Sociology Commons^™

The Social Construction Of A Nonabuser Image: A Study Of A Post-Treatment Male Abuser Self-Help Group, Bruce Alan Bidgood

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This paper chronicles the experiences of the members of a post-treatment mutual support group for wife abusers (MS group). A review of the accumulated research on male abuser interventions suggests that this field is dominated by positivist program evaluative efforts. There is a paucity of qualitative research initiatives into the experiences of this population. The paper attempts to contribute to the very small but growing body of qualitative research on male abusers through the description of a grounded theory-naturalistic inquiry investigation into the individual and organizational strategies used by the members to construct an image of themselves as non-abusers. The …

A Healing Story: A Family Systems View Of The Intertwining Of Family Stories With The Biblical Narrative, John Frederick Nunns

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

God's covenant with Abraham embodied a promise of a great family beginning with a son being born to Sarah in her old age. Abraham is considered a man of great faith. What drove Abraham's faith? Was it an altruistic desire to serve God or was it a strong desire to have a family or an intertwining of both‘? This thesis proposes to examine how emotional family process shapes our faith and how faith development shapes our ‘families’. Every family has a story to tell. ln the introduction I share my family story. The focus of chapter one is how God's …

Vol. 2, No. 3: Xenophobia: Hostility 'Growing Alarmingly', Vincent Williams, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

No abstract provided.

Vol. 2, No. 2: The Revolving Door, Vincent Williams, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

No abstract provided.

No. 06: Trading Places: Cross-Border Traders And The South African Informal Sector, Sally Pederby, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

Non-South African street traders are often portrayed in the South African media as “illegal”, ill-educated, new arrivals who take opportunities from South Africans and money from the country. The findings of this study challenge some of the basic myths about non-South African street traders and their activities.

The study also makes policy recommendations for changes in both immigration and customs policy on informal cross-border trade. The study examines the participation of non-South African street traders in regional cross-border trade and its implications for customs and immigration policy.

The study focuses on traders in the handicraft and curio sector, as they …

Vol. 2, No. 1: Anti-Foreigners, But Not Obsessed, Vincent Williams, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

No abstract provided.

No. 04: Silenced By Nation-Building: African Immigrants And Language Policy In The New South Africa, Maxine Reitzes, Nigel Crawhall

Southern African Migration Programme

All people in South Africa have constitutionallyguaranteed language rights. To what extent do these rights apply to non-citizens and are they actually observed by various state departments and officials? This report presents the results of a preliminary investigation into this question by focusing on the rights and treatment of foreigners in South Africa, particularly foreigners from other African countries.

The report was commissioned by the Southern African Migration Project (SAMP) as part of a broader programme to understand the reception and treatment of non-South Africans in the new South Africa. Our aim, as authors, is to encourage government departments and …

What Is The Unique And Direct Effect Of An Uninvolved Father On His Son's Self-Concept As An Adult Man? A Dialogue Between Samuel Osherson's 'Finding Our Fathers,' Social Scientists And Christian Theology, Christopher Stephen Beausoleil

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Though trends are slowly changing, fathers in our society continue to be considerably less involved than mothers in the care and nurturing of their children. Samuel Osherson's theory about the negative effect of father uninvolvement on the self-concept of sons once they become adult men is used as a starting point for discussion between the social sciences and Christianity. The discussion is limited to the effect on gender role identity and self-esteem, two elements of self—concept which can be isolated in Osherson's publication Finding Our Fathers. With a few exceptions, research and scholarly writing in the field of social science …

The Educational Impacts Of The Boyne River Natural Science School: Twenty-Five Years Later (Ontario), Roy George Cumming

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This paper examines how one or more visits to the Boyne River Natural Science School operated by the Toronto Board of Education affects students’ environmental attitudes and behaviours. It also looks at what effect these visits had on their perceptions about the environment and whether the program was important in their personal and educational development. The study surveys students who attended the Boyne River Natural Science School between 1973 and 1986. Effects were measured by means of a short questionnaire. From this time period 125 students filled out the questionnaire, with the gender breakdown being 65 females and 60 males. …

The Social Construction Of Interprofessional Teams In Human Service Organizations: Two Case Studies, Daniel Philip Salhani

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The study explores the way in which professional members who were engaged in struggles with each other around the nature and extent of autonomy over their work, and/or control over the work of others, socially constructed interprofessional team relations and processes. There were two major findings. First, it was found that the medical and non-medical professions at the sites were divided internally, and with each other, in terms of the way in which they understood team relations and processes. There were multiple and unique “orientations to teams” found among the professions and professional subgroupings. Each of these orientations implied professional …

Examining Beliefs About The Causes Of Unemployment And Poverty: An Analysis Of The Causal Models From The Research Literature, Garson George Coon

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The dissertation discusses findings of a study of the causal models of explanations of unemployment and poverty that have been developed in the research literature. The data used to examine the models are from the 1985 Edmonton Area Study Survey, University of Alberta (N=415), and the 1980 Beliefs about Social Stratification Study Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (N=704). The unemployment models were examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was also used to develop additional causal models, which were also tested with CFA. Sources of variations in explanations were explored using post-hoc ANOVA analysis. The poverty …

Stakeholder Attitudes As A Resistance Toward Long-Range Management Of A Threatened Landscape: A Case Study Of Aggregate Use In The Township Of North Dumfries (Ontario), Kim Margaret Horrigan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The Township of North Dumfries is located in the rapidly expanding Municipality of Waterloo. This Township is in close proximity to Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, and is halfway between London and Toronto, with the primary east-west Highway 401 running through the Township. It is an unique area in that it is characterized by an abundance of prime agricultural lands, Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas, and wetlands. In addition, the Township is underlain with a large quantity of good quality glacially derived aggregate materials. Land use conflicts have increased as a result of aggregate developers’ pressures on the resources of this …

Compassionate Fire: Women's Stories Of Subjective And Social Change, Norma Jean Profitt

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Feminist social work literature has focused on the provision of educational groups for women who have been abused but has overlooked the question of women’s movement from individual survival to collective resistance. This qualitative study explores the processes through which survivors of abuse by male partners become involved in collective action to combat violence against women. Using story telling and testimonio as a research method, the author interviewed 11 women about the factors, insights, events, and processes that inspired them to join with other women to confront violence against women. The author found that women’s movement from individual survival to …

Vol. 1, No. 1: Benevolent But Troubled Amnesty, Vincent Williams, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

No abstract provided.

No. 03: International Migration, Immigrant Entrepreneurs And South Africa’S Small Enterprise Economy, Christian M. Rogerson

Southern African Migration Programme

Since 1990 there has been a growing movement of foreign migrants and refugees to South Africa. The migrants have come primarily from South Africa’s traditional supply areas, including many Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. An increasing number, however, are from elsewhere in Africa and further afield. South Africa’s new migration regime has generated considerable controversy within the country. The policy debate focuses on the implications of migration for the national labour market and for the development of new national immigration policy.

The best-documented form of migration by temporary workers is from surrounding African countries in such sectors as mining …

No. 01: Covert Operations: Clandestine Migration, Temporary Work And Immigration Policy In South Africa, Jonathan Crush

Southern African Migration Programme

Significant numbers of foreign workers, both legal and undocumented, are engaged in temporary work in the mining, commercial agriculture and construction sectors in Gauteng, Northern Province, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu/Natal. The actual numbers involved are unknown and unknowable under existing systems of data collection and migration policy. The issue of temporary employment is inextricably liked to the broader issue of undocumented migration to South Africa. The Aliens Control Act is based on principles of exclusion and expulsion. Because non-South African temporary workers have few legal modes of access to the South African labour market, they are unprotected by law and vulnerable …

As If Born To: The Social Construction Of A Deficit Identity Position For Adopted Persons, Lise M. Beauchesne

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Many adopted persons report experiencing ongoing problems with identity, often resulting in feelings of personal deficiency to imprison their sense of self. The dominant position of the literature eon adoption individualizes and problematizes “identity” issues by locating the source of difficulties to individual traits of the adopted person and his/her adoptive family. Consequently, the struggle associated with the identity “adopted” is typically constructed as an individual struggle.

Drawing on my own lived experience as an adopted women, I have been engaged in a critical inquiry of the traditional view of adoption in order to understand the problem of identity not …

An Inquiry Into The Psychological, Social And Work-Related Outcomes Of An Innovative Labor Adjustment Program, E. Jean Kellogg

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study describes and analyzes the psychological, social and work-related outcomes of unemployed steelworkers who participated in a labor adjustment program designed and delivered by personnel in Canada’s steel industry. The adjustment program, the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress (CSTEC) Worker Adjustment Program, is a co-operative labor-management venture that is considered as a model upon which to base future labor adjustment programs in sectors beyond steel. A qualitative case study approach was utilized. Data were collected primarily in depth interviews and participant observations with twenty-four program participants, program staff and government labor adjustment officials. CSTEC’s Worker Adjustment Program emphasizes …

An Evaluation Of A Socio-Sexuality Education Program For Individuals With A Developmental Handicap, David Nelson Morrow

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis is an evaluation of eight week socio-sexuality education group for seven individuals with a developmental handicap who live in a twenty-four hour supervised group home. Pre and post-test data collection measured the socio-sexual knowledge of the participants. Attitudes of their primary counsellors toward the sexuality of individuals with developmental handicaps were also measured pre and post-test. A qualitative analysis of the facilitators’ process notes and a post participation focus group with the counsellors provided an understanding of why changes in knowledge and attitude had, or had not, occurred There was a significant increase in the client groups overall …

Level Of Adaptive Behaviour According To The Occupational Status Of Foster Adolescents In Independent Living, Marissa Dionne Amoroso

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This is a quantitative study that describes the profile of adolescents in independent living in Halton Region by their occupational status. Occupational status is a variable that ranges along a continuum, from adolescents who are in school fulltime & working part-time, in school fulltime, working fulltime, in school part-time & working part-time, in school part-time, working part-time, and not in school or working. Information for adolescent profiles was obtained from case files, as well as from the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale which was completed by adolescents’ social workers. It is expected that these profiles will assist social workers in identifying …

Being There: A Qualitative Study Of How Fathers Overcome Obstacles To Intimacy With Their Children, Bradley Thomas Morrison

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The researcher uses a qualitative research methodology to answer the question: “What helps and hinders a man’s relationship with his children?” Men, their partners, and their children are interviewed using a semistandardized interview. Transcribed interviews are coded and data are divided into general categories. The theme “being there” emerges as the descriptive phrase used by men, women and children to describe the task of fathering. “Being there” is contrasted to the parental “otherness” that characterizes unhealthy fathering practices. The researcher presents an understanding of reconciliation as “Downing the Otherness,” the process necessary to nurture intimacy between fathers and their children. …

Adaptation During The Transition From High School To University: An Examination Of Selected Person, Environment And Transition Perception Variables, Sheldon Jacob Birnie-Lefcovitch

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Drawing on conceptual knowledge regarding normative life transitions and primary prevention and using a panel-design survey methodology, this study investigates factors that continue to student adaptation during the move from high school to university. All participants were first-time, full-time, first-semester students enrolled in biological or environmental science programs at a mid-size publicly funded university located in southwestern Ontario. Participants were surveyed twice: once prior to university entry and a second time following completion of their first-semester. The study determined that the vast majority of students view this transition as a normative life event, with most feeling ownership for the decision …

Living With A Memory-Impaired Spouse: (Re)Cognizing The Experience, (Re)Storying Support, Deborah Lynn O'Connor

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Dementia, of which Alzheimer's Disease is the most common, results in severe cognitive deterioration and the victim will become increasingly unable to manage his or her own care needs. Someone else will be required to take on responsibility for attending to these needs. If married, the person most likely to be implicated is the spouse. Research has documented that these spouses are at high risk in the caregiving role, yet are the least likely of all caregivers to utilize formal support. To date, this low use of services has been poorly understood despite concerns that without assistance, these spouses may …

Toward Developing A Model Of Responsive Pastoral Care For Adult Children Of Divorce, Betty Joanne Scott

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Reports on consequences of parental divorce identify a crucial need for involvement with caring adults in recovery and healing. The literature review includes reports of research and anecdotal surveys of "adult children of divorce." The literature review stimulates questions for qualitative research with a pastoral care focus. The thesis incorporates discussion about the church's role in helping individuals recover from divorce pain. It addresses contemporary concerns in group function, particularly in issues of pastoral care. An underlying assumption is a personal understanding that providing a healing community and participating in healing process is at the core of Christian mission. The …

In Mom And Dad's Shadows: An Exploration Of Family Of Origin Influence On Parenting Styles, Gregory Allan Bassett

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis studies the influence that family of origin upbringing has on current parenting practice. Eight adult children were interviewed, and their experience, past and present, is interpreted within the literature review frame of two broad parent-child interactions: emotional support and parental control. Interviewees' current parenting behaviors are also examined within the literature review discussion on continuity of behavioral patterns between generations. Research findings are then discussed within a theological and pastoral focus on differentiation in family.

The Family System Grief Process As A Communicated Process: Understanding Grief Through Virginia Satir's Growth Model, Glenn Vincent Breen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis argues that the family system grief process can be understood as a communicated process. Through using Virginia Satir's communication stance theory, and applying it to a case study, this thesis found that when a family member dies, the family system enters a period of chaos. During the chaos time family members may rely on incongruent communication stances to cope with their loss. This incongruent chaotic period families experience is a congruent part of the grief process. Care-givers can help families through appropriately working with them in the chaos and coaching the families to recreate a new harmony and …

Supervised Access: A Qualitative Programme Evaluation, Bonnie Ann Gagne

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This qualitative evaluation examined the custodial and noncustodial parents' and children's experiences of using a supervised access programme. There were a total of forty-three interviews completed using open-ended questions. Both custodial and noncustodial parents clearly reported that if supervised access was not available, the child(ren) would not have contact with the noncustodial parent. In general, parents were grateful for the service being offered. Unfortunately, in some cases, the parents stated that the programme acted as an obstacle in allowing the family to progress. With respect to the children, even though custodial and noncustodial parents attempted to lessen the impact of …

Negative Affect, Explanatory Style, And Stressful Life Events In An Elementary School Population, David Taylor Johnston

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The prevalence of childhood depression is largely unknown due to widely discrepant methods, different assessment instruments, varying definitions of childhood depression, and different populations under investigation. Theoretical arguments have been made to suggest that gifted children are a population at risk for emotional and psychological disruption. Specifically, their advanced cognitive abilities are considered an emotional liability that could increase the chances of a depressive episode or even suicide. In addition, there have been theoretical articles to suggest that two correlates of depression are stressful life events and explanatory style. Students who experience more stress in their lives are more likely …

Aboriginal Students And Postsecondary Education: A Participatory Exploration Of Experiences And Needs At A University And Community College In Northeastern Ontario, Wendy Darlene Young

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Aboriginal people are increasingly seeking forms of post-secondary education that meet their cultural, political, social and spiritual needs. Universities and colleges have a responsibility to become involved in the decolonization process by taking a proactive stance in relation to the changes which are required to meet these needs. The research described in this dissertation is a bicultural, participatory action project which sought to document the experiences and needs of Aboriginal students at a university and community college in North Bay, Ontario in order to lay the groundwork for new programs and services which might be developed. Research Circles and Individual …

Coping And Support Needs Of Family Caregivers Of Older Adults With A Developmental Disability, Caroline Cochrane

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Due to the policy of deinstitutionalization there is a population of adults with a developmental disability who are aging in the community and who are living with their aging parents as caregivers. This study used a phenomenological, qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of these aging family caregivers of aging adults with a developmental disability. A literature review indicated that some sources of support and service needs have been identified for this population of caregivers, and that planning for the future of their adult child with a developmental disability was important to these caregivers. Six caregivers, …