Social Work Commons^™

Substance Abuse Treatment Stage And Personal Networks Of Women In Substance Abuse Treatment, Elizabeth M. Tracy, Hyunsoo Kim, Suzanne Brown, Meeyoung Oh Min, Min Kyoung Jun, Christopher Mccarty

Social Work Faculty Publications

This study examines the relationship among 4 treatment stages (i.e., engagement, persuasion, active treatment, relapse prevention) and the composition, social support, and structural characteristics of personal networks. The study sample includes 242 women diagnosed with substance dependence who were interviewed within their first month of intensive outpatient treatment. Using EgoNet software, the women reported on their 25 alter personal networks and the characteristics of each alter. With one exception, few differences were found in the network compositions at different stages of substance abuse treatment. The exception was the network composition of women in the active treatment stage, which included more …

Correlates Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Knowledge Among African American Girls, Dexter R. Voisin

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: To identify significant factors that distinguish African American girls who have high sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention knowledge from those lacking such knowledge. Methods: We recruited a sample of 715 African American girls from three public health clinics in downtown Atlanta. Using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (A-CASI) technology, we assessed for age, self-mastery, employment status, attendance at sex education classes, socioeconomic status, and STI prevention knowledge. Results: Slightly more than one-third of the girls did not know that females are more susceptible to STI infections than males; and that having an STI increases the risk of contracting HIV. Almost half …

Moving Beyond Dichotomies: How The Intersection Of Race, Class And Place Impacts High School Graduation Rates For African American Students, Heather L. Storer, Joseph A. Mienko, Yu-Ling Chang, Ji Young Kang, Christina Miyawaki, Katie Schultz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Over thirty years ago, William Julius Wilson declared that class trumped race as the more significant determinant of social mobility and economic opportunity. Despite the acclaim and scrutiny for Wilson's work, the United States has grown increasingly divided by intersecting factors of race, class and other demographic factors such as place (Massey, 2007). These divisions are especially evident in the public education system. We analyze how race, class and place interact to predict high school graduation rates in a national sample of schools and students. Results confirm that a singular focus on race, class, or locale is insufficient to explain …

Racial Attitudes In The New Millennium: Cool Feelings In Hot Times, Sarah E. Cribbs

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In The Declining Significance of Race, William Julius Wilson (1980) stated social class was more influential than race in determining social outcomes for Blacks. This thesis remains a controversial centerpiece among race scholars. This paper examines one part of the overall puzzle of American race relations: white racial attitudes since September 11, 2001. Using Wilson's declining significance of race thesis, I question if white racial attitudes toward Blacks declined significantly from 2002 to 2004. If social class exerts greater influence on social indicators than race in the coming years, will racial prejudice, particularly toward Blacks, also decline in significance? What …

The Significance Of Race For Neighborhood Social Cohesion: Perceived Difficulty Of Collective Action In Majority Black Neighborhoods, Tara Hobson-Prater, Tamara G.J. Leech

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article explores William Julius Wilson's contentions about community cultural traits by examining racial differences in middle class neighborhoods' levels of social cohesion. Specifically, we explore the perceived difficulty of these actions--as opposed to general pessimism about their outcomes--as a potential explanation for low levels of instrumental collective action in Black middle class neighborhoods. Our results indicate that, regardless of other neighborhood factors, majority Black neighborhoods have low levels of social cohesion. We also find that this racial disparity is statistically explained by shared perceptions about the amount of effort required to engage in group action in different neighborhoods. These …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 39, No. 1 (March 2012)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Special Issue on The Declining Significance of Race-Revisited

• EDITORS' INTRODUCTION: REVISITING WILLIAM J. WILSON'S THE DECLINING SIGNIFICANCE OF RACE - Richard K. Caputo and Luisa S. Deprez
• MOVING BEYOND DICHOTOMIES: HOW THE INTERSECTION OF RACE, CLASS AND PLACE IMPACT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS - Heather L. Storer , Joseph A. Mienko, Yu-Ling Chang, Ji Young Kang, Christina Miyawaki, and Katie Schultz
• YOUNG, JOBLESS, AND BLACK: YOUNG BLACK WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS - Raine Dozier
• RACIAL ATTITUDES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: COOL FEELINGS IN HOT TIMES - Sarah E. Cribbs
• THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RACE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL …

Young, Jobless, And Black: Young Black Women And Economic Downturns, Raine Dozier

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This research challenges William Julius Wilson's (1980) postulation that social class has superseded race in predicting economic outcomes among African Americans. Among the evidence Wilson used to support his claim was the strong position of black degree holders, particularly women. Shortly after the publication of The Declining Significance of Race, however, the United States experienced a severe recession and slow recovery, contributing to a marked growth in the black-white wage gap among women. Young black women were particularly hard hit. Over the 1980s, their cumulative work experience became increasingly correlated with educational attainment, leading to an absolute loss in experience …

"Waiting For The White Man To Fix Things:" Rebuilding Black Poverty In New Orleans, Robert L. Hawkins, Katherine Maurer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper revisits William Julius Wilson's thesis that class has surpassed race in significance of impact on African Americans. Our study uses qualitative data from a three-year ethnographic study of 40 largely low-income families in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. We also include a review of the recent U.S. Census study assessing New Orleans's current economic state. Participants in our study viewed race and class as major factors in four areas: (1) immediately following the devastation; (2) during relocation to other communities; (3) during the rebuilding process; and (4) historically and structurally throughout New Orleans. Our analysis concludes that racism …

Towards A Practice-Based Model For Community Practice: Linking Theory And Practice, Amnon Boehm, Ram A. Cnaan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Careful examination of the literature of community practice shows that existing community practice models do not adequately respond to the unique and changing needs of various communities. This article provides an alternative model that challenges the existing models. Based on extensive content analysis of the literature and practice knowledge, this alternative model offers sufficient flexibility to adapt to any particular community. The model is also participatory, process-oriented, and reflective. Herein we first review existing models, provide criteria for assessing their applicability, then introduce the new model, and subsequently discuss its applicability and merit.

The Criminalization Of Immigration: Value Conflicts For The Social Work Profession, Rich Furman, Alissa R. Ackerman, Melody Loya, Susanna Jones, Nalini Negi

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article examines the impact of the criminalization of immigration on non-documented immigrants and the profession of social work. To meet its aims, the article explores the new realities for undocumented immigrants within the context of globalization. It then assesses the criminal justice and homeland security responses to undocumented immigrants, also referred to as the criminalization of immigration. It subsequently explores the ethical dilemmas and value discrepancies for social workers that are implicated in some of these responses. Finally, it presents implications for social workers and the social work profession.

Discerning Reported Suicide Attempts Within A Youthful Offender Population, Christopher A. Mallett, Leaanne Derigne, Linda M. Quinn, Patricia A. Stoddard Dare

Social Work Faculty Publications

With suicide being the third leading cause of death among young people, early identification of risk is critical, particularly for those involved with the juvenile courts. In this study of court-involved youth (N = 433) in two Midwest counties, logistic regression analysis identified some expected and unexpected findings of important demographic, educational, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile court-related variables that were linked to reported suicide attempts. Some of the expected suicide attempt risk factors for these youth included prior psychiatric hospitalization and related mental health services, residential placement, and diagnoses of depression and alcohol dependence. However, the most unexpected …

Intimate Partner Violence And Alcohol Problems In Interethnic And Intra-Ethnic Couples, Karen G. Chartier, Raul Caetano

Social Work Publications

Despite the growing number of interethnic marriages in the U.S., few studies have examined intimate partner violence (IPV) in interethnic couples. This article examined past-year occurrences of IPV across interethnic and intra-ethnic couples and tested correlates of IPV specifically in interethnic couples. Data were from a national survey of couples 18 years of age and older from the 48 contiguous states. Interethnic couples (n = 116) included partners from different ethnic backgrounds, including black-white, Hispanic-white, and black-Hispanic couples. White (n = 555), black (n = 358), and Hispanic (n = 527) intra-ethnic couples included partners with …

Labor Unions, Corporations And Right-To-Work Laws: Impacts On The American Economy, Cara Robinson

Social Work and Urban Studies Faculty Research

The labor movement of the U. S. continues to bring the issue of worker rights to the forefront of American policy debates. As the American economy again has shifted from one based on manufacturing and the production of hard goods to one reliant upon human, financial and informational services, the labor movement faces new challenges. Labor unions and business leaders continue to disagree on the proper role of collective action and the effectiveness of policies aimed at the workplace sector. Today, one of the largest debates is the continued role and expansion of Right-to-Work (RTW) legislation. The debate is often …

Historically Black Colleges And Universities: Sustaining A Culture Of Excellence In The 21st Century, Nia I. Cantey, Robert Bland, Lakerri R. Mack, Danielle Joy Davis

Social Work and Urban Studies Faculty Research

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) continue to provide a substantial role in the black community and in higher education by providing a culture of excellence. Yet, their role in higher education is the center of many academic and political debates. Defining this role has been thwarted with questions of HBCUs relevance in society, in the African American community, and in higher education. The relevance of HBCUs is neither the dilemma nor the question for higher education and HBCUs. The conundrum for HBCUs is ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary tools to address global and economic 21^{st …}

Keeping Them In Their Place: Migrant Women Workers In Spain’S Strawberry Industry, Susan E. Mannon, Peggy Petrzelka, Arash Garrossian, Claudia Radel

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The idea of guest-worker migration has resurfaced in recent decades as the global agri-food industry has confronted a shortage of workers willing to take low-wage and often seasonal jobs. To date, there have been very few cases studies of these twenty-first century guest-worker programs and their role in managing contemporary labor migration. This article examines guest-worker migration in the strawberry industry of southern Spain. In this case, guest-worker programs at- tempt to regulate and enforce the circular migration of foreign workers in Spain. By making future work contracts contingent on migrants’ return to their country of origin, by recruiting migrant …

“First You Must Master Pain:” The Nature And Purpose Of Apprenticeship, David F. Lancy

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The goal of this study is to distill from a large body of literature on children learning crafts, such as pottery and weaving, the characteristics of apprenticeship as a distinct phenomenon. Currently apprenticeship is considered indistinguishable from other, more informal, means of skill transmission. From the literature survey, eleven attributes are identified as belonging to the archetypal apprenticeship. The analysis then advances to consider the genesis or raison d’etre for the apprenticeship. The argument is advanced that the apprenticeship is designed to simultaneously train novices in specific craft or trade skills while socializing them to join the social and cultural …

Utilization Of Mental Health Services Among Mexican-Americans, Carmen Isabel Mendoza, Maria Sanjuana. Olmos

Theses Digitization Project

This study explores the relationship between culture and the utilization of mental health services among Mexican-Americans.

Does Internalized Homonegativity Cause Depression In Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Individuals?, Guadalupe Vasquez Garfias

Theses Digitization Project

Past studies indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexuals, or transgendered (LGBT) are at an elevated risk of physical, psychological and mental health isuues. This paper seeks to investigate if internalized homonegativity is correlated to depression. It discusses the bio-psycho-social factors that may lead to internalized homonegativity and how internalized homonegativity is formed.

The Influence Of Surviving Children In Mitigating Symptoms Of Grief In Bereaved Parents, Jennifer Lynn Kachelek

Theses Digitization Project

This study seeks to answer questions on the effects of the presence of surviving children on bereaved parents' grief. Bereaved parents have been shown to be at risk for psychological, social and health related conditions due to the unique type of grief experienced from the loss of a child. Increasing knowledge related to factors that influence how bereaved parents process grief could lead to interventions becoming more appropriate in addressing the specific needs of this population.

Medical Decision Making Among Mexican-American Elderly Women, Norma Patricia Toro-Hernandez

Theses Digitization Project

Access to medical coverage has been a topic of constant disussion for many years, in particular accessibility for Mexican-American elderly women to have their medical needs met. Consequently, many elderly women use alternative forms of medicine such as 'remedios caseros' (herbal medicine) as a means to get their medical needs met. The purpose of this study was to understand the reasons elderly women continue to use alternative medicine even when they are elgible for health insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances.

Attitudes About Sexual Intimacy In The Veterans Home Of California-Barstow, Eric Efren Reyes

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to measure staff attitudes about sexual intimacy in the Veterans Home of California-Barstow (VHCB). Participants were twenty-seven VHCB staff members. The data collected was used for the purpose of understanding, and then formulating suggestions for implementing better institutional interventions and policy in the VHCB.

Knowledge And Perceptions Of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Among Master Of Social Work Students, Allison Marie Hixon

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and perception of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community among Master of Social Work students (MSW) at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB). This study is necessary because the LGBT community remains a vulnerable and discriminated group that utilizes both social and mental health services.

The Influence Of Social Support On Depression Among Seniors Over 65 Living In Their Homes, Marilene Reed

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social support on depression among seniors over 65 years of age living in their homes. As part of the aging process, most elderly will face many losses and stresses such as the loss of income, family and friends, and the decline of health and mental capacities.

The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support And Criminal Recidivism For Asian Pacific Islanders, Vuong Thanh Vo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to determine if a relationship exists between perceived social support from family and friends and criminal recidivism for Asian Pacific Islanders residing in California.

Tri-Level Assisted Living For The Elderly And Its Correlation With Depression And Quality Of Life, Stephanie Jean Berberich

Theses Digitization Project

This study tried to see if there is a correlation with the level of care an elderly person receives in a tri-level assisted living home and the quality of life they perceive and the level of depression they experience. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. 18 participants were individually interviewed and were verbally administered the tests and questionnaire from a local tri-level assisted living facility in San Bernardino County which has 103 residents.

Improving Community Adaptation Outcomes For Youth Graduating From Residential Mental Health Programs: A Synthesis Review (Executive Summary), Gary Cameron, T. Smit-Quosai, Karen Frensch

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

Based on results from a synthesis review, this Executive Summary highlights elements of a proposed integrated program configuration that shows a demonstrated capacity to foster successful community adaptation for children and youth graduating from children's residential mental health programs. An expanded discussion of the synthesis review findings is available in both a full length synthesis report and summary version.

The Chore Curriculum, David F. Lancy

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The term “curriculum” in chore curriculum conveys the idea that there is a discernible regularity to the process whereby children attempt to learn, then master and finally, carry out their chores. While the academic or “core” curriculum (of Math, English, Science) found in schools is formal and imposed on students in a top–down process, the chore curriculum is informal and emerges in the interaction of children’s need to fit in and emulate those older, their developing cognitive and sensorimotor capacity, the division of labor within the family and the nature of the tasks (chores) themselves. The primary theme of this …

Social Workers' Perspectives Of Factors Affecting Re-Entry Rates, Kristina Danielle Gordon, Lengpea Yang

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to investigate what factors social workers' perceive to contribute to re-entry rates of children after successful reunification with their families.

What Effect Does Information Technology Have On The Elderly And Their Family (S), Tom Allen Harrell

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to find definitive changes within the dynamics of friendships and families in relation to the questions of information and communication technology (ICT) use and how it affects social capital of the elderly and their families and friends. What is now considered ordinary operations such as dialing, texting, photographing, gaming, email and voice mail, downloading, etc., is not viewed as ordinary forms of communication by some people and particularly, not by portions of the elderly population.

High School Gay-Straight Alliances And Adult Lesbian, Gay, Bisxual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning And Intersex Resilence, Monique Quitoriano Manriquez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between being part of a Gay- Straight Alliance during high school and a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQQI) individual's resilience. The results of this research can benefit not only members of the LGBTQQI community but also schools, the students themselves who may suffer, organizations and supporters of this community.