Tammy S. Garland

Blurring the lines reinforcing rape myths in comic books

Through the use of popular culture constructs, individuals are exposed to an overabundance of images that validate rape myths. Although studies have examined rape in popular culture, little attention has been given to the use of rape myths in comic books as a means to reinforce hegemonic masculinity. Using a convenience sample taken from popular comic book series, this content analysis examined the prevalence of rape and the myths used to create such portrayals as well as discuss the negative impact the perpetuation of rape culture has on society. Findings indicate that the reinforcement of rape myths is present within mainstream comic books. Rape myths that were supported included a number of rape survivor, rape perpetrator, and victim blaming myths.

Victims hidden in plain sight: the reality of victimization among the homeless

Using the framework of structural choice theory, this exploratory study discusses self‐reported differences in criminality and victimization within the homeless population as a predictor of future victimization. A sample of homeless individuals (N = 105) in a mid‐size southern city was collected to investigate factors related to past and current victimization. Findings reveal that homeless individuals who reported being turned away from a shelter and as having committed a new crime since becoming homeless are significantly more likely to experience victimization.

Personal and Political?: Exploring the Feminization of the American Homeless Population

Using a feminist lens, this exploratory study discusses self-reported differences between male and female homelessness. A sample of homeless individuals (N = 105) in a mid-size southern city was collected to investigate the factors associated with the growing female homeless population. The data reveal that while some root causes of homelessness such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, cut backs in the welfare system, mental illness, drug dependency, and lack of state support, are seen throughout the homeless population, domestic violence and sexual abuse disproportionately impacts women. The results of this study indicate that while women may be less likely to become homeless than their male counterparts, homeless women are significantly more likely to report family and economic-related causes as their reasons for becoming homeless. According to the most recent statistics by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, of the 3.5 million people who are homeless, 17% are women and 39% are children (National Coalition of the Homeless, 2008). These women are often victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse (Baker, Cook, & Norris, 2003; Browne & Bassuk, 1997; Goodman, 1991). They lack education, affordable housing, affordable childcare, and medical care. In addition, many times these women suffer from drug abuse and mental illness. They are turned away from shelters that are filled to capacity and often left with no other option than to attempt to survive on the streets. This study proposes that it is the dual nature of victimization (personal and political) that has manifested in a steadily increasing female homeless population. This exploratory analysis utilizes a sample of homeless men and women to conduct a comparative inquiry on various personal and political factors related to becoming homeless.

Exploring General and Specific Attitudes Toward Drug Policies Among College Students

Numerous studies have focused on issues dealing with students’ attitudes toward drug use. Although these studies have examined attitudes toward drug use, there has been little research focusing on drug policy attitudes. Although some research has been conducted on attitudes of students and professionals regarding criminal justice policies, the literature has not directly addressed the perceptions of students regarding specific drug policies in the United States. Using data collected from 294 students enrolled at a southern university, this study examined criminal justice/legal studies majors’ and nonmajors’ perceptions regarding current drug policy and demographic factors influence these perceptions. Findings revealed little variation in overall attitudes among the two study cohorts; however, college major emerged as a significant predictor of more tolerant marijuana attitudes.

An exploration of policies governing faculty-to-student consensual sexual relationships on university campuses: current strategies and future directions

Consensual sexual relationships between students and faculty have traditionally been viewed as private matters and have been ignored by university administrators except in cases that resulted in sexual harassment claims. Due to increasing sexual harassment litigation and the liabilities associated with such relationships, universities have developed policies to limit relationships between faculty and students and to acknowledge the power differential inherent in such relationships. These policies, however, differ between universities, causing confusion among the university community as to what is considered acceptable and ethical behavior. Using a sample of 55 universities, this analysis attempted to determine (a) the level of acceptability of such relationships, (b) the language or absence thereof addressing power differentials, (c) liability issues associated with these relationships, (d) reporting requirements, and (e) whether clearly outlined sanctions exist when/if such relationships occur. Future directions for research and policy are also discussed.

Race, Bias, and Attitudes Toward Drug Control Policy

This research explores the associative and interactive effects of race and perceived racial bias on attitudes toward drug policies among a sample of university students. Extant research that has examined general crime control attitudes has suggested the relative influence of both variables. However, our exploratory analysis finds perceived racial bias to be the most salient factor, whereas race, measured discretely, exhibits no interactive effect. The discussion considers structural explanations for racial disparity and advocates a more robust measurement of race variation that includes racial categorization, self-identification, and bias.

Gender Politics and The Walking Dead: Gendered Violence and the Reestablishment of Patriarchy

Given that the acclaimed comic book series The Walking Dead allows readers to confront our greatest fears, as civilization has collapsed and zombies proliferate and prey upon the living, the paucity of literature addressing the gender dynamics in such a lawless society is disconcerting. In our analysis of 96 issues of the series, we explore the social construction of gender roles and the context of gendered violence and victimization in this post-apocalyptic world. Moving beyond a narrative analysis, we consider how comic art conveys that even in the zombie apocalypse, the patriarchal structure remains, the realities of sexism and gendered violence endure, and, sometimes, women literally pay with their flesh for trying to break out of stereotypical gendered constructs.

Is Jury Selection Fair? Perceptions of Race and the Jury Selection Process

This study explores jurors’ perceptions of whether the jury system is fair, and more specifically, the role, if any, race plays in perceptions of jury selection. Although Supreme Court decisions have held that discrimination in peremptory challenges based on race is prohibited, there remain questions as to whether these standards truly exist in the jury selection process. The current study failed to find sufficient evidence that jurors believe that racial bias had an impact upon their ability to serve on juries and failed to establish a relationship between views about racial representation on juries and system fairness. It did, however, find that a significant minority of jurors questioned the racial neutrality of the system, which in turn decreased perceptions of system fairness.

Blaming the Victim: University Student Attitudes Toward Bullying

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have examined adolescent attitudes toward bullying, but limited research has explored college students’ attitudes toward victims of bullying. Using data collected from three southern universities (n = 1,135), the current research investigates demographic, experiential, and behavioral factors that are likely to influence whether university students attribute blame to bullying victims. Findings indicate that most university students report prosocial attitudes toward bullying. Victim blaming and minimizing attitudes were most common among males, heterosexuals, and those with a history of prior bullying perpetration during junior high or high school. Individuals reporting a higher frequency of drug use were significantly more likely to support victim blaming attitudes, and those who engaged in more frequent alcohol use were significantly more likely to minimize bullying.

Prime-Time Representations of Female Federal Agents in Television Dramas

Television crime programs not only impart messages regarding the nature of crime and criminal justice but also aid in the creation of stereotypes regarding females working in law enforcement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes a sample of prime-time crime dramas to examine issues of employment, discrimination, sexualization, and victimization within series episodes. Although portrayals of female law enforcement officers have improved, female characters continue to face issues of discrimination and victimization. The manner in which these messages may be cultivated and disseminated and what this means for consumers, especially women interested in law enforcement careers, are explored.