Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Scholars typically argue that elite polarization has only negative consequences for
American politics. I challenge this view by demonstrating that elite polarization, by
clarifying where the parties stand on the issues of the day, causes ordinary voters to
adopt more consistent attitudes. Scholars have made such claims in the past, but
have been unable to actually verify a causal relationship due to their reliance on ob-
servational data. Using original experiments, I demonstrate that a causal relationship
exists between elite polarization and mass consistency. These findings have significant
normative implications for our understanding of the implications of elite polarization,
the role of political parties in a modern democracy, and the standards scholars use to
assess citizen competence and participation.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The linkage of serial crimes through the examination of behavioral information such as crime scene characteristics requires the development of how and what crime scene behaviors are 1) useful, and 2) behaviorally consistent, in order to accurately link offenses empirically. At the foundation of linking serial crime scenes is the concept of behavioral consistency. This psychological concept refers to the stability of behavior across time and situations. Criminal behavioral consistency which refers to a specific pattern of behavior that an offender employs across a series of offenses, has yet to be examined in detail for serial rape. The current study seeks to determine if serial rape offenders are consistent in the behavioral theme/type employed throughout their series of crimes. The thematic behavioral framework for proposed by Canter, Bennell, Alison, and Reddy (2003) for stranger rapes along with the integration of other variables such as those related to victim choice and approach method which has been highlighted by the literature as being key to identify rape type, will be utilized in determining behavioral consistency of serial rape offenders.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper examines the history of international investment rules and corporate responsibility pressures. I show how the failure to delineate not only the rights but the responsibilities of investors at the global level has led to corporate responsibility pressures, as so many firms today operate in nations with inadequate governance. I then make suggestions for addressing public concern about global business.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Unintended pregnancy rates are high among teens and young adults, in part because of contraceptive inconsistency and nonuse. This paper examines recent first sexual relationships among females and young adults in the NSFG and tests whether characteristics of their relationships, the partners they choose, and their choice of contraceptive methods are associated with contraceptive use and consistency

Using logistic regression analyses, we found that Hispanics, those who were younger at first sex, those with older sexual partners or more religious partners, and those who cohabited with their partners had reduced odds of contraceptive use and/or consistency. In contrast, having discussions with parents about reproductive health and receiving multiple types of sex education were associated with greater contraceptive use and consistency. Longer relationships were associated with greater odds of ever using contraception but lower odds of always using a method. Perceived seriousness of first sexual relationship was only marginally associated ever using contraception and not associated with consistent use.

Method choice was also associated with contraceptive consistency. Females using hormonal methods in their first relationships were more likely than those using condoms to contracept consistently. Also, those who switched to more effective methods over the course of their sexual relationship had greater consistency, while those who switched to less effective methods had reduced consistency compared to those who used the same method throughout their first relationship.

The findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the partners and relationships that teens are engaged in to improve contraceptive use and avoid unintended pregnancy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Promoting condom use is an important strategy used by sexual health policies in Africa to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS. This study examines some of the social factors that might be used to promote condom use in Africa with a particular focus on the role of women’s opportunities for earning cash incomes. It uses a multilevel framework and data from the 2003 Zambian Sexual Behavior Survey to examine the relationship between the level of women’s cash earning activity in a community and condom use while controlling for the individual characteristics of respondents and their relationships as well as other characteristics of their communities of residence. The study finds that the percent of women with cash earning jobs in a community is positively related to the likelihood that condoms will be used in sexual relations. The positive relationship is particularly strong for consistent condom use. The finding suggests that increasing women’s cash earning economic activity in Africa might make important contributions to increasing condom use and enhancing the struggle to curtail HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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