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Socioeconomic Achievement: The Case Of The Working Poor, Manuel Vaz Pato, John B. Williamson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In recent years a great deal of effort has gone into the specification of causal models describing the social mobility process, but virtually no effort has been made to specify a model for the poor, a segment of the population for which the issue of social mobility is particularly crucial. In the present study we ask whether the process of socioeconomic achievement for the poor can be described using the same model as for the non-poor, or whether a separate model is required for the poor; we conclude that a separate model for the poor is needed. The data used …

Symbolic Interactionism And Social Assessment, Bill Horner

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social work needs a theoretical perspective that will provide impetus to the development of its unique function: social assessment and social intervention. The images and concepts characterizing symbolic interactionism seem to have the potential of meeting this need. This paper explores the perspective with the intent of suggesting its utility for assessing and intervening in interpersonal and environmental circumstances.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 6, No. 1 (January 1979)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Special Issue: Symbolic Interaction and Social Welfare

• On the Promise of Symbolic Interaction for Social Welfare - RALPH SEGALMAN - pp. 1
• Symbolic interaction and Social Practice - HARRIS CHAIKLIN - pp. 3
• Symbolic interaction and Social Work Supervision. - CARLTON E. MUNSON - pp. 8
• Symbolic Interaction and Social Assessment. - BILL HORNER - pp.19
• "Woman as symbol and social Welfare: An Interactionist Perspective. - RAYMOND L. SCHMITT & STANLEY E. GRUPP - pp.34
• Elements of the Perpetuation of Dependency in a Psychiatric Halfway House. - DAVID R. MAINES & MARILYN A. MARKOWITZ - pp.52
• The Interpretation of Child …

The Interpretation Of Child Abuse: Bureaucratic Relevance In Urban Newfoundland, Don Handelman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The disposition of suspected instances of child abuse is accomplished by bureaucratic personnel through their interpretation of the relevancies of their organizational life-world. Three such instances are discussed: these resulted respectively in an unmodified interpretation, in a modified interpretation, and in an ambiguous interpretation. Among the bureaucratic relevancies which are discussed are, the elasticity itself of the rubric of "suspicion", the affluence of the suspected, and the nature of their support network. The reification of instances of suspected abuse is found to be related, in part, to bureaucratic contingencies which themselves are connected only tangentially to the behavioral phenomenon under …

The Social Construction Of Disability, Arnold Birenbaum

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This symbolic interactionist theory examines the structure of relationships between the disabled and the nondisabled through face-to-face interaction and the formation and participation in organizations which provide specialized services. Some propositions from Randall Collin's Conflict Sociology (1975) create a framework for understanding the behavior of the disabled. Goffman's concept of career is used to examine the conditions under which various adaptive strategies are employed by the disabled to negotiate favorable definitions of self from their social communication. Finally, a symbolic interactionist explanation is outlined to account for the active and interested involvement of the nonhandicapped with the handicapped in getting …

The "Significant Other" In Marital And Family Therapy, Nathan Hurvitz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The significant other (SO) is derived from the social behaviorism of G. H. Mead which is comparable to contemporary cognitive behaviorism. The SO is defined as an analytical concept by examining interaction in social acts; it includes attributes associated with the family member's role-reciprocity, meanings, affect, self-concept and modeling; and it is associated with concepts such as transformation, attribution and social interchange. The process by which the therapist becomes an SO to the family members individually and jointly, and how he or she utilizes transformation, attribution and social interchange are outlined.

On The Promise Of Symbolic Interaction For Social Welfare (A Comment By The Editor Of The Special Issue), Ralph Segalman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In a previous article ("Theoretical Models of Social Structure and the Practice of Social Work," Arete Spring 1976, Vol. 4 no. 1) I commented on the variety of non-interchangable social theory doctrines utilized by social work, past and present, to explain the relationship between the client (or client group) and society. In it I indicated the hidden assumptions of the practitioner as revealed by his social theory of choice. As therapist he (or she) inferentially laid the onus of adjustment on the client; as advocate--on the society, depending upon the particular consensus or conflict theory utilized. I pointed out that …

Symbolic Interaction And Social Practice, Harris Chaiklin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

To make social theory useful for practice its concepts must be in a form which is compatible with the ways practitioners relate to people. Symbolic interaction has a unique contribution to make to this endeavor. Its unit of attention is interaction; what goes on between people. Facts and ideas at this level of abstraction can be used in intervention. By contrast theories of society and theories of system are descriptive. They provide useful background information for practice.

Symbolic Interaction And Social Work Supervision, Carlton E. Munson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Professions historically have been practiced autonomously, but with the proliferation of professionalism as technology advances professional practice is being conducted more and more within the confines of "organizational necessities." There is an inherent conflict between professional autonomy and organizational constraints. This conflict has created a need for theoretical formulations that mediate this situational relationship. The theoretical formulations of Mead, Cooley, Linton, Thomas, Kinch, and Blumer are used to identify a system for taking account of the individual within the organization. Using the concepts of looking glass self, self-indications, role, status, definition of the situation, the social self, scripts, and actors, …

"Woman" As Symbol And Social Welfare: An Interactionist Perspective, Raymond L. Schmitt, Stanley E. Grupp

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Symbolic interactionism is used to examine the variable and complex definitions now linked to the symbol "woman" in contemporary society. The implications of symbolic interactionism and the view of "woman" as symbol for social welfare are discussed in terms of knowledge, morality, and implementation.

Elements Of The Perpetuation Of Dependency In A Psychiatric Halfway House, David R. Maines, Marilyn A. Markowitz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Halfway houses are intended as helping institutions for those who are attempting to make the transition from institutionalized mental health facilities to autonomous living in the community. In spite of the manifest goal to produce independence for its residents, however, the halfway house contributes to patterns of dependency. In addition to the network nature of mental health care, we identify three dependency-perpetuating elements: role commitments, language, and mixed messages. These elements are analyzed as both social organizational and social psychological processes, and their implications are discussed.

An Empirical Study Of The Symbolic And Objective World Of The Preschool Child: A New Methodology And Some Preliminary Findings, Don W. Malon, Roy Ruckdeschel

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper discusses the division within symbolic interactionism today into the Iowa and Chicago Schools. Taking the position that the differences are potentially reconcilable, the authors present a study which demonstrates some methodological extensions of the positivistic Iowa School in conjunction with some of the insights of Blumer's phenomenological Chicago School. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, the aim of which was to investigate the relationship between cognitive organization of behavior and conditions of age and educational program. Subjects were 117 three and four year old children observed naturalistically in three preschool programs: a Montessori Class, a Parent-Child Center, and …

Informal Support Systems For The Aged: Limitations And Issues, Marjorie Buckholz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The need for community social services to enable older persons to remain in their homes has been well documented (Gold, 1974; Lohman, 1978; Atchley, 1977; Blenkner, 1977). Inspite of a growing service industry and professional corps of helpers, it does not reach the growing numbers of elderly, especially the older-elderly who are most likely to be frail (Gold, 1974; Lohmann, 1978; Heyman and Polansky, 1977). The aged share of the population has grown relative to the younger age group. In 1900, 6.4% of the U. S. population was 60 years or older; in 1975, it had increased to 14.8% (U. …

Age, Race, Life Conditions, Use Of Social Welfare Services And The Morale Of The Elderly, Mary L. Waring, Jordan I. Kosberg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Although concerned professionals such as Kutner (1956), Cumming (1961), and Lawton (1972), have made strong beginnings in researching the psychological functioning of the elderly, only a few have explored the social and medical conditions of the aged, and especially their use of social welfare services, as these relate to a sense of well-being. Streib (1956) and Maddox (1968) were among the first to relate life-long patterning of social activity to later social activity and life satisfaction. Carp (1966), in a controlled study of housing, reported that housing did not affect the morale of low and middle income elderly. Lawton and …

Preparing Social Work Practitioners To Work With And In Behalf Of Older Adults, Margaret E. Hartford

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Practice in the field of social gerontology is one of the developing frontiers in social work. Now and in the foreseeable future, services with a population that is growing older will be a rapidly expanding field of practice. Many of the programs for older adults are multidisciplinary and demand collaboration among several professions and services. In some instances social work is and will be the central organizing force assuming administrative responsibility. In other instances social workers are collateral with several professions, and in still others social work services are an adjunct to another service profession, such as medicine nursing, urban …

Differential Aspects Of Assessment And Intervention In Social Work Practice With The Elderly And Their Families, Barbara Silverstone

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

So much in our society separates the rest of us from the old that a discussion of the differential aspects of practice with the elderly and their families (many of whom are aging) runs the risk of being redundant as well as a concealed endorsement of the professional biases which afflict us all. The truth of the matter is that important differences do exist between social work practice with the old and with younger generations, differentials which emanate from a sound gerontological knowledge base. Although the similarities far out-weigh the discrepancies, failure to recognize or delineate these differences has resulted …

Racial Differences In The Confident Relationship, Ruth E. Dunkle

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Numerous researchers have studied the black family in American society. Unfortunately, too few have focused on the role of the family in the life of the elderly. In this paper it is my intention to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the black family and, in particular, on the black family member as confidant.

Frazier, in a book, The Black Family, edited by Robert Staples, discusses the character of the black family during the various stages of its development. He purports that the black family has been affected by the social isolation of blacks in American society. Frazier believes …

Home Support Services And The Ecology Of Aging, Abraham Monk

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Home support services for the aged are emerging as a primary concern in the Title XX planning proposals put forth by states and localities. This is not surprising when one considers that Title XX guidelines require the setting of priorities among non-cash benefit programs that help insure the individual's self-sufficiency within his or her normal environment.

All services under Title XX must relate to one or more of five objectives for the individual client: economic independence; self care; prevention or remedy of neglect, abuse or other conditions which lead to dependence; intermediate community based care and, as a last resort …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 5, No. 6 (November 1978)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction - pp. 763
• Home Support Services and the Ecology of Aging - ABRAHAM MONK - pp. 765
• Informal Support Systems for the Aged: Limitations and Issues - MARJORIE BUCKHOLZ - pp. 773
• Age, Race, Life Conditions, Use of Social Welfare Services and the Morale of the Elderly - MARY L. WARING and JORDAN I. KOSBERG - pp. 701
• Organizational Analysis of Institutions for the Aged - ZEV HAREL - pp. 792
• Volunteer Support for the Institutionalized Elderly - HAROLD ZEPELIN and JANET STUTZMAN - pp. 802
• Policy Analysis and Older People: A Conceptual Framework - JOHN …

Organizational Analysis Of Institutions For The Aged, Zev Harel

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Institutions for the aged represent an organized effort on the part of society and various individuals., groups, and organizations to provide for and capitalize on the service needs of elderly persons no longer able to live independently in the community. These settings have been brought into existence and are maintained by various commercial, civic, voluntary, government, and other interest groups. The motives and interests of such groups vary; nevertheless, these settings offer services to consumers, provide employment to members of various professional and occupational groups, provide an arena for the involvement of various scholastic disciplines and professional associations, and benefit …

Volunteer Support For The Institutionalized Elderly, Harold Zepelin, Janet Stutzman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A neglected topic in discussions of services for the institutionalized elderly seems to be the question of whether the residents of nursing homes are receiving adequate support from volunteers. Undoubtedly, voluntarism is playing an important part in the provision of services and emotional support for the aged population, among them the elderly that are institutionalized. But because of the child-centeredness and youth-orientation of American society, it is possible that work with the elderly may not be attracting volunteers in proportion to the needs of this population. This may be especially true of the elderly in institutions because work with this …

Policy Analysis And Older People: A Conceptual Framework, John E. Tropman, Jane Mcclure

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The policy sciences, says Harold Lasswell, require "clarification of goals, analysis of conditions, project of future developments, and invention, evaluation, and selection of alternatives."1 This rocess is imbued with values and often these values lie unrecognized.3 Both personal values of the individual analyst and social values of the Society can be and often are involved. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate four policy problems involved in analyses concerning the elderly, and to suggest some additional considerations which would bring these problems into the open and aid in specification and focusing of policy research in this area. While only …

On Being Socialized Out Of The Human Sexual Response In The Later Years, Dan Rubenstein

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

We now know, with the conclusive findings of the Masters and Johnson study of sex with elderly, that maintaining the "regularity of sexual expression coupled with adequate physical well being and healthy mental orientation to the aging process will combine to provide a sexually stimulative marriage [and/or relationships]. This climate will, in turn, improve sexual tension and provide a capacity for sexual performance that frequently may extend to and beyond the 80-year age level" (Masters and Johnson, 1968, p. 279).

This acknowledgement has ended the long silence and may well herald the beginning of the throwing off of the shackles …

The Fear Of Crime By The Elderly: Issues And Consequences, Mark Pogrebin, G. Nicholas Pijoan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Most of the recent literature concerning the elderly and crime has been concentrated in the area of victimization. Such subjects as the elderly's vulnerability to crime, types of crimes committed against older members of the community, income level of the victims, and residential indicators, are some of the important variables that have been studied in order to better understand the patterns of crime as it affects older citizens.

Although it is believed that the foregoing factors are essential in order to gain knowledge which will inform us as to the nature of criminal victimization against the elderly, it also seems …

Administrative Thinking On Youth And Youth Programs, John F. Longres, Norman Wyers

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Administrators have a lot of influence over the nature of youth programs. Because of this, their thinking on the causes of delinquency, the nature of ideal youth programs, and the role of youth workers were tapped. In the past, people in the field of delinquency have been accused of assuming an individual, personal problem or deficiency point of view. This study of administrators in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area suggests that, while some evidence for a more social structural understanding exists, in general the individual problem perspective prevails. An explanation for the persistence of a personal problem perspective is advanced …

The Transition: An Historical-Materialist Perspective On Social Welfare And Social Work Practice, Thomas Keefe

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

From an historical-materialist perspective American society is in a transition to a new structural form--a new order. The future of social welfare and social work practice is intimately bound to the nature and outcome of this transition. Moreover, the transition has economic and ideological characteristics that hold important implications for changes in the ways social workers view their clients and conduct their practice. Employing an historicalmaterialist analysis, this article will discuss the nature of the societal transition and its implications for social welfare and social work practice.

The analysis will be prefaced with a synopsis of basic concepts and assumptions …

Problems Inherent In Multi-Service Delivery Units, Arnold J. Katz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Like Alice, the field of social work in general, and the social service delivery system in particular, seems to be going through a confusing state, lacking direction. Just as the Cat suggests to Alice that any direction would get her somewhere over time, so the diverse social service delivery systems(1) have, in recent years, moved off in a particular direction (methodologically) only to return to step one and then set off again. Various fads have seemed to provide the needed answers. In time, however, they served only to create a series of new questions with corresponding dilemmas.

In the last …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 5, No. 5 (September 1978)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Women's Groups As Alternative Human Service Agencies - CLAUDETTE McSHANE, M.S.W - pp. 615
• The Transition: An Historical-Materialist Perspective on Social Welfare and Social Work Practice - THOMAS KEEFE, DSW - pp. 627
• Problems Inherent In Multi-Service Delivery Units - ARNOLD J. KATZ - pp. 644
• Administrative Thinking on Youth and Youth Programs - JOHN F. LONGRES, PH.D. & NORMAN WYERS, DSW - pp. 662
• New Left Organizers and the Poor - MILES H. WHITNEY & PAUL J. CHAMPAGNE - pp. 678
• A Comparison of Factors Associated with Past Use, Projected Use, and Perceived Community Need for …

The Homemaker-Home Health Aide, Gary A. Fashimpar, Richard M. Grinnell Jr.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

For the past several years, many social workers have utilized the services of various disciplines as members of interdisciplinary teams as one approach to practice. There is ample evidence that social workers are increasingly beginning to utilize the newly constructed service of the Homemaker-Home Health Aide (H/HHA) when working with various client populations.1 In the United States, there are approximately 74,000 H/HHAs who provide social welfare and health services to the aged, disabled, and chronically ill. 2 By 1985, there is a projected need for three times this number.3

Social Continuity And Social Discontinuity: Social Work And, In, Against And Separate From Society, Hans S. Falck

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The burden of this paper is to clarify social continuity and social discontinuity. Social continuity is related to individuality-groupness (the I-G effect) and its related logic is demonstrated further by a rejection of social discontinuity, i.e. individualism.