Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Common to all social ventures is that they blur the governance boundaries which have traditionally separated organizations with for profit and social goals. Is blurring sustainable or would alignment of governance form and practice eventually prevail? This paper explores this question in the context of commercial microfinance organizations. It contributes to institutional theory by furthering our knowledge on one of its basic tenets--the decoupling of form and practice--in the context of a new organizational form.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The present study examined how mock-juries and jurors evaluate lesser-included homicide charges using 1) unanimity required verdict forms (must decide higher charges before lower charges) vs. 2) unanimity not required verdict forms (juries can consider all charges). We also included a radical verdict form (“step-up”) that asked juries to evaluate lower charges before evaluating higher charges. For a second-degree murder case, results indicated that unanimity jurors and “step-up” jurors were more punitive (found more guilt) than non-unanimity jurors. For a manslaughter case, unanimity jurors were more punitive than non-unanimity and step-up jurors. However, deliberations inhibited these differences.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The Violence Against Women Act and nonprofit organizations representing immigrant survivors of domestic violence are conceived as counter-state and progressive institutions. Based on empirical data collected through participant observations and personal interviews in Central Texas, I show the opposite. While Latina battered immigrants are entitled to access citizenship by law, the bureaucratic process, structured by the state and navigated by nonprofits, filters survivors as legitimate or illegitimate petitioners. Simultaneously, disciplines of citizenship, and class, racial/ethnic and gender lines intervene in the path to become a citizen of the United States. In this paper, I focus on the structuring forces of the state and its formal and informal agents (including nonprofit workers) over battered immigrants as they claim for citizenship.

Publication Type: Session Presentation
Abstract: Communicative activities are now the focus of instruction. It is important to use appropriate instruments to evaluate language performance. Well-created rubrics help teachers to be fair and students - to be accountable. The interactive, hands-on session will provide tips and examples and guide participants through the process of creating their own rubrics.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The dreaful events of September 11th and their aftermath have had a paradoxically reinvigorating effect upon the transnational anti-globalization movement. On the one hand the movement has reinvented itself into the marginally influential anti-war movement highlighted by the global February 15th demonstrations. On the other hand increasing frame unification, discursive convergence, and independent media utilization has refocused the network's position(s) on its stance and tactics for reshaping the global economy. Initial signs that this international anti-hegemonic movement from below is receding may be misleading.