Sociology Commons^™

What Is Known And Not Known About The Impact Of Social Media On Self-Esteem: Systematic Literature Review Of Research On Adolescents (2014-2024), Kailen Mokhantha-Sopraseuth

Honors Theses

Prior research has found social media can impact how users feel about themselves and can influence how individuals perceive the world around them. Due to the increase in adolescent usage of social media, a systematic literature review of research available through Western Michigan University’s library was conducted. This study was aimed at summarizing and critically evaluating research on the impact of social media use on adolescent’s self-esteem using a qualitative systematic literature review from the last decade, with some quantitative analysis. Specifically, this study examined 1) what methods of data collection was used, 2) research designs implemented, and 3) results …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 2, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period November 11 - December 5, 2024.

• Wilborn, Price. Letter from the Editor – Homecoming
• Vickers, Abigail. Homecoming Royalty – Milie LeJeune, Sarah Burke, Katie Burch, Jennifer Smith, Alice Waddell
• A New Era for Social Sciences at WKU – Society, Culture, Crime & Justice
• Steps from WKU, Miles of Charm – Walk2Campus
• Wilborn, Price. Martha Sales Reflects on Life, Leadership & Growth
• Leasing Agents Lending a Friendly Face & Helping Hand – Columns
• Smith, Kane. How Local Businesses Prepare for Homecoming Crowds
• Downtown Bowling Green – Restaurants & Businesses
• Home Sweet …

The Inspired And The Discouraged: School Board Service And Differential Effects On Political Ambition, Kelly Bergstrand, Beth Anne Shelton, Rebecca E. Deen

Open Initiatives Grant Funded Publications-Archive

Given the national attention on Texas and its school board meetings, we ask—what are the effects of a contentious political atmosphere on desires to run for higher office? Further, how does this experience interact with individual-level traits to affect ambition? To investigate, we distributed a survey to elected school board trustees in Texas and analyzed quantitative and qualitative responses from 380 respondents. We find divergent paths, with some inspired and others deterred from future politics. Specifically, city residents were more affected, positively or negatively, than rural residents. Political newcomers, those feeling qualified, and Democrats were more likely to express higher …

How Misogyny In Gaming Affects Black Women/Poc, Niccarri Allen

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This research query explores the gaming industry and how its misogynistic issues affect the Black community in its forums. Research has shown that there has been a suppressed issue of prejudice against women of color in many gaming spaces in the last 20 years. Video games, created for healing and interactive spaces for communities seemingly have normalized its harming nature to minority groups. My research will look into aspects of how gender bias and racism mix into the gaming industry and cause distress among its players. I will research how misrepresentation in the character personas in video games lead to …

Honorable Mention Research Paper: The Impact Of External Factors On Urban Youth Behaviors, Erin Simmons

Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize

This study examines how community, family, and educational dynamics impact behavioral and academic outcomes for students in urban communities, focusing on Black and Latinx youth. Through qualitative research involving interviews and observations, the study explores how factors like family instability, economic challenges, and community violence influence students’ behaviors and motivations in school. Findings reveal that unresolved trauma and external stresses manifest in the behavior and emotions of students within the classroom, affecting both student engagement and achievement. The research offers insights for educators, counselors/ therapists, social workers, families and policymakers to develop supportive interventions that address students’ unique experiences.

Aquí Y Ahora: The Role Of Us Spanish-Language Tv News In Financial Vulnerability, Cintya Felix

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

In today’s world, the news we watch often does more than inform us; it can shape how secure or insecure we feel about our future. In this paper, I examine the extent to which an individual’s consumption of particular Spanish-speaking TV news channels contribute to their sense of financial vulnerability. Using an original data set of responses to the questions in the American National Election Studies (ANES), I find a moderately strong relationship between the television news channel Aquí y Ahora, and the degree to which they are worried about their financial situation. While it is true that various factors …

Undocumented Hispanics' Trust In Municipal Law Enforcement, Kendel Cole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of the quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the extent to which undocumented Hispanic immigrants in the United States trust municipal law enforcement differently based on whether they live in a sanctuary city or a non-sanctuary city. The research question (RQ) asks if there are significant differences in trust in municipal law enforcement among undocumented Hispanic immigrants in sanctuary cities compared to non-sanctuary cities. The Narrative Policy Framework was the theoretical foundation for the study. The study occurred in sanctuary cities and non-sanctuary cities. Sanctuary city status was the independent variable in the RQ, reflecting the self-identification of …

College Proximity And College Costs: Is It More Expensive To Attend A Far-Away College?, Amanda Cook

Journal of Student Financial Aid

Many scholars have argued that it may be more costly to attend a far-away college than it is to attend a nearby college. If this is true, students who live in areas where colleges are few and far between may face higher costs than those with ample college options. This study assesses the plausibility of this line of reasoning by examining the association between geographic access to higher education, distance traveled to college, and college costs, as indicated by student debt. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, this study finds that people with lower levels of …

“Mexico Has Spilt American Blood Upon American Soil!” The Role Of The Mexico-U.S. Border In The Promotion Of American Nationalism, 1821-1920, Jon M. Williams Phd

Sociology ETDs

International borders not only serve as the edge of a nation-state's sovereign territory, but they also aid in informing popular conceptions of its national identity. This study examines how the Mexico - U.S. border served as a spark for episodes of American nationalism from 1821-1920. In examining three historical periods whereby the border was forming, disrupted, or challenged, I demonstrate how borders serve as sources, both symbolically and physically for the expressions of American nationalism. I utilize inductive qualitative discourse analysis of American actors embedded along the border, in Mexico, or serving as political leaders, to sample some of the …

Time Travelling With Ron Chenail, Sally St. George, Dan Wulff, And David Denborough: An Interview About Connecting Histories Of Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy And Qualitative Research, David Denborough

The Qualitative Report

Dear Readers, we have a question for you: Do you know about the origins and history of the journals you decide to submit your manuscripts to for publication? We are most pleased to present to you an interview with the three Co-Editors-in-Chief of TQR (Ron Chenail, Sally St. George, and Dan Wulff) and David Denborough of the Dulwich Centre delving into the origins of TQR in the early 1990s. The roots of TQR were intertwined with family therapy authors and practitioners (Tom Andersen, Michael White, and many others) and that continues today. We think that you will find these historical …

Submit Yourself: Religious Beliefs, Gender Roles, Self-Control, And Alcohol Use’S Influence On Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence, Carina J. Pawlak

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Religious beliefs bear a great significance in many individuals’ lives, as they shape our personal belief systems and affect our relationships with others. Limited research has explored the relationship between religion and intimate partner violence (IPV), an increasingly prevalent issue that persists in our society. The traditional values, such as male gender roles associated with patriarchal societies and traditional religious beliefs, may magnify the prevalence of IPV perpetration. Other variables that may be associated with positive attitudes toward IPV include self-control, alcohol intake, and belief in divine control. This analysis used preliminary data from the Crime, Health, and Intimate Partner …

Famous Last Words: A Study Of Faith In Texas Death Row Inmates, Mariah Podwika

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Historically, final statements of condemned individuals prior to execution have shown a pattern of the presence of some type of religious sentiment. However, the justification and reasoning behind religious remarks still remains elusive given the finality of the event. The State of Texas is unique given the state provides a substantial amount of information pertaining to final statements due to the recording process of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Similar to rituals of recording condemned individuals’ last statements from the fourteenth century, prison wardens in Texas give the condemned an opportunity to share their last words, which are …

Connecting Lighthouses To Spiritual Tourism: The Case Of The Hellenic Lighthouse Network, Polyxeni Moira, Paraskevi Kakaroucha

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Lighthouses operate as carriers of cultural value and encapsulate universal connotations. They are harmoniously integrated in unspoilt landscapes, some of which are considered dystopian. Their delicate albeit resilient structure, settled within dynamic geophysical fields, elicits philosophical quests and metaphysical concerns. Lighthouses are connected to narratives of heroism, solitude, self-efficacy and lunacy, with altruistic keepers and divine or supernatural entities starring in plenty of them. Moreover, lighthouses have been associated with religious facilities and rituals for many centuries. Therefore, they attract people pursuing transformative experiences away from mass tourism locations and could unsurprisingly be included in alternative spiritual tourism itineraries.

Greek …

Passion Plays And Their Touristic Utilisation: Authenticity Or Commercialisation?, Dimitrios Mylonopoulos, Polyxeni Moira, Elli Terzoglou

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Tourism development and the economic benefits that come from tourism have led to the increase and revival of religious celebrations and festivals in the form of events and performances, especially during the Holy Week. Many events such as Passion Plays of Jesus, due to their enduring existence in time, ‘authenticity’, particularities, originality and the emotions they evoke, capture the attention of both religious people and tourists. These Passion Plays are specific religious-cultural events that consist of depictions of scenes from Jesus Christ’s passion, following the biblical narrations (e.g. the Teaching, the Passion, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection). According to UNESCO (2014), …

A Grounded Theoretic Analysis Of College Students’ Attitudes Regarding Indoor Plants And Pets As Moderators Of Daily Stressors, Lydia Dill

Honors Projects

This study explores college students' attitudes toward indoor plants and pets, and how this may impact college students’ experience with stress. Through in-depth interviews and grounded theory methodology, three key themes emerged: Plant Ownership as a Method of Establishing Structure, Plants as Ornamentation, and Pets as a Source of Comfort. Plant ownership helps students create routines and emotional stability, while plants also enhance living spaces aesthetically. Pets provide emotional support, offering companionship and support, particularly during academic pressures. The study builds on previous research by examining both indoor plants and pets together, highlighting how each fulfills unique emotional, psychological, and …

Aligning Artificial Intelligence With Climate Change Adaptation In Egypt, Lara Mohamed Abdelrazik Ms.

Future Journal of Social Science

Abstract:

One of the frequently witnessed barriers to accelerating action on climate change is related to the construction of data bases, variables, and models as well as data extraction. According to the Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment, several subfields of Artificial Intelligence identify patterns to support the completion of specific tasks towards combating climate change such as; gathering, completing, and interpreting large, and complete datasets by making it possible to enhance data-driven decision-making for climate action. However, the negative side of AI was also recognized.

Learning algorithms to understand how AI’s climate impact goes beyond its …

The Impact Of Student Engagement Activities On Future Climate Change Adaptation: The Case Of Student Simulation Models, Bassel Mostafa Elkalaf

Future Journal of Social Science

This paper explores the critical role of student engagement in addressing the growing challenges of climate change, with a focus on the Model United Nations (MUN) as a case study. As climate-related security threats increase globally, educational platforms that prepare youth for effective leadership in climate politics are more essential than ever. MUN, a widely practiced student activity simulating global policy-making, provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, peace, and security. By participating in MUN simulations, students engage in debates, develop innovative solutions, and practice diplomatic skills, all while exploring the …

Research Report: Housing, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Mary Emery, Katelyn Larson, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Rebecca J. Vogt

Nebraska Rural Poll

Executive summary

Most rural Nebraskans support a variety of housing programs and priorities. The support for these various programs was similar to that found in 2016. At least three-quarters of rural Nebraskans would somewhat support or strongly support the following in their community: developing programs to help seniors age in their current home; offering low-interest loans or grants for repair, rehabilitation or home improvement; providing affordable rental housing; establishing a local program that would purchase and remove dilapidated houses making lots available for building; developing senior housing; purchasing, rehabilitating and reselling vacant housing; and establishing a local program that would …

Uncovering The Causal Configurations Of Successful Nonviolent Regime Change Movements: A Systems Thinking And Fuzzy Set Analysis, William Scott Hinson

Dissertations

Under what conditions do nonviolent regime change movements succeed? While the literature on nonviolent resistance has shown several variables to be highly correlative in affecting regime change, little research to date has shown which configuration of conditions leads to regime change in differing polities and repressive environments. In this dissertation, Systems Thinking (ST) and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) are employed to analyze 25 randomly selected cases of nonviolent regime change movements drawn from the NAVCO 2.1 dataset. The principle of equifinality in ST and fsQCA directs the research to explore multiple sets of conditions that can lead to …

Examining The Impact Of Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Programs On Marginalized Groups: A Focus On Lgbtqia Employees, Lisa Garcia Rodriguez

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. The research aims to understand the experience of LGBTQIA individuals in the workplace and identify strategies for promoting their inclusion. The study will draw on prior research and best practices for promoting the inclusion of individuals in the workplace to contribute to the development of more inclusive work environments that benefit both employees and organizations. Examining the impact of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on marginalized groups, the question to be answered is: What are the impacts of diversity, equity, and inclusion DEI initiatives in the workplace, and how can organizations create more equitable and inclusive environments? …

Grosafe: In-Classroom Technology-Enabled Solution To Build Societal Resilience Against Child Grooming, Christina Thorpe, Fiona Jennings

Conference Papers

GroSafe is an innovative initiative developed by TU Dublin in partnership with the ISPCC to address the critical issue of child grooming. By leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, GroSafe focuses on educating children, caregivers, and educators to recognise, report, and prevent grooming behaviours. It integrates a 3D educational gaming environment with adaptive learning tools, enabling safe and effective engagement for children, including those with diverse learning needs. Designed to align with Ireland’s SPHE curriculum, GroSafe empowers schools and communities to tackle grooming through early intervention and resilience building.

Puerto Ricans In New Jersey 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Wisconsin 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Texas 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Chicago 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Massachusetts 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Philadelphia 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Florida 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Illinois 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Puerto Ricans In Virginia 2023, Center For Puerto Rican Studies

CUNY Centro, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Centro’s Infographics are visual representation of the most-up-to-date socio-demographic information about the Puerto Rican population in the United States. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau is summarized through a series of charts, tables and maps to illustrate major points and changes within the Puerto Rican population. The infographics below use U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year and 5-year estimates data.

Centro’s infographics are recurrent projects that are released by our Data Hub in response to the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau.