is the underlying cause of homelessness. Housing assistance to low income families is therefore a logical solution to the problem, in combination with other responses.

Rediscovering The Asylum, Sharon M. Keigher

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Spending a night at a typical big city shelter for the homeless has reminded the author of the massive and regimented environment in institutions that she had mistakenly believed no longer existed after the much acclaimed "deinstitutionalization" of America. St. Mary's is run by a religious order attempting to provide charitable care in a nondemanding environment. Many demands are made, however. The lack of privacy and respect for individuality inherent in institutional life tends to erode the "inmate's" very conception of self. It controls their activities, time, and choices, and thus creates barriers to exit. Providing "shelter" for the homeless …

Assessing The Impact Of Serving The Long-Term Mentally Disabled Homeless, Laura E. Blankertz, Ram A. Cnaan, Marlene Saunders

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Homelessness has emerged as a major social problem. In an attempt to understand this problem, attention has been focused on postulating its causes, describing the individuals who hold this status, and estimating its magnitude. This study assesses the outcome of one social service program for long-term mentally disabled homeless individuals. It includes a synopsis of the state of the art in serving homeless individuals with severe mental health problems; a description of a program created to meet their needs; and an analysis of the outcome of this program.

Perceptions Of Racial Climate In Residence Halls Between African-American And Euroamerican College Students, Vanessa D. Johnson-Durgans

Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine if African-American residents perceive the racial climate of residence halls differently than do Euroamerican residents at a predominantly Euroamerican university in southwest Michigan. The questions explored in this study were:

1. Do African-American residents perceive the hall environment differently than Euroamerican residents?

2. Do African-American residents perceive the residence hall government differently than Euroamerican residents?

3. Do African-American residents perceive the halls' student staff differently than Euroamerican residents?

4. Do African-American residents perceive their relation to other residents differently than Euroamerican residents?

This study consisted of analyzing the results of this writer's questionnaire e …