Sociology Commons^™

The Changing American Mosaic: An Introduction, Wilma Peebles-Wilkins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article, in addition to introducing the special journal issue on the changing American mosaic, provides a synthesis of issues associated with changing demographic trends as the number of people of color increase between 2000-2050. Welfare reform, structural inequality, and the convergence of race, class and gender issues are discussed in a civil rights context. A brief summary of the other journal articles by Glen Loury; Stanley Eitzen and Maxine Baca Zinn; Ruth Sidel; Mary Krist, Douglas Gurak, Likwang Chen; Doris Wilkinson and Margaret Gibelman is also provided.

Affirmative Action At The Crossroads: A Social Justice Perspective, Margaret Gibelman

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article reviews the basis for the policy of affirmative action within the context of changing social values. Both the aims and unanticipated consequences of affirmative action are explored, the latter of which have resulted in substantial backlash and the real possibility of policy overturn. Within this context, the position of the social welfare community toward and involvement in affirmative action is traced. An agenda for social work in current and future debates about affirmative action is offered which takes into account the original social problem-discrimination-within redefined societal values and political realities. Alternative remedies to affirmative action, it is argued, …

Embracing Civic Responsibility, Judith Ramaley

Higher Education

In the past year, there have been several calls for colleges and universities to take up their responsibilities as members of society in order to model the civic virtues and to become instruments of a working democracy. It is becoming clear that a genuine democracy is also a learning society and that good citizenship requires the capacity to form a learning community with others.

The Enemy Within: The Demonization Of Poor Women, Ruth Sidel

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The denigration and demonization of poor women was central to the effort to repeal Aid to Families with Dependent Children by the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The utilization of negative stereotypes involving race, class and gender effectively marginalized impoverished women and their children, who were blamed for virtually all of the social problems of the United States during the 1990s. Despite the massive concentration of wealth and income in the hands of the wealthiest Americans and the ever-widening gap between rich and poor, the United States continues to ignore the need for …

Involving English Language Learners In Community-Connected Learning, Lili Allen

Diversity

This brief provides policymakers and state and district-level staff with an overview of how to involve English language learners in community-connected learning programs. It lists effective strategies for involving English language learners in internships and project-based learning programs, gives guidelines for community supervisors, and points out how school structures can support these students' involvement. The brief was produced by JFF in collaboration with the Education Alliance/Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University.

Doing Good While Doing Well: Service Learning Internships, Louise Rehling

Higher Education

Internships for students in business and professional communication have rightly been seen as a transitional form of coursework: a guided move away from academia and into the workplace. The assumption accompanying this vision has been that, since most business and professional communication students will graduate to work in industry, the best placements for them are, therefore, necessarily in industry as well. Certainly industry-sponsored internships are valuable as career preparation.

Revisioning Gender. Myra Marx Ferree, Judith Lorber And Beth B. Hess (Eds.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Myra Marx Ferree, Judith Lorber and Beth B. Hess (Eds.), Revisioning Gender. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1999. $72.00 hardcover, $34.95 papercover.

Life At Grandfamilies House: The First Six Months, Alison S. Gottlieb, Nina M. Silverstein, Laney Bruner-Canhoto, Susan Montgomery

Gerontology Institute Publications

Recent reports cite estimates of more than two million children in the United States who are currently living in kinship care arrangements; 10% or approximately 200,000 of these relationships are children in foster care. Much kinship care is done by midlife and older persons who are finding themselves assuming new responsibilities associated with parenting their grandchildren, typically for a period of two years or more. This is a social phenomenon that cuts across all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. There are many challenges facing these nontraditional families including healthcare, income security, education, social support, and housing. Public and private partnerships …

Latino Students And The Massachusetts Public Schools, Miren Uriarte, Lisa Chavez

Gastón Institute Publications

This report presents basic information about Latino students in the public schools of Massachusetts. First, recent population data on Latino youth and public school enrollment are presented, highlighting those areas of the Commonwealth where Latinos are densely concentrated. The report then proceeds to the achievement of Latino students in the schools, highlighting recently published cohort dropout data and MCAS test results for Latinos. Finally, the report examines the after-high-school plans of Latino graduates.

Twenty-Five Years Of Black America: Two Steps Forward And One Step Back?, Glenn C. Loury

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The nature of social and economic inequality as it exists now between Blacks and Whites in the United States is explored in this paper. Summary statistics on education, earnings, employment, family structure, incarceration and life expectancy are presented by age, sex and race. It is suggested that, while progress has been made in narrowing the racial gap in social standing, there remains a significant disparity that warrants continuing concern.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 27, No. 1 (March 2000)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS - SPECIAL ISSUE ON THE CHANGING AMERICAN MOSAIC - Guest Editor - Wilma Peebles-Wilkins

• THE CHANGING AMERICAN MOSAIC: AN INTRODUCTION - Wilma Peebles- Wilkins
• TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF BLACK AMERICA: TWO STEPS FORWARD AND ONE STEP BACK? - Glenn C. Loury
• THE MISSING SAFETY NET AND FAMILIES: A PROGRESSIVE CRITIQUE OF THE NEW WELFARE LEGISLATION - D. Stanley Eitzen and Maxine Baca Zinn
• THE ENEMY WITHIN: THE DEMONIZATION OF POOR WOMEN - Ruth Sidel
• ELDERLY IMMIGRANTS: THEIR COMPOSITION AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS - Mary M. Kritz, Douglas T. Gurak and Likwang Chen
• RETHINKING THE CONCEPT OF "MINORITY": A TASK …

Elderly Immigrants: Their Composition And Living Arrangements, Mary M. Kritz, Douglas T. Gurak, Likwang Chen

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper describes how the composition of elderly immigrants is changing and how elderly immigrants differ from natives in terms of living arrangement and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. The determinants of living alone are investigated for 11 ethnic origin categories and natives. The analysis utilizes data from two samples of the 1990 U.S. Census: the PUMS-A 5% sample and an independent 3% sample of households containing at least one member 60 or more years of age. Between 1970 and 1990 immigrants from Asia and Latin America moved from forming a minor component of the elderly to being a significant and …

Rethinking The Concept Of "Minority": A Task For Social Scientists And Practitioners, Doris Wilkinson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Although sociologists have articulated the components and scope of the "minority" concept, many of the characteristics are no longer germane. Originally those placed in the category were viewed as subordinate and as possessing cultural or physical qualities not approved or preferred by the larger population. There has been no systematic questioning of ingrained seductive words and value-based constructions like "minority". This brief critique offers an evaluation of the "minority" conception that is so pervasive in the social and behavioral sciences, the print and broadcast media, politics, and the entire language system.

Who Cares About Racial Inequality?, Glenn C. Loury

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The issue of Affirmative Action is discussed, identifying some difficulties with the way that this policy has been pursued in the past: Racial preferences can be a poorly targeted method of closing the gap in social status between Blacks and Whites, and can have negative unintended consequences for incentives and for the reputations of its beneficiaries. Nevertheless, it is argued that some form of affirmative action continues to be needed. The concept of "developmental affirmative action" is introduced. This form of racially targeted policy focuses primarily on the enhancement of competitive skills. In so doing, it avoids many of the …

The Effects Of Early Sexual Abuse On Later Sexual Victimization Among Female Homeless And Runaway Adolescents, Kimberly A. Tyler, Dan R. Hoyt, Les B. Whitbeck

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Based on risk amplification and victimization theories, path analysis was used to investigate the effect of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among 361 female homeless and runaway adolescents in four mid-western states. Results indicated that early sexual abuse in the home had a positive direct effect on sexual victimization of adolescents on the streets. Early sexual abuse also increased the likelihood of later sexual victimization indirectly by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer associations, and incidents of survival sex. Young women who leave dysfunctional and disorganized homes often characterized by abuse continue on negative developmental …

Creativity Within Qualitative Research On Families: New Ideas For Old Methods, Sharon A. Deacon

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative researchers are continually searching for research methods that engage their participants in the data collection process. When researching living, dynamic systems such as families, researchers need to find methods that can encapsulate the multi-dimensionality of the human experience. The purpose of this paper is to acquaint researchers with some creative and active methods they can use to not only involve their participants in the research process, but also to more fully learn about and experience the perceptions, feelings, and life events of their participants. The methods discussed include sculpting, photography and videography, art and drawing, role playing, writing exercises, …

Qualitative Research And The Generalizability Question: Standing Firm With Proteus, Margaret Myers

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative studies are tools used in understanding and describing the world of human experience. Since we maintain our humanity throughout the research process, it is largely impossible to escape the subjective experience, even for the most seasoned of researchers. As we proceed through the research process, our humanness informs us and often directs us through such subtleties as intuition or 'aha' moments. Speaking about the world of human experience requires an extensive commitment in terms of time and dedication to process; however, this world is often dismissed as 'subjective' and regarded with suspicion. This paper acknowledges that small qualitative studies …

A Comparative Discussion Of The Notion Of 'Validity' In Qualitative And Quantitative Research, Glyn Winter

The Qualitative Report

The issues surrounding the use and nature of the term 'validity' in qualitative research are controversial and many. In this paper, the author attempts to establish that 'validity' is not a single, fixed or universal concept, but rather a contingent construct, inescapably grounded in the processes and intentions of particular research methodologies and projects. The first section of this work deals with the problems faced in defining 'validity' in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and will briefly review other authors' attempts to categorise it. The work will then proceed to distinguish and compare the claims to 'validity' made by …

Using Nudist-4 In A Preliminary Qualitative Investigation Of Postpartum Depression Among African American Women, Linda Amankwaa

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this paper was to discuss the processes that were used to collect and analyze data in a pilot project on postpartum depression among African-American women. NUD*IST 4 (Richards & Richards, 1997), a computer program, was instrumental to the researcher in coding the preliminary data. Memos of the process and the thoughts of the researcher are sprinkled throughout the paper describing the processes used and decisions that were made during the data collection and analysis processes. Four interviews were conducted and the very first analysis of these these interviews are included in this paper. This paper is a …

Navigating The "Seven C'S": Curiosity, Confirmation, Comparison, Changing, Collaborating, Critiquing, And Combinations, Ron J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

It is important for researchers to establish a research posture (i.e., the relationship a researcher wants to have with his or her subject or other) (Wolcott, 1992) and making subsequent methodological choices in which all cohere and are consistent with the ascribed posture. By keeping things plumb in this manner, researchers can greatly increase the chances that their projects will be internally coherent and imminently more do-able than those studies which grow out-of-alignment. A method for assessing research posture, the "Seven C's," is presented and a series of questions are introduced to help researchers match their postures with particular research …

Computer-Aided Qualitative Analysis Of Interview Data: Some Recommendations For Collaborative Working, Kate Ford, Iddo Oberski, Steve Higgins

The Qualitative Report

In a research project on the concerns and achievements of newly qualified teachers we used a qualitative data analysis software package for the Macintosh computer. This package allows the storage of documents such as interview transcripts, the coding and indexing of text-units and provides a tool for establishing and refining categories within data. However, although a computer-aided analysis dramatically decreases the time conventionally needed for the cutting, sorting and pasting of interview data, it poses several challenges when used in a collaborative context. In this paper we would like to discuss some of the practical and methodological considerations involved in …

Researching Psychotherapy, The Importance Of The Client's View: A Methodological Challenge, Neil Scott Gordon

The Qualitative Report

This paper argues that research approaches which are aimed at developing our understanding of psychotherapy which fail to address the client's interpretation of events will only provide a limited picture of its true nature. The discussion explores the philosophical underpinnings of research in this area through analysing contemporary debates and controversies. The difficulties of defining the term "psychotherapy" are acknowledged while highlighting the centrality of the concept of relationship in current definitions. The question "What is psychotherapy?" is further addressed by offering a brief overview of the theoretical assumptions which influence some current approaches to clinical work. Attention is also …

Preparing Teachers For Urban Settings: Changing Teacher Education By Changing Ourselves, Colleen Willard-Holt

The Qualitative Report

This article describes the personal and professional changes experienced by a teacher education faculty who embarked on a joint project relating to urban education. The faculty members committed to write book chapters applying their areas of expertise to the challenge of preparing teachers for urban schools. Using qualitative methodology, this research examined the faculty members' discoveries, thoughts, doubts, and reflections at three points during the project. Results showed an evolving perspective on urban education focusing upon understanding the lived experiences of the children in order to provide meaningful education for them. This study may provide insight and encouragement for other …

Dual Relationships In Qualitative Research, Beth Bourdeau

The Qualitative Report

With the potentially sensitive nature of qualitative family research, the process of these inquiries can come to resemble the therapeutic process. Therapy and research done by therapists and other family professionals share similar philosophical and structural qualities. Inherent in this is a structural power differential that opens the possibility for abuse of participants by researchers. Meara and Schmidt (1991) give four principles for guiding the treatment of qualitative research participants, however; they address only the relationship of researcher-participant and not the additional relationships that may arise from research. In this article, the author proposes some guidelines for relationships between the …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 75, No. 42, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Brown, Abbey. Clinic Delayed; Prices Still Going Up – Collegiate Health Care, Student Health Services
• Bennett, Jacob & Brandy Warren. Bill Would Allow Bias in Renting – Gays, Lesbians
• Ultimate Challenge – ROTC
• Moore, Brian. Tops Have Sickening Experience – Baseball
• English Club Book Sale Tomorrow & Thursday
• Midnite Basketball Tournament Thursday
• News Conference for Festival of Books – Southern Kentucky Festival of Books
• Ragan, Jason. Parking Structure Entrance to Close
• Gaines, Jim. Departments Discuss Changes – Curriculum
• Gaines, Jim. Jonathan Miller’s Prepaid Tuition Plan Sailing Through State Legislature …

The Rattler (Volume 86, Issue 6, Edition 1), St. Mary's University

The Rattler (Previous issues)

Founded in 1919, The Rattler is the student voice of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. The newspaper documents campus life, academic and social issues, student opinion, and local and national events as they relate to the University community. Content typically includes news articles, editorial commentary, arts and culture coverage, sports reporting, and advertisements.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 75, No. 41, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Ragan, Jason. More Money Missing – Housing & Residence Life
• Sutton, Lyndsay. First Ladies – Softball
• Bennett, Jacob. Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science Still Needs Funding
• Ragan, Jason. Dogwood Avenue Closing
• Brown, Abbey. Helm Library Restrooms Closed
• Karen, Mattias. Graduation Fair Starts Next Week
• Gaines, Jim. Review Projects Gearing Up to Satisfy Council on Postsecondary Education Requirements
• Politicians Put Money Before Lives – Michael Minger Act, Housing & Residence Life
• Tabor, Chris. Editorial Cartoon General Assembly Burning Minger Act
• Lanter, Charlie. Students Forgetting What College Is All About …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 75, No. 40, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Ragan, Jason. Bill Takes A Beating in House – Michael Minger Act, Housing & Residence Life
• Gaines, Jim. Language Professors Disagree with Council on Postsecondary Education – Modern Languages, Curriculum
• Gaines, Jim. Paul Patton Pitches Higher Education Spending Plan – Budget
• Karen, Mattias. Automotive Conference to Be Held in Bowling Green
• Karen, Mattias. Lambda Society to Discuss Conference – Gays, Lesbians, Come Together Kentucky 2000
• Brown, Abbey. Groundbreaking Delayed on New Building – Mass Media & Technology Hall
• Student Government Association Needs to Clean Up Elections
• Tabor, Chris. Student …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 75, No. 39, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Warren, Brandy. Bill May Ban Gay Legislation – Gays, Lesbians
• Cox, Joe. Family Affair – Softball
• Gaines, Jim. Faculty, Staff Pleased With New Parking Rules – Parking & Transportation Services
• Karen, Mattias. Governor Paul Patton to Visit Campus Today
• Karen, Mattias. Spring Enrollment Up 3 Percent
• Karen, Mattias. Regent Chair to Give Presentation – Cornelius Martin, Entrepreneurship
• Hall, Rex. Computer Science Major Suffering from Faculty Shortage
• Brian Kuster’s Silence Obstructing Our Right to Know – Housing & Student Life, Kim Collins
• Tabor, Chris. Editorial Cartoon Housing & Residence Life …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 75, No. 38, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Johnson, Kenesha. Minorities Lean on C.J. Woods – Minority Student Support Services
• Gaines, Jim. Stories Disagree In Lawsuit – Deborah Wilkins, Huda Melky, Virginia Pfohl
• Bennett, Jacob. New Party Rules Have Fraternities On Best Behavior
• Karen, Mattias. New Guide Helps Non-Traditional Students – Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, KHEAA Ragan, Jason. Colleagues Mum on Kim Collins Case – Housing & Residence Life
• Hall, Rex. New Gift Supports Proposed Academy – William McCormack, Gatton Academy for Math & Science
• Recruiting Minorities No Easy Venture – Saundra Ardrey
• Tabor, Chris. Editorial …