Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: Definitions surrounding what constitutes an effective formalized business network are both sporadic and incomplete. By couching the formalized business network in voluntary, nonprofit organization literature, this study uses an emergent approach to examine the perceptions of business network effectiveness according to the leadership of the business networks. Using data from 27 business networks, themes from in-depth interviews with the directors of business networks from four Midwestern states are examined to identify emergent themes of business network effectiveness. These themes lend preliminary evidence for what constitutes business network effectiveness. The theoretical contributions to the study of formalized, nonprofit, membership based organizations are discussed.

Publication Type: Poster Paper
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Domestic violence is a prevalent social problem within the United States. The implementation of mandatory arrest laws reflected changes in public sentiment concerning how incidents of domestic violence were being handled by law enforcement (i.e., peace officers functioned with great personal discretion in incidents of domestic violence). Mandatory arrest laws, implemented in 1994 in the state of Colorado, dictate that peace officers make a mandatory arrest if probable cause that a crime has been committed in a domestic violence incident is found. A significant element of mandatory arrest laws is their impact on how law enforcement is expected to treat cases of domestic violence; yet, the perspective of law enforcement is largely under examined. How are mandatory arrest laws intended to work? What are their formally stated goals and procedures? How are mandatory arrest laws actually enforced and understood by law enforcement personnel? What is the general feeling, by law enforcement, about the effectiveness of mandatory arrest laws?

Publication Type: Informal Discussion Roundtable
Abstract: Increasing media and professional attention has highlighted various types of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying and female bullying. Until recently, most researchers have focused on interpersonal aggression occurring in the elementary and secondary school contexts, and most of these researchers take a psychological approach in examining the bullying activities. However, various types of interpersonal aggression are happening at the collegiate level, which is not receiving attention in the research literature. Sociologists have a valuable perspective in understanding the contextual and situational factors associated with interpersonal aggression, and a sociological approach would expand the understanding of these behaviors.

This informal discussion will allow those who are interested in interpersonal aggression, both at the collegiate level and in other settings, to come together to brainstorm about future research directions, methodological issues, and policy implications.

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: The issue of caregiver burden has been a central focus in the social gerontological literature over the last several decades and has also received considerable emphasis in the much smaller literature on the social experience of mothering children with disabilities. Little attention has been paid to either the nature of the burdens perceived by mothers or to maternal ability to see beyond the burdens to the benefits of their caregiving role. This study utilizes the results of an extensive survey of eighty one mothers of children with disabilities and followup interactive interviews with seven of these mothers to examine these issues. Findings suggest that: 1. Mothers are significantly more likely to perceive objective than subjective burdens related to caring for children with disabilities. That is, for most mothers “the burden of care” is a matter of daily hassles rather than psychological distress. 2. Mothers who have other children at home, work outside of the home, have fewer years of education and feel that people with disabilities are stigmatized by others in the community report higher levels of objective burden than other mothers. 3. Subjective burden is increased only by perceived stigma. 4. Most mothers perceive benefits in having a child with a disability. 5. The perception of subjective burden reduces perceived benefits, but the perception of objective burden does not. 6. When perceived burden is controlled, younger mothers and (when maternal age is controlled) those with older children report the highest levels of benefit.

Publication Type: Informal Discussion Roundtable
Abstract: In the 25th year since the recognition of the HIV/AIDS pandemic many researchers now argue that middle aged- and older Americans are neglected. While many public health campaigns are designed to target at risk populations and youth ages 13- 24, the elderly are being ignored in terms of age specific epidemiology, and prevention, intervention and treatment programs. Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic the elderly have accounted for 10-11% of HIV/AIDS cases. Today adult’s ages 50 and older are recognized as one of the fastest growing populations affected by HIV/AIDS. . The three commonly believed rationales for this increase include; (1) a lack of therapeutic communication between patient and health care providers regarding risk and/or sexual behaviors. Many physicians do not suspect HIV/AIDS in older patients and miss the opportunity for testing; (2) Social perception of the elderly does not include that of an active sex life and few age appropriate HIV/AIDS risk reduction messages are targeted at this population; (3) Lastly, the middle aged and elderly have perceived reduced susceptibility to contracting sexually transmitted disease and engage in risk taking behavior. Research indicates this may be associated with decreased odds of child bearing. This round table will discus and investigate the social, public health and medical implications of growing numbers ages 50 plus developing and living with HIV/AIDS. Discussants will examine treatment option, prevention strategies, current research in the field, and policy issues that impact older infected adults.