Caroline E. Reid

Residents' Perceptions of Tap Water and Decisions to Purchase Bottled Water: A Survey Analysis from the Appalachian, Big Sandy Coal Mining Region of West Virginia

In this exploratory effort, we examine the possible externalities associated with coal mine production and its ensuing effects on drinking water. Past experiences in the coal fields suggest that this has significant economic impacts on household budgets, with many residents choosing to buy bottled water rather than rely on their local tap water for consumption and household usage. Through an analysis of survey data, this study explores the relationship between resident perceptions of watershed pollution associated with coal mining, its perceived effects on drinking water quality, and decisions to purchase “store-bought” water (bottled water). While findings reveal an indirect association between perceived pollution impacts, perceived drinking water quality, and resident decisions to purchase bottled water, the most robust direct predictors of purchase are perceived tap water quality, the saliency of drinking water concerns, and trust/distrust in the local water treatment facility.

Race differences among noncustodial fathers noncompliant in child support: Involvement and self-perceptions of fathering

Abstract There are more than 21.2 million children who live with only one parent in the United States (US Census 2007). Of the 13.6 million noncustodial parents, the majority of whom are fathers, more than 2.6 million are low-income fathers who do not pay child support (Sorensen, 2002). This is a diverse group, yet little research has focused on racial differences among low income noncustodial fathers who do not pay child support. Understanding who these fathers are, and how they are involved in their children’s lives is important for social policy and for parenting programs that seek to involve fathers beyond financial child support. This paper provides a description of race differences among low-income, noncustodial fathers convicted of the non-payment of child support. Comparisons between White and African American/Black fathers are made for the amount of fathering involvement, the type of fathering involvement, and self-perceptions of fathering. Findings reveal no significant differences between African American/Black and White fathers’ type of involvement and perceptions of fathering, although there is a trend for African American/Black fathers to have more contact with their children compared with White fathers. Findings demonstrate that low-income, noncustodial fathers face multiple barriers to staying involved with their children, and practitioners should recognize the context of background factors that might influence father involvement.

Voices From the Field: Social Workers Define and Apply Social Justice

Social justice is embraced as a central mission of social work, yet how the profession defines it lacks clear and common understanding. This qualitative study explored the concept of social justice as perceived and applied by social workers in diverse practice settings. Focus-group participants were asked five primary open-ended questions. Key phrases and terms were identified and grouped into four themes: variation in meaning of social justice, confronting injustices, practice reality, and professional responsibility. The findings suggest that social justice as understood and practiced in the field is compatible with theoretical conceptions in the literature, but a predominant understanding remains lacking.

Rationale Argument Mapping Software

This software review focuses on using Rationale Argument Mapping Software to teach critical thinking skills in social work. Overall, the program is a great tool for helping students to think critically and precisely about their arguments.