Linda A. Mooney

Experiential learning in sociology: service learning and other community-based learning initiatives

Despite increased popularity and a strong pedagogical tradition, the literature on community-based learning (CBL) initiatives and service learning evidences a certain conceptual imprecision. In the hopes of clarifying definitional ambiguities, we critically review the CBL literature, identifying six distinct types of CBL options and their characteristics. The result is a hierarchy of community-based learning, which while not proposed as a definitive conceptualization, is likely to be useful in terms of curricular development. Using a hypothetical sociology class, the community-based learning options identified (i.e., out-of-class activities, volunteering, service add-ons, internships, service learning, and service learning advocacy) are discussed in terms of their pedagogical differences and associated curricular benefits

Who is Being Served? The Impact of Student Volunteering on Local Community Organizations:

This research investigated how local community-based and nonprofit organizations benefit from cooperation with community-based learning (CBL) initiatives such as service learning, internships, and volunteering. By examining data from local organizations that cooperate with a campus-based student volunteer program, the authors empirically assessed the extent to which local organizations benefit from cooperation with CBL initiatives. The data enabled comparisons of the relative contributions of university student volunteers and off-campus volunteers recruited from the larger community. The authors found that student volunteers constitute a substantial pool of volunteer labor for local organizations, yet they play different roles than community volunteers, roles that vary by organizational form. Student volunteers are generally the least likely to provide or help plan and coordinate services compared with community volunteers. These differences can be offset by a modest amount of training for student volunteers. The findings do not support the notion that students are used exclusively for routine tasks.

Sex role stereotyping in the sunday comics: Ten years later

The present research replicates Brabants (Sex role stereotyping in the Sunday comics. Sex Roles, 1976, 2(4), 331–337) analysis of sex role stereotyping in family-oriented Sunday comics. Cartoons were collected for the same six-month period and compared to the 1974 data. Females continue to appear less frequently and to remain in the home more often than males. They also continue to be protrayed in stereotypical roles.

Sex Role Stereotyping in the Sunday Comics: A Twenty Year Update

In 1994, six months of Sunday comic strips (N = 78) were collected and coded for gender stereotypical images. Each of the family-oriented cartoons was analyzed for frequency of male and female appearance, location of appearance, major activities, and the presence or absence of reading material and “the traditional symbol of domestication”—the apron [S. Brabant (1976) “Sex Role Stereotyping in the Sunday Comics,” Sex Roles, Vol. 2, p. 336]. Results were compared to earlier findings from comparable samples in 1974 and 1984. The present research indicates two trends: 1) a movement away from some stereotypical images over the twenty years studied, while, at the same time, 2) a return to 1974 levels of gender stereotyping for other images. Implications are discussed.

The social psychology of power

After briefly reviewing contemporary theories of social power, their underlying assumptions are examined and discussed in relation to several controversial issues concerning the properties of power and power relations. It is concluded that much of the controversy is a function of the ambiguous use of such terms as control, manipulation, persuasion, inducement, force and authority. A tentative schema is then devised whereby the aforementioned terms are reduced to varieties of active or passive power.

Legal Drinking Age and Alcohol Consumption

Utilizing samples from two states, one where the legal age for the possession and consumption of alcohol was 18 (Louisiana) and one where the legal age was 21 (North Carolina), we examine the assumption that restricting access to alcohol results in lower alcohol consumption rates for the target population (age 18–20). We find little support for this assumption, but considerable evidence that restrictive legislation drives younger drinkers underground, resulting in overall higher consumption rates for the target population.

When “critters” act like people: Anthropomorphism in greeting cards

This paper examines anthropomorphism as a social phenomenon, using one of the most widely used modes of interpersonal communication, the birthday card, as the source of data. The sample consists of 535 birthday cards randomly selected from fourteen retail outlets in a metropolitan (SMSA) area. Each outlet represented a geographically distinct high‐traffic area varying in type of establishment (discount, drug, dime, department, grocery and card stores) and socioeonomic levels of the community. The incidence of anthropomorphism in birthday cards and differences between cards with and without anthropomorphism are presented. Cards with anthropomorphism are compared with respect to the type of animal(s) and the context within which the animal(s) is pictured. Using Goffman ‘s model of frame analysis as reference, social and cultural implications are discussed.

Two martinis and a rested woman: “Liberation” in the sunday comics

Six family-oriented Sunday cartoons were collected over a six-month period and analyzed for content. In three of the cartoons, the wife was a full-time homemaker; in the other three, she worked outside the home at least part time. Working women and their husbands differed from non working women and and their husbands in activities, speaking appearances, and image portrayal. Implications are discussed.

Deviance, deference, and demeanor: Birthday cards as ceremonial tokens

The present paper examines the incidence of deviant messages and images in one of the most widely used modes of interpersonal communication, i.e., birthday cards. The sample consists of 535 birthday cards randomly selected from fourteen retail outlets in a metropolitan (SMSA) area. Each outlet represented a geographically distinct high‐traffic area varying in type of establishment (discount, drug, dime, department, grocery and card stores) and socioeconomic level of the community. Both the incidence and type of deviance, the characteristics of cards in which deviance is represented, and the characteristics of the sender/receiver population are discussed within the context of Goffmans concept of ceremonial activity.

Him, her, or either: Sex of person addressed and interpersonal communication

The present paper examines the relationship between sex of intended receiver and projected images and messages in one of the most widely used modes of written interpersonal communication. The sample consists of 477 traditional birthday cards randomly selected from 14 retail outlets in a metropolitan area. Each outlet represented a geographically distinct high-traffic area varying in type of establishment (discount, drug, dime, department, grocery, and card stores) and socioeconomic level of community. Cards intended for males are compared with those intended for females. Sex-specific cards are then compared with cards in which sex of receiver is not indicated. Implications are discussed.