Browsing by Author "White, Robert W. (Robert William), 1958-"

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    A Critical Literature Review of Social Class in American Sociology
    (2012-11-29) Mouser, Brandon L.; Seybold, Peter James, 1950-; Modibo, Najja N.; White, Robert W. (Robert William), 1958-
    A theoretical understanding of stratification and inequality is necessary to understand social phenomena in general. Unfortunately, professional sociology in the United States has historically promoted a limited theoretical understanding of stratification that tends to ignore economic realities, social structures, institutional mechanisms, power relations, and other important factors such as racial discrimination in reproducing social class. In fact, mainstream sociology has replaced class-based theories altogether with the concept of socio-economic status (SES) and, at the same time, all too often embraces problematic theories that justify inequality. This critical literature review of social class in American sociology attempts to: 1) provide a more comprehensive history of sociological theory in the United States regarding stratification and social class, 2) expose the sociological factors affecting these social theories and concepts, and 3) deconstruct and critique mainstream social theories that offer weak explanations of stratification.
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    Women in voluntary service associations : values and meanings
    (2014-03-12) Nathan, Sarah Katheryn; White, Robert W. (Robert William), 1958-; Burlingame, Dwight; Huehls, Frances A.; Robertson, Nancy Marie, 1956-
    This study examines the essential features of women’s experiences as members of a service association. It uses a qualitative method to understand how women make meaning from their membership in an all-female association and a mixed-gender association. The experiences were examined in comparative contexts. The study finds three common features in each association: joining, volunteering, and leading. In the mixed-gender association, women also experienced a process of assimilating into membership activities. The study provides scholars and association practitioners insights into the complex blend of members’ personal and professional interests with implications for membership recruitment and retention.