Sociology Commons^™

The Impact Of Privatized Management In Urban Public Housing Communities: A Comparative Analysis Of Perceived Crime, Neighborhood Problems, And Personal Safety, Stan L. Bowie

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent groups assessed the impact of privatized management on crime and personal safety in large public housing communities in Miami, Florida. A randomly-selected sample (N = 503) of low-income African Americans living in 42 different housing "projects" were surveyed. Privatized sites had greater mean values for break-ins and thefts (m = 2.03, S.D. = 1.47, p<.01) and vacant apartment usage. Publicly-managed sites had higher mean values for shootings and violence (m = 2.52, S.D. = 1.67, p<.01). While there were no statistically significant differences in perceived personal safety, publicly-managed respondents expressed greater satisfaction with police services. Privatized management did not result in significantly more positive outcomes and social services utilization was associated with less violent crime. Implications are discussed for public housing crime, federal housing policy, and future research.

Review Of The Course Of Gay And Lesbian Lives: Social And Psychoanalytical Perspectives. Betram J. Cohler And Robert M. Galatzer-Levy. Reviewed By Ronald J. Mancoske 215 The Gender Division Of Welfare: The Impact Of British, Ronald J. Mancoske

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Bertram J. Cohler and Robert M. Galatzer-Levy, The Course of Gay and Lesbian Lives: Social and Psychoanalytical Perspectives. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. $50.00 hardcover.

The Potentials For Cross-Gender Mentoring, J. Douglas Penn

Masters Theses

The youth of today are being confronted with more diverse choices than ever. With trends like close to 70% of African-American youth (in 1994) growing up in single-parented homes, many youth are left to make these critical choices without access to sufficient numbers of trusted adults. As the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development Concluded: "Many young people feel a desperate sense of isolation. Surrounded only by their equally confused peers, too many make poor decisions with harmful or lethal consequences" (1989). The job of social policy now must be to match these diverse choices with an equally diverse supply of …

Private Food Assistance In A Small Metropolitan Area: Urban Resources And Rural Needs, Joseph J. Molnar, Patricia A. Duffy, Latoya Claxton, Conner Bailey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Food banks and other private feeding programs have become an institutionalized component of the social welfare system in over 190 urban areas in the U.S. More recently, private food assistance has gained importance in rural areas as well. The density and capacity of agencies to serve the poor is higher in urban areas than in sparsely populated rural locales where distance and dispersal tend to be barriers to supplying and accessing donated food. Rural food distribution strategies thus must be qualitatively different than those in larger communities, because of the smaller-scale, more informal distributional system. Little is known about how …

Review Of Black Working Wives: Pioneers Of The American Family Revolution. Bart Landry. Review By Tracey Mabrey, Tracey Mabrey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Bart Landry, Black Working Wives: Pioneers of the American Family Revolution. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2000.

Review Of Back To Middletown: Three Generations Of Sociological Reflections. Rita Caccamo. Review By Robert D. Leighninger Jr., Robert D. Leighninger Jr.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Rita Caccamo, Back to Middletown: Three Generations of Sociological Reflections. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2000. $45.00 hardcover.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 28, No. 3 (September 2001)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS - SPECIAL ISSUE: EVALUATION OF TANF

• THE IMPACT OF THE ECONOMY AND WELFARE POLICY ON WELFARE ACCESSIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE REFORMS - Vicky N. Albert and William C. King
• THE TRANSITION FROM AFDC TO PRWORA IN FLORIDA: PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROLE OF CASE MANAGER IN WELFARE REFORM - Adela Beckerman and Leonard Fontana
• A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON FAMILIES THAT RECEIVE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) - Christopher R. Larrison, Larry Nackerud and Ed Risler
• THE HISTORICAL UNIQUENESS OF THE CLINTON WELFARE REFORMS: A NEW LEVEL OF SOCIAL MISERY? - Larry Patriquin
• AN EXPLORATION INTO INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT …

Review Of The Politics Of Gay Rights. Craig A. Rimmerman, Kenneth D. Wald, Clyde Wilcox (Eds.). Review By John F. Longres, John F. Longres

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Craig A. Rimmerman, Kenneth D. Wald, Clyde Wilcox (Eds.), The Politics of Gay Rights. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. $68.00 hardcover, $19.00 papercover.

Review Of Loving Across The Color Line: A White Adoptive Mother Learns About Race. Sharon E. Rush. Review By Jill Duerr Berrick, Jill Duerr Berrick

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Sharon E. Rush, Loving across the color line. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2000. $23.95 hardcover.

The Economic Cost Of Depressive Disorders: Evidence From A Large Midwest Public University, Alketa Hysenbegasi

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to estimate the total cost of depression and the benefits of its treatment per diagnosed depressed student in Western Michigan University. To accomplish this, first, I measure the overall impact of depression and the effectiveness of its treatment on the student school performance. The empirical evidence show that diagnosed depression decreases student GPA by 0.48 points (almost a half grade), but this impairment is reduced by treatment about 0.43 points. Further, I develop and validate different measurements of student school performance and I observe that the negative effect of diagnosed depression and the positive effect of treatment …

Football Yobbery: The Social Organization Of European Soccer, Pakky M. Gerkin

Masters Theses

This study is an investigation of European football fans, known as hooligans. For this research, I went to the European Football Championships in the summer of 2000. During a two-month field research project, I observed the soccer games and the many fans who gathered for the tournament. In the course of the research, I spoke with several individuals and explored the existing literature in the sociology of sport. This work has been created through a combination of my own ethnographic work, and an extensive literature review. I have attempted to interweave both my own experiences and those of others to …

This Is The Price We Pay: A Study Of Divorce In The U.A.E. From Divorced Women's Perspectives, Wadha Al Nuaimi

Masters Theses

This study aims to answer these questions: What is the process of divorce in the U.A.E? When do women in the U.A.E reach the point where they can't stay with their husbands? Why does a close intimate relationship break up? What are the connections between social, economic, and cultural environment in the U.A.E and the divorced women who live within them?

Qualitative methods based on interviews of 20 divorced women citizens who initiated the divorce process in the city of Al Ain have been used. The study showed that there are six stages in the divorce process: disillusionment, expressing concern, …

“Welcome To Prime-Time, Bitch”: The Nightmare On Elm Street Film Series And The Social Problematic Of Mediated Quasi-Interaction, Jason Rapelje

Masters Theses

This thesis explores how scenes of conflict within the "Nightmare on Elm Street" film series articulate four problematic characteristics of mediated quasi-interaction. The exploration is achieved partly by turning these four problematic characteristics into four "metaphorical anxiety themes," the occurrence of which is kept track of as they appear within the conflict scenes. Afterward, select scenes of conflict are reinterpreted based around the concept of "pseudo-ontology," which is used to uncover the ideological significance of the main characters' actions. Overall, the findings display that the films' articulation of the four metaphorical anxiety themes, alone and in combination, decrease …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

The Politicization Of Ethnicity As A Prelude To Ethnopolitical Conflict: Croatia And Serbia In Former Yugoslavia, Agneza Bozic-Roberson

Dissertations

This interdisciplinary research develops a framework or a model for the study of the politicization of ethnicity, a process that transforms peaceful ethnic conflict into violent inter-ethnic conflict. The hypothesis investigated in this study is that the ethnopolitical conflict that led to the break up of former Yugoslavia was the result of deliberate politicization of ethnicity. The model consists o f three variables— ethnic entrepreneurs as actors, and mass media and political rhetoric as their tools for politicization of ethnicity. Ethnic entrepreneurs, with a conscious interest in mobilizing ethnicity, are given this opportunity in transitional societies in which politicized ethnicity …

Aging Beauty: The Adaptive Reconstruction Of The Aging Process In Women, Sheila Marie Bluhm

Dissertations

The youth-based, patriarchal culture in which we live bestows valuable status, power and prestige upon young, beautiful women. Within the standards of this society, the natural aging process progressively deteriorates a woman's beauty, and, therefore, her social worth. A vast network of media and societal messages prompt middle-aged women to react to this devaluation. Several pathways or behavioral alternatives are available as reactions, adaptive reconstructions, and/or the medicalization of the aging process in women. The goal of this sociological/gerontological exploratory research is to identify, examine, label, and categorize the multiple options available to midlife women.

The primary method used for …

A Systems Approach To Designing An Internship Model That Benefits The Sponsoring Organization, Peter-Cornelius Dams

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Gender Differences In The Career Paths And Wages In The Japanese Labor Market, Machiko Kitagawa

Masters Theses

This study examines the gender gap in career patterns in the Japanese labor force, with particular attention to the role of education. A chief concern regarding employment for women is the worsening situation of college-educated women in terms of wages and employment opportunities.

Two cohorts of age groups, 25-29 and 40-44, are used to examine gender differences in career paths by educational level. The latter section of study examines the determinants of the average monthly earnings of male and female regular employees.

Analysis revealed significant differences between men's and women's employment patterns and wages during the middle ages. The study …

The Impact Of Peer Pressure On Self-Reported Alcohol And Other Drug Use, Daniel D. White

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of peer pressure upon eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade use of alcohol and other drugs. Data related to the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana were analyzed to determine the effect that peer pressure has on the use of these substances. Other relationships considered were sex, grade level, and race, based on the literature in this area.

The data that were chosen for this study included 141 Michigan public school districts and were based on the responses of 16,760 students in 1992-93, and 15,283 students in 1994-95.

The results indicate …

Examining Corrections Policy And Practice In Response To Indiana's Zachary's Law: A Regional Analysis, Janine A. Ralston

Masters Theses

This study provides an analysis of a criminal justice agency's policy and practice to examine if they reflect specific objectives of Indiana registry and notification laws. Prior research suggests that for objectives of sex offender registry and notification laws to be realized, they be reflected system-wide, and in policies and practices of criminal justice agencies. The agency selected for this study is the Indiana Department of Correction. A combination of policy and statistical analysis, interviews with key agency personnel, and compilation of agency documents provides a triangulated approach to addressing this inquiry.

This study found that while some policies and …

An Analysis Of The Past, Present, And Future Of Title Ix In Intercollegiate Athletics Through Various Case Studies, Specifically Western Michigan University, Tara L. Becker

Honors Theses

Although collegiate athletics i only a small portion of Title IX, it has been the most widely discussed and controversial part of the law to implement. It seems that colleges and universities have had the most trouble complying with the specifics of the law. However, they have made great strides since the days of the predominantly male world of collegiate sports in the past. This paper examines historical controversies, and takes a closer look at the impact of Title IX at Western Michigan University.

Correlates Of Life Satisfaction After Retirement, Richard A. Tackett

Dissertations

Much of the literature on aging, retirement, and stages of life has focused on men. The changing role from productive members of society to that of being retired can be either viewed as an opportunity to experience new adventures or depressing for those who are unable to move successfully into the next developmental stage of life. This study examined factors that could contribute to life satisfaction in 144 individuals who were over 65 years of age. The factors that were included in this examination are self-esteem, morale, depression, and demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, marital status, income, …

The Sense Of Coherence In Adjustment To Widowhood, Nora Dorothy Hartung

Masters Theses

The purpose for this study is to discover if a feature of personality, the Sense of Coherence, is a factor in the adjustment of women to widowhood. It has been suggested that women with a strong Sense of Coherence (SOC) will use adaptive behaviors and resources in their transition to widowhood. My observation at the church I attend is the reason for this inquiry.

The method used in this research is a questionnaire administered at six senior centers of Senior Services Inc., in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A sample (n tested. 50) of widowed women were tested.

A questionnaire was administered to …

The Influence Of Race On Ethical Decision-Making Regarding Nonsexual Dual Relationships, Beatrice Antly Tatem

Dissertations

Ethical decision-making is a crucial part of the daily practice of psychologists. Psychologists are faced with the challenge of developing ethical decision-making strategies that effectively address the dilemmas associated with dual relationships. Nonsexual dual relationship is defined in this research as a clinical professional relationship that occurs simultaneously with a nonsexual professional and/or personal relationship. Psychologists, regardless of the environment in which they work or the client population with whom they work, can experience a nonsexual dual relationship.

The current study investigated whether ethnographic therapist characteristics influence the interpretation and application of the APA Ethical Guidelines and thus psychologists’ decision-making …

The Grandparent-Raising-Grandchildren Phenomenon In Michigan, Linda Gail Kimball

Dissertations

Role theory, specifically the incongruous and time-disordered role fit confronted by grandparent caregivers, provides the theoretical basis for this inductive qualitative research study.

A cohort of thirty-five grandparent caregivers, predominantly White, middle-income, older and married, participated in this study. Also included were seven leaders of support groups for grandparents responsible for raising their grandchildren.

Instrumentation included 23 questions to elicit demographic information from the grandparent caregiver. Additionally, the grandparents and the support group leaders responded to a set of focused questions designed to identify (a) the issues facing grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren, (b) the implications for …

Nudists In The Know: Investigating Social Assumptions Of A Clothed Society, Sandra E. Schroer

Masters Theses

This work is an institutional ethnography on the ruling relations of clothing in society. Research was conducted through a standpoint methodology which combines interviews, participant observation and the first hand experiences of the researcher.

The interview data reveals nudists' belief in a social preoccupation with body ideals and the power structures created by some uses of clothing. The subjects in this research apply their experiences in both the clothed world and the non-clothed world to expose the implications of the social structures of clothing which appear to effect interpersonal relationships, gender and disability, inequality, prejudice and ageism.

In addition, the …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 28, No. 1 (March 2001)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• DEFINING HUMAN SERVICES - Chaim Zins
• SOCIAL WORK AND LABOR: A LOOK AT THE NORTH AMERICAN AGREEMENT ON LABOR COOPERATION - Constance Phelps
• CRIME RATES AND CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE: AMERICA'S CHANGING ATTITUTES TOWARD CRIME AND POLICY, 1972-1999 - Georgia Ackerman, Bobbie Anderson, Scott Jensen, Randy Ludwig, Darrel Montero, Nicole Plante, and Vince Yanez
• THE EFFECTIVENESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF A TEEN CURFEW LAW - Richard D. Sutphen and Janet Ford
• THE INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF GRANDMOTHER-GRANDCHILD CO-RESIDENCY - Richard K. Caputo
• THE TRANSFORMATION OF RUSSIAN SOCIAL POLICY IN THE TRANSITION TOWARD A MARKET ECONOMY - Isabel Pla Julian …