Social Work Commons^™

How Life Marker Events Affect The Grieving Process Of Elderly Caregivers Who Have Lost Their Spouses: An Exploratory Study, Gayle E. Galarneau

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study examines how life marker events, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, affect the grieving process of elderly caregivers who have lost their spouses. The study looked at what feelings the participants remembered having on life marker event days during the self-defined periods of their bereavement. The purposive sample was chosen from clients of Senior Community Services. Four women between the ages of 75 and 85 who had lost their spouses not less than eighteen months and not over two years prior to the study being conducted participated in structured interviews. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions that helped …

Minority Social Workers' Perspective Regarding The Recruitment And Retention Of People Of Color In The Social Work Profession, Dana M. Bennett

Theses and Graduate Projects

Despite the fact that a large portion of people seeking social services are of minority cultural groups, few of-the professionals providing those services are people of color. Research indicates that many factors contribute to the recruitment and retention of people of color in the social work profession. This qualitative study of 8 social work professionals of color explored contributing factors from their perspective. Findings suggest that several barriers exist to the recruitment and retention of people of color in the social work field such as racism, lack of support, and lack of understanding of cultural differences. The findings illustrate that …

The 1998 Minnesota Legislation For The Prevention Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Policy Analysis, Mary J. Arfmann

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study is an analysis of the 1998 prevention legislation in Minnesota. Interview questions were sent to the identified authors of the legislation, opponents, and selected county social service agencies. The policy framework authored by Karger and Stoesz (1998) was used to construct the interview questions. The questions were used to gather the data needed for the analysis.

The findings from the analysis suggested that there was overall support for the concept of prevention efforts but there was confusion, misunderstandings, and lack of consistent and uniform training and implementation of the legislation at the time of data collection. Evidence from …

Family Members Of Gays And Lesbians Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Diane M. Jorgensen

Theses and Graduate Projects

Homophobic attitudes are detrimental to the safety and well-being of gays and lesbians. To determine how attitudes in family members of gays and lesbians are formed, how they change, and what effect having a gay or lesbian family member has on attitudes toward homosexuality, 10 Central Minnesota parents of gays and lesbians were interviewed. Results were related to theories of social deviance, social construction, and cognitive dissonance. Findings indicate parents' initial attitudes were influenced by societal institutions, parents changed their attitudes out of love for their children, and attitudes were changed through research and membership in parent support groups. As …

Social Workers' Experience Of Implementing Therapeutic Touch: A Hermeneutic Study, Sheila V. Greene

Theses and Graduate Projects

Literature exists that reflects the growing use of therapeutic touch within the health care field. This qualitative study was undertaken to expand the knowledge of implementing therapeutic touch into social work practice. This interpretive study presents shared meanings and a common theme uncovered, using hermeneutics research methodology, in the transcribed tests of in-depth interviews with social workers that are utilizing therapeutic touch practices. One theme - healing - was traced throughout the participants' narratives and was verified through excerpts from the texts of their interviews. Discussion of related literature expanded the interpretations presented. Implications for social work practice and policy …

Meeting The Mental Health Needs Of Adolescents With An Ebd Label: An Exploratory Study, Melanie Rivers

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is an exploratory research study focusing on identifoing and meeting the needs of middle school and high school students who have been given a label as being emotionally and/or behaviorally disabled (EBD). St. Paul Public Schools' Social workers serving EBD students were surveyed in order to provide insight into the characteristics and needs of this group, Adolescents with an EBD label (emotionally and/or behaviorally disabled/disordered) may be the most vulnerable group of the "at risk" youth population. The goal of this study was to identify gaps in the current system designed to service this population. The information was collected …

The Effects Of Client Suicide On A Therapist, Jennifer Gail Ranum Hilgers

Theses and Graduate Projects

Suicide is often described as an occupational hazard of working as a therapist because of the potential impact it has on the therapist. Using a qualitative design, five therapists were interviewed to explore their experiences of dealing with client suicide. The results were related to the theories of cognitive appraisal of stress, the theory of cognitive adaptation, and constructivist self development theory. Findings of the present study indicate that, the suicide of a client can have profound effects upon the therapist's personal and professional 1ife. Therapists found that agencies lack protocol for client suicide, often leaving the therapist feeling unprepared …

The Interaction Between Therapist Personal Sexual Trauma History And Client Sexual Trauma Material, Jennifer L. Mcvay

Theses and Graduate Projects

As it becomes more common in the United States for survivors to seek professional assistance in healing, therapists are experiencing an increase in the number of their clients identifying as sexual trauma survivors. These clients often suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are likely to reenact the traumatic events that necessitated therapy, thus exposing their therapists to vicarious trauma. In 60- to 90-minute interviews, this study explored the experiences of female therapists with personal sexual trauma histories in their work with survivors of sexual trauma. The findings demonstrate that a therapist's location in her own healing process and professional …

A Hermeneutics Study: The Spirituality Of Adults With A Terminal Illness In A Hospice Program, Ginny K. Backman

Theses and Graduate Projects

Despite the increasing literature on the significance of spirituality to individuals with a terminal illness, specific research focused on the spirituality of individuals in hospice is limited to several quantitative studies, only one with a qualitative component. This qualitative study expands understanding or experience through hermeneutic analysis of in-depth interviews with three individuals with a terminal illness. The individual's narratives revealed "believing" as the way they found meaning in the present moment. "Always believing" and "adamantly believing" in a Supreme Being gave their daily lives meaning and direction. They were steadfast in leaving all to God for this life and …

A Pilot Study On The Comprehensiveness Of The Minnesota Family Investment Program, Tracy L. Norstad

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFRP) is Minnesota's version of the welfare reform mandated hy the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996. This exploratory qualitative study looked at the comprehensiveness of MFIP by interviewing parents who were using a local Crisis Nursery drop-in center and were receiving MFIP. This study explored whether the parents perceived that being on MFIP influenced their need for crisis nursery services or the decision to use the crisis nursery drop-in service. The interview focused on MFIP resources, the parents' need to be on MFIP, and their need to use the Crisis …

Review Of Open Moral Communities. Seymore J. Mandelbaum. Reviewed By Alice K. Johnson, Alice K. Johnson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Seymour J. Mandelbaum. Open Moral Communities. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2000. $30.00 hardcover.

Review Of Social Work Education: Its Origins In Europe. Katherine Kendall. Creating A New Profession: The Beginnings Of Social Work Education In The Unites States. Leslie Leighninger. Reviewed By James Midgley, James Midgley

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Katherine Kendall, Social Work Education: Its Origins in Europe. Alexandria, Council on Social Work Education,2000. $21.95 papercover and Leslie Leighninger, Creating a New Profession: The Beginnings of Social Work Education in the United States. Alexandria, Council on Social Work Education, 2000. $18.95 papercover.

A Short History Of Sociological Theory. Alan Swinglewood

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Alan Swinglewood, A Short History of Sociological Theory. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000. $65.00 hardcover, $24.95 papercover.

E. Franklin Frazier's Theory Of The Black Family: Vindication And Sociological Insight, Clovis E. Semmes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite many accolades, E. Franklin Frazier, the first African American to be elected to the American Sociological Society, is also an object of scorn. Specifically, some accuse Frazier of a view that blames the ills of the Black community on female-headed households, illegitimacy, and family disorganization. Some also accuse Frazier of characterizing the Black family as broken and pathological and the opinion that families must be formal and nuclear in order to be viable. This paper argues that these representations of Frazier are mistaken and offers a more accurate and holistic portrayal of Frazier's sociological judgements and theorizing regarding the …

Work Values Of Students And Their Success In Studying At The Study Centre For Social Work In Zagreb, Croatia, Mladen Knežiević, Marija Ovsenik

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Work values are relatively common and permanent goals that we want to achieve through our professional roles. According to a number of research studies, work values are acquired relatively early in the process of socialization, and they are relatively strong and unchangeable. In this article we investigate the question, whether among the students of social work there is any relation between such gained work values and success in studying. The results show that the value of altruism, which most characteristically distinguishes social work as a profession, is significantly correlated with success in studying. On the other hand, the correlation between …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 28, No. 2 (June 2001)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• E. FRANKLIN FRAZIER'S THEORY OF THE BLACK FAMILY: VINDICATION AND SOCIOLOGICAL INSIGHT - Clovis E. Semmes
• BIRACIAL SENSITIVE PRACTICE: EXPANDING SOCIAL SERVICES TO AN INVISIBLE POPULATION - Ronald E. Hall
• WORK VALUES OF STUDENTS AND THEIR SUCCESS IN STUDYING AT THE STUDY CENTRE FOR SOCIAL WORK IN ZAGREB, CROATIA - Mladen Knezevic and Marija Ovsenik
• FROM PLANT CLOSURE TO REEMPLOYMENT IN THE NEW ECONOMY: RISKS TO WORKERS DISLOCATED FROM THE DECLINING GARMENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY - Cynthia Rocha
• BEYOND THE RANK AND FILE MOVEMENT: MARY VAN KLEECK AND SOCIAL WORK RADICALISM IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION, 1931-1942 - Patrick …

Changing Patterns Of Acute Psychiatric Hospitalization Under A Public Managed Care Program, Christopher G. Hudson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study evaluates changes in patterns of acute psychiatric hospitalization under Massachusetts' Medicaid-funded Mental Health and Substance Abuse (MMHSA) carve-out program. The data consists of the Case Mix Database, for FY 1996 and FY 1997, compiled by the state's Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, on all acute hospital episodes in the state. Key comparisons involve hospital utilization during the nine months preceding the 1996 implementation of the current expanded carve-out program and the subsequent 15 months of its implementation. Secondary comparisons are made between patients funded by the state's two major Medicaid programs, its behavioral carve-out and its …

Review Of The Struggle For Control Of Public Education: Market Ideology Vs. Democratic Values. Michael Engel. Reviewed By Leon Ginsberg, Leon Ginsberg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Michael Engel, The Struggle for the Control of Public Education, Market Ideology vs. Democratic Values. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2000. $54.50 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

Beyond The Rank And File Movement: Mary Van Kleeck And Social Work Radicalism In The Great Depression, 1931-1942, Patrick Selmi, Richard Hunter

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In this article we critically examine the radical views and actions of Mary van Kleeck during the Great Depression. As the Director of Industrial Studies for the Russell Sage Foundation, van Kleeck was arguably the most prominent radical woman affiliated with social work during the Great Depression; however, current scholarship has limited her contributions to social work's radical minded rank and file movement. In this study, we redress this situation through an analysis of her work both within and without the rank and file movement. We pay special attention to her efforts to promote social planning, organized labor, and advanced …

Review Of Principles Of Social Justice. David Miller. Reviewed By Dorothy Van Soest, Dorothy Van Soest

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of David Miller, Principles of Social Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000. $19.95 papercover.

The Female Circumcision Controversy: An Anthropoligical Perspective. Ellen Greunbaum

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Ellen Greunbaum, The Female Circumcision Controversy: An Anthropological Perspective. Philadelphia: Pennsylvania University Press, 2000. $55 hardcover, $24.95 papercover.

The Postmodern Presidency: Bill Clinton's Legacy In U.S. Politics. Steven E. Schier (Ed.)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Steven E. Schier (Ed.), The Postmodern Presidency: Bill Clinton's Legacy in U.S. Politics. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2000. $45.00 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

Biracial Sensitive Practice: Expanding Social Services To An Invisible Population, Ronald E. Hall

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Although literature acknowledges the existence of a biracial population, there has been minimal discussion of the differences indicative of biracial clients and how these differences impact provision of services. Too frequently, race criterion has been utilized to categorize biracial clients resulting in an all but invisible population. A biracial individual may then assume a multiplicity of identities including African-, Asian-, Latino- and Native-American, when negotiating with macro institutions including social services. As an alternative to racial paradigms, identity across the lifespan is suggested as a more comprehensive model for biracial clients. In the aftermath said clients will be rendered visible …

From Plant Closure To Reemployment In The New Economy: Risks To Workers Dislocated From The Declining Garment Manufacturing Industry, Cynthia Rocha

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The current study investigates financial and emotional consequences to workers as the U.S. economy continues to shift from a manufacturing to a service economy. One hundred eighty-eight garment workers were surveyed before their plant closed in 1998 and six months later to assess reemployment opportunities, financial difficulty and emotional well-being. All workers experienced some financial difficulty after the plant closed, with single parents reporting the greatest financial difficulty. Workers who became immediately reemployed lost an average of $2.41 in wages per hour. Sixteen percent of the sample lost their health insurance. Overall depression and anxiety scores declined over six months, …

Welfare Reform Sanctions And Financial Strain In A Food-Pantry Sample, Jean Oggins, Amy Fleming

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Survey and interview data about life after welfare reform were collected from food pantry clients in upstate New York in 1997 and 1999. By 1999, respondents were increasingly likely to have no work or benefits. Having no work or benefits was also associated with having been penalized (sanctioned) for not working or for noncompliance with welfare rules. Sanctions for not working averaged 89 days. Clients sanctioned for job loss tended to report problems with health (including children's health). Sanctioned individuals reported relatively high levels of financial strain, unstable housing, children's changing schools, and lack of a phone. Implications for policy …

Managed Care And Social Work: Practice Implications In An Era Of Change, Sophia F. Dziegielewski, Diane C. Holliman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The purpose of this article is to explore the role of the clinical social worker in a time of unprecedented change. The events of the last decade have transformed health care delivery as well as professional performance expectations. To facilitate understanding, the environmental considerations that surround these changes are traced and discussed. A direct linkage is made to clinical social work practice and suggestions for the future survival of the profession is discussed. These suggestions include: (1) a greater focus on behaviorally-based outcomes that result in cost-beneficial service provision; (2) increased marketing of social work services to health care providers; …

Review Of Philanthropic Foundations For The Twentieth Century. Joseph C. Kiger. Reviewed By Ralph Kramer, Ralph M. Kramer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Joseph C. Kiger, Philanthropic Foundations in the Twentieth Century. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2000. $55.00 hardcover.

Review Of Challenges Of Urban Education: Sociological Perspectives For The Next Century. Karen A. Mcclafferty, Carlos Alberto Torres And Theodor R. Mitchell (Eds.). Reviewed By Chad Ellett, Chad D. Ellett

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Karen A. McClafferty, Carlos Alberto Torres and Theodor R. Mitchell (Eds.), Challenges of Urban Education: Sociological Perspectives for the Next Century. Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 2000. $19.95 papercover.

Citizenship And Migration: Globalization And The Politics Of Belonging. Stephen Castles And Alastair Davidson.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Stephen Castles and Alastair Davidson, Citizenship and Migration: Globalization and the Politics of Belonging. New York: Routledge, 2000. $85.00 hardcover, $22.95 papercover.

Unemployment And Government: Genealogies Of The Social. William Walters

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

William Walters, Unemployment and Government: Genealogies of the Social. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2000. $64.96 hardcover.