Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rural families'

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007.
Title from electronic title page (viewed Dec. 18, 2007). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology." Discipline: Psychology; Department/School: Psychology.

One of the family's responsibilities is to conduct activities of early childhood education and child care which prepare children for further education and human capital development. This study focused on family behavior in allocation of time and income for investment in children. This study used a pre-existing database with a total sample of 301 rural families with one child aged 2-5 years from three villages of Agam (West Sumatera) and two villages of Wonogiri (Central Java). Interviews and testing were conducted at each sample's home. The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical analyses. Rich and small families invested significantly more time and money in children than poor and large families. Mother's working time, child's age, and family type had negative and significant influence on the amount of time spent on children. The families that devote more time in children spend and invest less money in children. Javanese families in the study invested less money but more time in children, while Minangese families invested more money but less time. The amount of time spent for children had a positive and significant influence on the child's nutritional status, and an insignificant impact on the child's IQ score. Besides the amount of time devoted to children, the child's nutritional status also was influenced by the child's age and gender. Also, the child's IQ score was significantly and positively influenced by the father's education and negatively by family size, family type, and the child's age. Based on the findings, it was apparent that poor families may be continuously trapped in poverty, because of less ability to invest in children. Parental investment in children may lead to better child quality. This study provides evidence that mother's time spent outside the home may lead to less time investment, and less time investment may negatively influence the child's nutritional status. As policy is formulated, non-economic as well as economic aspects should be considered. Additional research is needed to further explore the most appropriate measure of child quality and the variables which influence child quality.
Ph. D.

Closure of community hospitals directly impacts the health of rural populations and indirectly affects economic growth and access to medical services. The purpose of this doctoral project was to assess the causes and impacts of hospital closures on rural communities. The practice-focused question addressed the implications of hospital closures on individuals and families in rural communities. A systematic review of the literature, based on conflict theory, addressed populations that lack health care facility resources. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided the selection of 8 journal articles for review. The inclusion criteria for articles encompassed the impact of closure of health care facilities on the rural community and if the information about the causes of closure of health care facilities provided recommendations about hospital closure. The John Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Rating Scale framework was used to determine the level and quality of evidence of the journal articles selected for review. Findings indicated that hospital closure has a negative effect on rural residents' health due to prolonged travel time for patients to access care, deterioration of health when access is not possible and increased expenses for services from remote locations. Loss of jobs due to hospital closure results in loss of income and decreased access to affordable care for community members. Findings from this project may be used to promote social change for regional and national stakeholders as the project raises awareness of the need to be diligent in preserving and enhancing health services in rural areas.

The article presents the results of a research aimed at revealing the representations that parents have on the family-school relationship in the rural context of Quillón, Chile. Qualitative methodology is used, using in-depth interview. Twenty subjects are interviewed. Some results indicate that families give teachers a key part to establish a proper family-school relationship. This representation is based on the recognition of the bureaucratic nature of the school. How the family involvement is modelled is determined by the relevance assigned to the school success of their children. Indeed, moments, instances and ways in which families participate are related to the value assigned to them to enhance academic results.
El artículo expone los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue develar las representaciones que poseen padres y madres respecto de la relación familia- escuela en el contexto rural de la comuna de Quillón, Chile. Se utilizó la metodología cualitativa, empleando la entrevista en profundidad. Se entrevistó a veinte sujetos.Los resultados indican que las familias otorgan al profesorado un papel clave para el establecimiento de una adecuada relación familia-escuela. Esta representación se sustenta en el reconocimiento de la naturaleza burocrática de la institución escolar. El cómo se modela la participación de las familias está determinado por la relevancia que asignan al buen desempeño escolar de sus hijos. Precisamente, los momentos, instancias y formas en que participan las familias están relacionados con el valor asignado a estas para potenciar los resultados académicos.
O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma investigação destinada a revelar as representações que têm os pais sobre a relação família-escola no contexto da comuna rural de Quillón, Chile. Metodologia qualitativa é utilizada, por meio de entrevistas em profundidade. São entrevistados vinte pais. Alguns resultados indicam que as famílias dão aos professores a chave para o estabelecimento de um relacinamento adequado da escola familia. Esta representação é baseada no reconhecimento da natureza burocrática da escola. Como o envolvimento das famílias é determinada pela relevância atribuída ao sucesso escolar de seus filhos é modelado. Na verdade, momentos, situações e formas em que as famílias estão relacionadas com o valor atribuído a eles para melhorar os resultados académicos.

The purpose of this study was to describe the literacy-related characteristics of the family and home environment that contribute to the development of siblings who are good readers from rural, low income status families.The case study research method was used in order to gather comprehensive and in-depth information about each informant that reflected the reality of the literacy influences. The case study further aided in the investigation of the complex social unit of the family, which consisted of multiple characteristics that influenced literacy attainment. Each case was analyzed in and of itself, and then a cross case analysis was conducted.Five family-related characteristics that influenced the literacy acquisition and attainment of the siblings emerged from the data analysis. The family value for books and literacy materials, evident through the abundance of materials placed in prominent places within the homes and through the careful storage of literacy materials, was evident in each family. Both families were characterized by an enjoyment for reading and writing, evidenced by the number of books each sibling read, trips to the library, reading aloud in the home, and child created written products. Family literacy practices such as discussions about books, a homework routine, regular trips to the library, and members of the family reading to each other were characteristics present in each of the case studies. Another characteristic evident in each of the families was their value for education. Parents expected the siblings to attend college. The siblings also expected that their graduation from college would improve their socioeconomic status. Each case study was also characterized by the presence of support systems that aided in the literacy attainment of the siblings.The siblings all had a love for books and literacy materials, as well as being persistent, responsible, and accountable in their efforts to attain literacy success. The children were intrinsically motivated to be successful, not only in school, but in life. Support and encouragement for literacy development through the home and school contexts were provided by the parents. Family support systems were also fundamental to the literacy attainment of the siblings.
Department of Elementary Education

Nas últimas décadas a Educação do Campo tem sido evidenciada, conquistando espaço na agenda política nacional. Observa-se que há a preocupação de ofertar para os jovens que vivem no campo uma educação diferenciada, que atenda seus interesses e expectativas. Uma das formas apontadas por vários estudiosos de se promover as adequações necessárias para a oferta de uma educação condizente com as necessidades dos sujeitos que vivem no campo diz respeito a implementação da Pedagogia da Alternância. Para a efetivação de sua proposta, a Pedagogia da Alternância possui instrumentos pedagógicos específicos que decorrem de um planejamento maior conhecido como Plano de Formação. Este Plano de Formação prevê os conteúdos que os jovens terão acesso no período de sua formação e articula os conhecimentos vivenciais e os de formação geral e profissional. É neste contexto, pois, que esta pesquisa se insere e apresenta o seguinte objetivo: investigar como ocorre a articulação entre Temas Geradores e conteúdos previstos para o Ensino Médio, na Casa Familiar Rural de Cruz Machado, Paraná. Esta pesquisa pode ser caracterizada como de campo, explicativa e descritiva. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de observação simples de reuniões em que os monitores discutem a respeito dos Temas Geradores e do Plano de Formação. Foram realizadas, também, entrevistas focalizadas com os monitores da Casa Familiar Rural de Cruz Machado e com a coordenadora pedagógica da Arcafar-Sul sobre a Pedagogia da Alternância, Temas Geradores e Plano de Formação. Para a análise dos dados, recorreu-se a Minayo (1992) que explicita três importantes fases: ordenação dos dados, classificação dos dados e análise final. As análises decorrentes dos dados coletados demonstraram que os monitores da Casa Familiar Rural pesquisada produzem um Plano de Formação e procuram articular Temas Geradores com conteúdos do Ensino Médio. Contudo, esta articulação nem sempre acontece de forma explícita. A articulação entre Temas Geradores e conteúdos do Ensino Médio configura-se, portanto, no contexto em que a pesquisa foi realizada, como um desafio.
In recent decades the field of education has been evidenced, gaining ground in the national political agenda. It is observed that there is concern offer for young people living in the countryside a differentiated education that meets their interests and expectations. One of the ways pointed out by many scholars to make the necessary adjustments for the provision of a consistent education with the needs of individuals living in rural areas with regard to implementation of the Pedagogy of Alternation. For implementation of its proposal, the Pedagogy of Alternation has specific pedagogical tools resulting from a higher planning known as Training Plan. This Training Plan provides content that young people have access in the period of its formation and articulates the experiential knowledge and general and vocational training. It is in this context therefore that this research is part and has the following objective: to investigate how is the relationship between Themes generators and provided content for Secondary Education in Rural Family House Cruz Machado, Paraná. This research can be characterized as a field, explanatory and descriptive. Data collection was performed by means of simple observation of meetings where the monitors discuss about the themes generators and Training Plan. Were carried out also focused interviews with the instructors of Rural Family House Cruz Machado and pedagogical coordinator of ARCAFAR-South on the Pedagogy of Alternation, Themes generators and Training Plan. For data analysis, we used the Minayo (1992) explains that three important phases: data ordering, data classification and final analysis. The analysis based on the collected data showed that the monitors of Rural Family House searched produce a Plan of Training and seek to articulate Themes generators with high school content. However, the relationship is not always so explicitly. The link between Themes generators and high school content is configured, therefore, the context in which the research was conducted, as a challenge.

This study focused on the perceptions of K-12 school counselors on learned helplessness in children and families in rural areas. There has been research on learned helplessness, children in rural areas, and studies on school counselors; however, there is a lack of research on the counselor's perceptions of learned helplessness in children and families in rural areas. Therefore, this study was different than previous studies on learned helplessness, and it fills a gap in the literature. This study used the interpretive-constructivist approach. The experiences and perceptions of participants provided answers to the central research question, by providing their subjective observations of learned helplessness in the children and families in their rural areas. Data was collected for this study through face-to-face interviews with volunteer participants privately to ensure protection and confidentiality of participants. Bracketing was used to reduce the impact of research bias in this study, along with note-taking techniques and audio tapes, transcribed by the researcher using NVIVO software. Transcripts were reviewed, patterns were identified, and themes were categorized using codes as the researcher looked for connections among the themes. Themes that emerged included parental involvement, generational cycles and patterns, grandparents raising grandkids, poverty, helping agencies, cultural and community norms and lifestyles, beliefs and value systems, and drugs and substance abuse. The theme most discussed by the eight participants was in relation to parental involvement in the child's life, both positive and negative. Parental involvement was discussed by participants 70 times during the eight hours of face-to-face interviews. According to participants of this study, both the positive and the negative involvement by the parent is the number one influence of learned helplessness in the child's life.

This study explores the changing nature of filial piety in contemporary society in rural China. With the economic, social and political upheavals that followed the Revolution, can 'great peace under heaven' still be found for the rural Chinese family as in the traditional Confucian proverb,"make yourself useful, look after your family, look after your country, and all is peaceful under heaven"? This study explores this question, in terms not so much of financial prosperity, but of non-tangible cultural values of filial piety, changing familial and gender roles, and economic migration. In particular, it examines how macro level changes in economic, social and demographic policies have affected family life in rural China. The primary policies examined were collectivisation, the hukou registration system, marketization, and the One-Child policy. Ethnographic interviews reveal how migration has affected rural family structures beyond the usual quantifiable economic measures. Using the village of Meijia, Sichuan province, as a paradigmatic sample of family, where members have moved to work in the cities, leaving their children behind with the grandparents, the study demonstrates how migration and modernization are reshaping familial roles, changing filial expectations, reshuffling notions of care-taking, and transforming traditional views on the value of daughters and daughters-in-law. The study concludes that the choices families make around migration, child-rearing and elder-care cannot be fully explained by either an income diversification model or a survival model, but rather through notions of filial piety. Yet the concept of filial piety itself is changing, particularly in relation to gender and perceptions about the worth of daughters and the mother/ daughter-in-law relationship. Understanding these new family dynamics will be important for both policy planners and economic analysts.

Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
This study addresses unprivileged dichotomies in an endeavour to make audible the silence surrounding Xhosa family resilience. This study is essentially descriptive and exploratory in nature and directed towards an understanding of the factors contributing to the resilience of Xhosa-speaking, rural black South African families. To contextualise the discussion a selection of theories on resilience are viewed within their cultural contexts. Western psychology’s privileging of a) the scrutiny of pathology while disregarding resilience; of b) white participants to black participants; and c) individuality to relationship centeredness and familial systems; are uncovered and a hypothetical understanding of Xhosa family resilience is construed. The line of thought culminates in the theoretical discussion and empirical exploration of The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 1996). In the concluding remarks of this project an adaptation of this model, namely the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Strength, Adjustment and Adaptation, is construed. The derived model is based on an integration of the findings of this study with resilience theory.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2004.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Family Studies. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2009.
Title from electronic title page (viewed Mar. 10, 2010). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Psychology Developmental." Discipline: Psychology; Department/School: Psychology.

Background/aim: Occupational therapy service delivery must be adapted when working with Indigenous communities, as there is a diversity of beliefs, values and customs. There are currently no evidence-based models of therapy service delivery to rural and remote Indigenous children and their families. This study aims to explore occupational therapy service delivery to rural and remote Indigenous children and their families. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with seven occupational therapists with experience with Australian rural and remote Indigenous children and their families. A thematic analysis was conducted on each interview with constant comparison to refine themes across interviews. Results: A total of six service delivery themes emerged from the data gathered in the interviews; flexible and accessible services; tailored services; culturally sensitive therapist; culturally inclusive services; occupational therapy awareness; and collaboration. These results linked with the need for long-term solutions, as the limited access to occupational therapy within these communities is a social injustice. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that each Indigenous community is unique. Therapists work in collaboration with the community and use their critical reasoning skills to adjust practice accordingly. Significance of the study: This study contributes to growing knowledge about occupational therapy service provision in rural and remote Indigenous communities with children and their families. The findings will assist therapist in these communities to provide culturally aligned services. They also advocate for these communities by emphasising the basic human right violations that Indigenous communities are experiencing by not having access to consistent and culturally appropriate occupational therapy services.

Thesis (M.S.)--Miami University, Dept. of Family and Child Studies, 2003.
Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains ii, 43 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 33-35).

Over the last four decades, farming families throughout North America experienced significant transitions due, in part, to the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. This multi-sited dissertation investigates the ways in which a network of binational (Mexican-American) families organize their small- to mid-scale farming enterprises, engage in global networks as food producers, and contribute to rural economies in the southeastern U.S. and the Mexican Bajío. To mitigate difficult transitions that came with the globalizing of agri-food markets, members of this extended family group created collaborative, kin-based arrangements to produce, distribute, and market fresh-market fruits and vegetables in the foothills of southern Appalachia and basic grains in the foothills of the Mexican Bajío. Members of extended binational families regularly negotiate social, economic, and political borders within and across regions, genders, and generations. This study shows how these binational kin use cooperative practices to navigate two distinct, yet interrelated, contemporary agricultural political economic environments in North America. The study counter-constructs stereotypes of Latinx and their roles in southeastern U.S. agriculture by focusing on a vertically integrated, kin group of allied, migrant farming families and theorizing them as binational collective strategists. Their stories and strategies provide insight into the importance of temporalities and practices of kin relatedness to agri-food enterprises and suggest possibilities for alternative distributions of surplus value within the globalized agri-food system.

Almost half of the South African population lives in poverty. The circumstances of particularly the poor in the rural areas are worse in absolute and relative terms because of a legacy of unequal access, control and distribution of resources. The aim of this research study was to examine the nature and the effect of poverty on families in a rural area and to provide guidelines for the empowerment of poverty stricken families. From the research study it was clear that the inhabitants of Modimola village were very poor, taking into account their low level of education, high rate of illiteracy, small income and unsatisfactory living conditions. They even experienced a shortage of basic needs such as water, electricity and transport. Several factors contribute to their poverty, such as lack of job opportunities, lack of skills and lack of support from the government and additionally, due to improper infrastructure. It was evident that poverty had a negative effect on the families, and that problems such as malnutrition, illiteracy, ill health, marital problems, unemployment and violence were rife in the community. The people were unable to help themselves and felt hopeless and useless. They need to be empowered. The social worker has an important role to play in this regard. She can play the parts of social broker, enabler, teacher, mediator and advocate so as to help the people alleviate their poverty.
Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Pensar o papel da família no contexto educacional de seus filhos torna-se temática fundamental diante das novas transformações na sociedade neste início do século XXI. O tema relação família e escola envolve um conjunto de atores e vem sendo discutido constantemente nas últimas décadas como um pilar fundamental para o processo educacional das crianças e jovens. A presente dissertação tem como tema de pesquisa a relação família e escola na Pedagogia da Alternância nas Casas Familiares Rurais de Candói e Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, ambas localizadas no Território Cantuquiriguaçu no Estado do Paraná. Realizou-se uma pesquisa social, de cunho qualitativo, tendo como instrumento de coleta de dados observações, visitas a propriedades e entrevistas. Analisou-se comparativamente as duas CFRs, como se processa a relação das famílias com as mesmas e com o processo de ensino aprendizagem de seus filhos. Entendeu-se que a participação da família na Pedagogia da Alternância além de constituir-se enquanto um pilar dessa metodologia também é intrínseca ao compartilhamento de saberes entre pais e filhos dentro do contexto social no qual estão inseridos. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que as famílias necessitam de maiores incentivos e condições para poderem exercer seu direito à participação nas CFRs, pois as propriedades localizam-se em espaços rurais, muitas vezes, de difícil acesso e grande distância das Escolas.
Thinking about the role of the family in the educational context of his sons to become the face of new thematic fundamental changes in society in the XXI century. The theme about family and school involves a set of actors and has been discussed constantly in recent decades as a cornerstone to the educational process of children and youth. This dissertation is a research topic about family and school in the Pedagogy of Alternation in Rural Family Houses Candói of Iguaçu and Rio Bonito, both located in Macau Cantuquiriguaçu in Paraná State. We conducted a social survey, a qualitative, with the data collection instrument observations, interviews and visits to properties. We analyzed comparatively the two CFRs how is the relation of families with them and with the teaching-learning process of their children. It was understood that family participation in the Pedagogy of Alternation besides constituting itself as a pillar of this methodology is also intrinsic to sharing knowledge between parents and children within the social context to which they belong. It was noticed that families need greater incentives and requirements to exercise their right to participate in the CFRs, because the properties are located in rural areas, often difficult to access and long distance Schools.

Family is an important element in the cultural identity of this American Indian community so involving families in the education of their children is crucial. This mixed methods study documents the process of implementing a family involvement program at a rural school serving predominantly low-income families near an American Indian reservation. The results showed there is a strong sense of responsibility among the parents for the education of their children. Parents and students were found to work together to improve their learning by reviewing homework together and doing learning activities at home. Interview data stressed the importance of developing a welcoming learning environment at school and at afterschool events that is culturally sensitive. Families need to feel they are welcomed and respected. The structure of afterschool events must be flexible and familiar for continued participation. Facilitators of family involvement programs in American Indian communities need to design programs that are culturally responsive to the local tribe and community, supporting the comfort and learning of the participants, providing materials for everyone to take home, and bringing the program to the people.

This dissertation examines rural families responses to global and local situations that have made earning a livelihood as a farmer very difficult. Drawing from original research, including a household livelihood census of 195 households, interviews with 72 people, participant observation, and archival research, the dissertation explores how rural families have responded to declines in domestic agricultural markets fueled by global and national forces and local environmental change. It asks: what impact will small farming families responses to these forces of change have on peoples identities as peasants? I argue that while great change is underway in the countryside, peasant identity continues to flourish as people on the ground re-work and re-negotiate what it means to be a peasant. This research provides a voice to those often overlooked by macro-analyses of economic, political, or cultural development by providing rich ethnographic details on how global forces impact otherwise out-of-the way places. This dissertation critically examines what is meant by development and change, what development and change look like in a local, grounded context and what current trends can teach us about the future of rural areas both in Costa Rica and in other regions of the world experiencing similar phenomena: increasing educational opportunities for youth, a continued opening up of agricultural markets, a blurring of the line between the urban and the rural, and declining environmental quality.

Since Doi Moi in 1986 there has been an increasing demand for female labour in urban Vietnam. In response to that demand many rural women, including already married women with children, have left their families behind to engage in labour migration. They constitute an important segment of the labour force, but have received little attention in the literature. With a view to filling this gap in the literature, this study seeks to investigate the link between rural-urban migration and relationship breakdown and cohesion in conjugal and parent-child relationships in mother-migrant/father-left-behind families. It also seeks to understand how gender roles, gender identities and social norms shape the experiences of migrant mothers and left-behind fathers, and in turn how rural-urban migration has changed gender relations, gender roles and expectations, and intra-familial power within their families. The study employs both secondary data sources and primary data collected through fieldwork. First, to achieve a better sense of the importance of married female migrants who migrate alone in the contemporary migration context in Vietnam, four secondary data sources were made use of. They were 1. The 2009 Census 2. The 2008, 2010 and 2012 Vietnam Living Standard Surveys 3. The 2004 Vietnam Migration Survey and 4. The 2008 Survey on the Impact of Rural-Urban Migration. Unfortunately, all except the last data source have limitations which prevent accurate identification of the particular group of women of interest. Moreover, from the 2008 Survey on the Impact of Rural-Urban Migration only a small number of married female lone migrants were found. Although this number was not large enough for detailed quantitative analysis, each of the women still provided valuable information and were carefully treated as potential case studies. Second, 72 in-depth interviews were carried out with married female lone migrants, left-behind husbands and children, extended family kin and local leaders. Cases from the secondary data source and from the fieldwork were used together to explore the research topic. The study found that spatial separation through migration often imposed emotional strains on migrant women and their families. However, it did not seem to have caused serious impacts on their wellbeing and their family relationships because migrants and their left behinds usually put a great deal of effort into maintaining love, affection, nurturing, validation, moral support and cohesion within their families. The study also found that the migration of married females tended to be a strategy of rural households to diversify income, provide a buffer against economic shocks faced in home villages and fulfil reproduction responsibilities. The migration on decision, moreover, was shaped by social norms. It consequently created a more equitable division of labour within the household and shifted gender and power relations in a more egalitarian direction. These changes did not appear to have led to serious family tension or fragmentation, because migrant women and their husbands adopted various strategies to minimize strain on their family relationships and disruption to their families’ cohesion.

Diese Doktorarbeit hatte den institutionellen Ansatz als theoretische Grundlage, und Studienobjekt waren die Beziehungen der Institutionen in der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Familien der Tabakbauern in Rio Grande do Sul. Institutionen beziehen sich in diesem Sinne auf informelle Einschränkungen (Sanktionen, Tabus, Gewohnheiten, Traditionen und Verhaltenskodexe) und formelle Regeln (Verfassungen, Gesetze, Eigentumsrechte). Der Tabakanbau ist ein umstrittenes Thema, denn es gibt gleichzeitig formelle und informelle Einschränkungen, die sich seinem Anbau und Konsum widersetzen, und Institutionen und Organisationen, die ihn beträchtlich fördern. Zwischen diesen Mächten stehen die Bauernfamilien, die sowohl von Fragen der Außenwelt wie auch von den Folgen betroffen werden, was in ihrer sozialen Organisation festgestellt werden kann. Deshalb ist es das allgemeine Ziel der Forschungsarbeit, die Rolle der Institutionen in der Entwicklung der Produktions- und Organisationswandlungen der Familien, die in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) Tabak anbauen, zu analysieren. Die Forschung weist sich als qualitativ und quantitativ sowie beschreibend aus, um durch die geschichtliche Methode die Entwicklung der Institutionen im ländlichen Raum des Tabakanbaus in Rio Grande do Sul, Brasilien, zu verstehen. Um die spezifischen Ziele zu erreichen, erfolgte die Datenerhebung anhand von primären und sekundären Quellen. Als primäre Datenquellen wurden geschichtliche Angaben, bibliografische Daten und die Feldforschung eingesetzt, und als sekundären Quellen, die Angaben, die von Wirtschafts-, Sozial- und politischen Indikatoren in Bezug auf den Tabakanbau und seine Entwicklung um Laufe der Zeit eingesammelt wurden. Die Feldforschung umfasste die Familien der Tabakbauern in den Landkreisen von Agudo und Paraíso do Sul, die sich in den zentral-nördlichen Gegenden der Kreise, in denen die Mehrheit der Tabakbauern lebt, befinden. Die Forschungssubjekte waren 68 absichtlich, zweckmäßig ausgewählte Familien, die aus insgesamt 241 interviewten Personen bestanden. Die Analyse und Interpretation der Daten erfolgte historisch und statistisch, gemäß den Forschungsmethoden. Durch eine Synthese der wichtigsten primären Daten, die bei den Familien der Tabakbauern in den Kreisen Agudo und Paraíso do Sul eingesammelt wurden, erkennt man, dass ihr Werdegang durch das institutionelle Umfeld, welches aus fernen Zeiten, von Raum- und Kulturwandlungen herstammt, geprägt wird; diese Wandlungen werden in den Erinnerungen und sozialen Zügen der Generationen festgehalten und durchziehen die Geschichte der kolonisierten Gemeinden. Ein institutionelles komplexes Umfeld, bestehend auf Rechten und Pflichten, die das Leben der Menschen beeinflussen und betreffen, die in die Produktions- und Organisationswandlungen der Familien der Tabakbauern eingreifen. Sie bestimmen das Verhalten, die Auswahl der Anbausorten, die Zugänge zu den Märkten, die Bildung von spezifischen Aktiva und den Einschluss in einen global integrierten Markt, den Tabakmarkt. Es wird wahrgenommen, dass die Institutionen untereinander verbunden sind und es besteht kein offenkundiger Beweis, wer was bestimmt, das heißt, der Aufbau der formellen Institutionen ergibt sich aus informellen Änderungen der Gewohnheiten, des Glaubens, der persönlichen Werte; anderseits werden diese durch die Wandlungen der Vorschriften, Konventionen, Regeln, die das menschliche Verhalten eingrenzen, beeinflusst. Es ist vorstellbar, dass die formellen und informellen Institutionen zu einer Art Entwicklung der erforschten Landkreise beitragen, die Einflüsse und die gegenseitige Abhängigkeit des Staates, des Marktes und der Familien sind Bestandteil der wirtschaftlichen, politischen, sozialen und ökologischen Entwicklungsgeschichte der Familien der Tabakbauern.
A tese teve como fundamento teórico a abordagem institucional e objeto de estudo as a relação das instituições na trajetória das famílias produtoras de tabaco no Rio Grande do Sul. Referenciando-se instituições como restrições informais (sanções, tabus, costumes, tradições e códigos de conduta), e regras formais (constituições, leis, direitos de propriedade). O cultivo do tabaco é um tema controverso, pois ao mesmo tempo que existem restrições formais e informais de resistência a sua produção e consumo, há instituições e organizações que o incentivam substancialmente. Em meio a essas forças estão inseridos os agricultores familiares, que são atingidos tanto com as questões do ambiente externo, bem como com as consequências que podem ser verificadas na sua organização social. Para tanto, o objetivo geral da pesquisa é analisar o papel das instituições na trajetória das transformações produtivas e organizacionais das famílias produtoras de tabaco no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). A pesquisa se caracteriza como qualitativa-quantitativa e descritiva, e procurou compreender, por meio do método histórico, a evolução das instituições no espaço rural do plantio de tabaco, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para o alcance dos objetivos específicos, o levantamento dos dados foi realizado a partir de fontes primárias e fontes secundárias. Para as fontes primárias, foram utilizados os dados históricos, os bibliográficos e a pesquisa de campo, e para as fontes secundárias, os dados foram coletados partir de indicadores econômicos, políticos e sociais relacionados com a produção do tabaco e sua evolução ao longo do tempo. A pesquisa de campo teve como o escopo famílias produtoras de tabaco dos municípios de Agudo e Paraíso do Sul, localizadas em regiões centro-norte dos municípios onde concentra-se a maioria dos fumicultores. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 68 famílias selecionadas intencionalmente, por conveniência, constituídas de 241 pessoas entrevistadas. A análise e a interpretação dos dados, considerando os métodos da investigação foi o histórico e o estatístico. Percebe-se por meio de uma síntese dos principais dados primários coletados nas famílias produtoras de tabaco nos municípios de Agudo e Paraíso do Sul, que sua trajetória de vida marcada pelo ambiente institucional provindo de tempos longínquos de mudanças de espaços e culturas, que permanecem nas memórias e traços sociais das gerações que perpassam pela história das comunidades de colonizadas. Um ambiente institucional complexo constituído de direitos e obrigações que influenciam e afetam as vidas das pessoas, que interferem nas transformações produtivas e organizacionais das famílias produtoras de tabaco. Determinando o comportamento, as opções de culturas, os acessos aos mercados, a formação de especificidades de ativos e a inclusão em um mercado integrado globalmente, o mercado do tabaco. Percebe-se que as instituições são interligadas, e não há uma clara evidência de quem é determinante de qual, ou seja, a constituição das instituições formais advém de mudanças informais, dos costumes, crenças, valores das pessoas, por outro lado, estas são influenciadas por transformações das normas, convenções, leis que delimitam o comportamento humano. O que é concebível é que as instituições formais e instituições informais contribuem para um tipo de desenvolvimento dos municípios pesquisados, as influências e a interdependência do Estado, do mercado e das famílias são componentes na história de desenvolvimento econômico, político, social e ambiental das famílias produtoras de tabaco.
The thesis had as its theoretical support the institutional approach and as the object of study the relations of the institutions in the path of the tobacco-producing families in Rio Grande do Sul. Referencing institutions as informal constraints (sanctions, taboos, customs, traditions and codes of conduct) and formal rules (constitutions, laws, property rights).Tobacco farming is a controversial topic, because while there are formal and informal restrictions of resistance to its production and consumption, there are institutions and organizations that substantially encourage it. Amid these forces the family farmers are inserted, who are afflicted with both the issues of the external environment, as well as the consequences that can be seen in their social organization. Therefore, the overall objective of the research is to analyze the role of institutions in the trajectory of the productive and organizational transformations of tobacco-producing families in Rio Grande do Sul (RS).The research is characterized as qualitative and quantitative and descriptive, which sought to understand, through the historical and statistical method, the evolution of institutions in rural areas of tobacco plantation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To achieve the specific objectives, the data collection was carried out from primary and secondary sources. For primary sources, historical data, bibliographic and field research were used and for the secondary sources, data were collected from economic, political and social indicators related to tobacco production and its evolution over time. The field research had as its scope tobacco-producing families from the municipalities of Agudo and Paraíso do Sul, located in the north-central region of the municipalities which concentrates most tobacco growers. The study subjects were 68 families intentionally selected, for convenience, consisting of 241 interviewed people. Analysis and interpretation of data, considering the research methods, were historical and statistical. It is noticed by a summary of the main primary data collected in the tobacco-producing families in Agudo and Paraíso do Sul, their life trajectory was marked by the institutional environment coming from distant times of space and culture changes, which remain in the memories and social traits of the generations that pervade the history of colonized communities. A complex institutional environment, consisting of rights and obligations that influence and affect the lives of people, which interfere in the productive and organizational transformations of tobacco-producing families. Determining the behavior, crop options, access to markets, the formation of specific assets and inclusion in a globally integrated market, the tobacco market. It is noticed that the institutions are interconnected, and there is no clear evidence of who is determinant of which, namely, the establishment of formal institutions comes from informal changes, customs, beliefs, people's values, on the other hand, these are influenced by changes in the standards, conventions, laws that limit human behavior. What is conceivable is that formal institutions and informal institutions contribute to a type of development of the municipalities surveyed, the influences and the interdependence of the state, the market and families are components in the economic, political, social and environmental history of tobacco-producing families.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as estratégias de inserção dos agricultores familiares no Programa de Alimentação Escolar (PAE) de Capitão Leônidas Marques - PR. Para tal, foi realizada uma pesquisa com 19 agricultores familiares, visando caracterizar quem são os agricultores que acessaram o PAE do município entre 2010-2012; identificar se a adesão do agricultor familiar a esse mercado institucional promoveu mudanças e adaptações no processo produtivo para se adequar as normas do PAE; evidenciar os interesses que conduzem os agricultores familiares ao Programa e como esses conseguem atender as demandas e, com isso, intensificam a relação com o mercado. Constatou-se que, os agricultores entrevistados estão organizados de forma individual e contam com apoio da gestão do Programa no município para enfrentar as adequações às normas e ao processo burocrático que envolve o acesso ao PAE. Adaptaram-se as necessidades da logística de entrega e a organização produtiva de acordo com o proposto pelo funcionamento do Programa. Por conseguinte, são agricultores que mantém particularidades enquanto um formato social que não se define apenas pelas relações com o mercado, porque a relação terra, trabalho e família contem um patrimônio que é material, mas também sociocultural e está presente nas estratégias de inserção desses fornecedores na alimentação escolar. Esses agricultores familiares criam estratégias no sentido de dinamizar a produção contando com as condições necessárias e disponíveis para desempenhar seu trabalho, como o espaço para plantar e a mão de obra necessária para garantir renda familiar suficiente para sua reprodução. Evidenciou-se que os interesses que conduzem os entrevistados a acessarem o PAE estão relacionados à venda garantida com bons preços, agregação de valor ao seu produto com possibilidade de abertura a outros mercados e o reconhecimento social do agricultor familiar como fornecedor de alimentos de qualidade. Portanto, os agricultores entrevistados são motivados pelo desejo de continuar como fornecedores individuais devido à facilidade de negociação, garantia de preço, venda direta, agilidade no processo de venda e recebimento, além de aprovação do modelo de compra da agricultura familiar para o PAE. São atores sociais que demonstraram ser capazes de atenderem as demandas impostas pelas regras deste mercado, criando suas próprias estratégias de permanência nos mercados institucionais.
This current study aimed to analyze the strategies of insertion of family farmers in School Feeding Program (PAE) of Capitão Leonidas Marques - PR. To this end, a survey of 19 farmers was conducted. We sought to further to characterize whom are farmers who accessed the PAE of the county from 2010-2012, identifying the membership of the family farmer to that promoted institutional market changes and adaptations in the production process to suit the standards of PAE; highlight the concerns that lead farmers familiar with the program and how these can meet the demands and thereby intensify the relationship with the market. It was found that respondents farmers are organized individually and have the support of program management in the municipality to address the adjustments to the rules and the bureaucratic process involving access to PAE. Adapted to the needs of the logistics of delivery and productive organization according to the proposed operation of the program. Consequently, farmers are keeping particularities as a social form that is not defined only for relations with the market, because the relationship land, labor and family contains a heritage that is material, but also sociocultural and is present in the strategies of integration of these suppliers in school. These farmers create strategies to boost production relying on the necessary and available to perform your job, as the space to plant and manpower required to ensure sufficient reproduction household income conditions. Showed that the interests that lead respondents to access the PAE are related to guaranteed sale with good prices, adding value to your product with the possibility of opening other markets and social recognition of the family farmer as a supplier of quality food. Therefore, the farmers interviewed are motivated by the desire to continue as individual suppliers due to the ease of trading, price guarantee, direct selling, efficient sales and receiving process, and approval of purchase model of family farming for PAE. Are social actors who demonstrated able to meet the demands imposed by the rules of the market, create their own strategies for staying in institutional markets.

There are a number of pressing issues facing today's educational society. Among the most controversial is the research and information surrounding the perceived positive or negative effects of parental involvement and barriers that restrict parental involvement. The purpose of this study was to examine 6 parental involvement typologies and their use and existence in 3 East Tennessee elementary schools. The Epstein (1987) typologies were used to classify parent involvement modalities. Parents who had a child enrolled in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade during the 2007-2008 school year were interviewed. The interviews followed an open-ended interview guide and the research is qualitative in nature. Research findings in this study were consistent with findings from a number of previous parental involvement studies. Research participants displayed an appreciation for the educational process and voiced strong opinions on parenting, communication, volunteering, decision-making, learning at home, and collaboration with the community. Barriers to parental involvement practices were addressed as were suggestions for improved parental involvement opportunities and modalities.

In Australia, over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems is increasing. The legacy of the stolen generation has led to grief, sadness and loss of identity for many people, and major disparities in health, education, employment and housing means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are more susceptible to child welfare interventions in the present and future. This makes it imperative that responses for these families are more effective, in order to achieve socially just outcomes. As well, Australia’s growing multicultural society has increased demand for services provided to people from diverse cultural backgrounds to recognise the impact and importance of culture and to respond effectively. Cultural competency, which focuses on developing knowledge, skills and values for cross cultural practice, has gained momentum. It aims to enhance the ability of workers to provide culturally relevant and effective responses to people from different cultural backgrounds. However, ensuring that practices in the human services are culturally appropriate, culturally safe, salient, and effective, has proved elusive.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Human Services and Social Work
Griffith Health
Full Text

The study was conducted in Heuningvlei community in the Kgalagadi District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province. This study was part of the "Tshwaragano Project" with the general aim of empowering the disadvantaged communities in rural areas. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a social group work empowerment programme for poverty stricken families in rural areas of the Northern Cape Province. To achieve this aim, the following objectives needed to be attained: • To study the psycho-social effects of poverty on rural families. This objective was achieved by means of a critical review and analysis of the relevant literature. It is therefore concluded that poverty is the most problematic social problem facing the South African society today. It is a global problem that troubles many families in South Africa and affects people both psychologically and socially. • To determine the fundamental causes of poverty on rural families and their strengths to survive. This investigation indicated that poverty in the SADC region is reflected in the low levels of income, and high levels of human deprivation. Unemployment is also the greatest single cause of deep poverty in rural areas. These factors can be traced back to education and illiteracy of Heuningvlei community members. There is close association between poverty and lack of education. Poor or non existent of agricultural practices also bears reference to the alarming rates of poverty in rural areas. • To design and implement a social group work empowerment programme for poverty stricken rural families. This programme was presented successfully over a stretch of eight group sessions to sixteen community members and was exceptionally appropriate to improve their knowledge regarding poverty. They also received skills to start their own income generating projects. By means of this programme the members of the group also enhanced their social functioning • To evaluate the effectiveness of a social group work programme in empowering poverty stricken rural families. The evaluation of the programme was done by means of a measuring scale instrument called Personal Multi-screening Inventory (PMSI) scale developed by the Perspective Training College in Potchefstroom. The results obtained through this evaluation indicated that a social group work empowerment programme had brought a significant change in the lives of the members. It was therefore concluded that the programme was successful and effective in the sense that members felt that there was a transition in their lives. Group members indicated that the Tshwaragano social group work empowerment programme provided a positive growth in their lives and it was a learning opportunity that shifted their thinking, for instance the discouragement of the feeling of "apathy" and dependence on the government. In summary it can be stated that proof has emerged from this research that a scientifically founded, well-planned social group work empowerment programme can undoubtedly be applied to improve the social functioning of poverty stricken rural families.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on December 6, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

This study investigated the role of psychological variables in help-seeking behaviour and attitudes in a rural population, with particular emphasis as to whether differences existed between farmers and non-farming rural residents. These groups were contrasted, as research suggests that farmers appear to be a sub-group of the Australian population at increased risk of chronic health problems and suicide, even in comparison to other rural residents.
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008.
Title from electronic title page (viewed Sep. 16, 2008). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Education." Discipline: Education; Department/School: Education.

The Latino population represents the fastest growing ethnic population in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). Schools across the U.S. are experiencing growing numbers of Latino and mixed ethnicities. School districts are being challenged to provide English language resources to assist all children in obtaining quality learning experiences. In addition, the need for cultural support and advocacy from their public schools is necessary. By learning how to better understand Latinos, school districts can strengthen their relationships with this culture by considering how these families interact with the schools. In an attempt to better comprehend the worlds that Latino families negotiate daily, the Funds of Knowledge framework served as a lens to understand every day practices and ways of knowing what occurs in Latino family homes. Social Capital was the second theoretical lens used in order to view and understand the social networks utilized by Latino families on a regular basis. This study indicated how schools have a unique vantage point and obligation in understanding children and families that they serve. The findings clearly showed the significant funds of knowledge and social capital needs found within three Latino households in southwestern Kansas. First, Las Familias was the most impressive factor; these families possessed an intense attitude of togetherness. Second, the Latino parents understood English quite well but were too embarrassed to speak it. And last, the young people from these families navigate two worlds every day. At home, the Mexican culture is present; outside the home, American values and customs are everywhere.
Thesis (Ed.D.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Educational Leadership