Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Of the people who packed theaters in 2004 to see Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” most were already regular churchgoers. Using data from a Fall 2004 poll of a Southern state’s adult population, this study investigated the merits of explaining this phenomena using a presumed media influence model in which religious individuals chose to see the movie partly because they believed that the movie would promote religious faith and practice among others. Results provide support for the model but suggest a need for a more refined operationalization of the “other people” thought to be influenced.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Political knowledge is a public good, both in provision and acquisition. This study shows that the level of media subsidization in a country has a significant impact on the amount of political knowledge demonstrated by its citizens.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In order to capture hidden grant in student loan programs, Ziderman and his colleagues (Shen & Ziderman, 2008; Ziderman, 2003, 2004; Ziderman & Albrecht, 1995) had developed a methodology to calculate two critical measures of recovery loss: repayment ratio and recovery ratio. This study is particularly interested in applying this analytical framework to analyze government-subsidized student loan programs in China. Since there was a critical policy change in 2004, the present study compares the old (before 2004) and the new (after 2004) loan schemes in China using updated GSSL data.
The most striking finding is that two schemes have different repayment ratios. In addition, both old and new schemes have higher repayment ratios than the international average, but are close to the average of Asian countries. This study also finds that the increasing default rate and administrative cost reduce the recovery ratio and the relative efficiency index. In summary, it is recommends that government should offer more favorable loan interest and longer repayment period to reduce students’ repayment burden, especially for disadvantaged students. Second, universities should provide intensive personal credit education as a precaution for loan default. Finally, government should consider professionalizing loan service to reduce administrative costs.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The widespread social concern, in America, of inadequate opportunities to obtain "affordable" housing can be examined through two lenses. One lens views policies and practices as problems, the other as rights. To talk about a problem is to already define its shape. To discuss subsidized housing policies in terms of being a problem is to suggest that a viable solution can be sought. Policy studies tend to fall apart when they do not look at the same conditions. In other words, it is imparative to take into consideration comparative social policy when analyzing subsidized housing policies. This research will highlight the lack of rights inherent in subsidized housing policies. Data will be obtained through survey-based exploratory investigations of employees of three social service agencies in the South-Sound region of the state of Washington.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: That manufactured housing (MH) isn’t more widely used by affordable housing programs is especially surprising given the advantages offered by this housing model and the types of development challenges affordable housing faces in rural areas. This paper takes up this challenge by examining the experience of five affordable manufactured housing developments in rural and agricultural areas of the state. Through these case studies this paper links the definite efficiencies and advantages offered by the manufactured model to specific types of housing needs, rural conditions and development challenges presented by rural and agricultural communities. By analyzing actual rural applications, the demonstrated advantages and disadvantages of the manufactured model will be identified and compared with conventional stick-built housing. Findings will provide guidance on how and in what situations is MH best employed, identify challenges and institutional barriers to utilizing MH and dispel misconceptions and myths regarding the model.