Abstract This paper examines the retention rate of African-Americanmales in predominantly white universities. The paper compares the factors influencing African-American women versus men in completing their university studies. The author states that the purpose of this research is to find out exactly what the retention rate of African-Americanmales in white universities is, and what explicit and implicit factors influence the retention rate.
Outline:
Research Question or Alternative Hypothesis
Independent Variable
Dependent Variables
Possible Confounding Variables
Research Design
Participants
Instrumentation
From the Paper "The retention rate of African American males has been a hotly debate topic in the college domain. Although statistics have shown that the overall retention rate of African Americans within college has progressively increased, few studies have specifically focused on the African American male student within a predominantly white university. Michael J. Cuyjet explains in his book, "Helping African American Men Succeed in College", that African American males are different from females in several different categories that include course learning, exposure to campus activites, use of student unions, involvement in clubs and organizations, etc (Cuyjet, Chapt. 1). The goal of this research study is to find out exactly what the retention rate of African American males in white universities is, and what explicit and implicit factors impact the overall impact the retention rate. We will conduct a research design that will consider the multiple factors within retention rates and develop a quantitative metholodgy to measure the factors contributing to African American male retention rates."
Tags: higher, education, African-American, males, academic, success, university
Abstract This is an in-depth research paper on the cause and possible cures for the pressing problem of high dropout rates in secondary educational institutions for African-Americanmales. The paper points out that the problem is not only one of economic disruption, but one of human misery as well. In order to help further the reader's understanding of the effect of secondary education on the dropout rate of African-Americanmales, the paper begins with a look at the history of educational equality and then goes on to look at the effect that the high dropout rate of African- Americanmales has on society in general. The paper also explores the reasons that these young men drop out and possible measures that can be taken to help prevent them from dropping out. Hypotheses regarding what can be done to increase graduation rates among African-Americanmales are presented and conclusions are drawn regarding these hypotheses, based on the literature reviewed.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Statement of the Problem
History of Educational Equality
Reaping the Whirlwind of African AmericanMale Educational Failure
Going Beyond What to Why
Reasons for Dropping Out
Hypotheses
Literature Review
Prevention Measures
Other Sources of Information
Methodology
Findings
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "It is impossible to ignore the high dropout rates for African-American males. Whether it is an effect of other societal shortcomings or a cause of some is also at issue; probably, it is both a cause and a result. The phenomenon appears to be allied with vestigial racial attitudes that 140 years without slavery and forty years of increasingly far-reaching equality legislation has been able to do little to ameliorate. Much work has been done regarding the specific causes of the problem; as yet, relatively little work has been done in testing the efficacy of various potential prevention tactics. However, new approaches making educational institutions the lead actor in a raft of 'holistic' interventions may be the prime area for future concentration of both study and effort by educational institutions."
Abstract The lack of representation by African Americanmales in the school system is alarming because young African American students, especially male students, do not have a role model with whom they can identify. The paper considers the factors that have been cited for the shortage of African Americanmale teachers in the school system. The writer then studies questionnaires that were given to elicit the responses of African Americanmale teachers in childhood education.
From the Paper "Several factors have been cited for the shortage of African American male teachers in the school system. First, qualified African American men who have graduated from college turn away from the teaching profession because of the low salary. First-year public school teachers receive a salary of only $23,000 to $25,000 a year. Second, African American men believe that they face racial discrimination in schools. Third, African American males consider teaching to be a female-oriented profession because most schoolteachers are female. Fourth, African American males come from poor families that cannot afford the costs of attending college. Fifth, more African American males are spending their lives in prison than in college where they acquire necessary qualifications (Raines & Evans, p. 2)."
Abstract This paper uses the four models of Kimmel and Messner as a framework for studying the masculine development of African-Americanmales are developmental pathways, social development, social ecological and contextualism models. The author points out that the problems of living in poverty, the extremely pressured yet loosely and poorly defined role of the African-Americanmale and the severe lacking of a positive role model result in many misdirected and misguided youths using substance abuse, developing affective psychological disorders and becoming involved in crime. The paper stresses that societal forms of direction for positive role modeling do not exist in qualitative or quantitative forms to any great extent, which leaves the African-Americanmale floundering as to what they should or could represent.
Table of Contents
Objective
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Models of Kimmel & Messner
Poverty: A Factor that Cannot Be Ignored
Treatment Options
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "The meaning of masculinity and associated norms of gender roles are stated to be the basis of "social constructionism" (Kimmel & Messner, 1989, 1992) Men tend to internalize their conceptions of what forms their masculinity from the culture they live in. 'Socialization' encourages men to attempt to live up to those standards that have been set within the culture. African-American men are "subject to a very different set of influences" socially than their white peers and therefore have a different masculinity as well as their social influences being quite different than those of white men."
Tags: poverty, definition, role-model, media, white
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the rise in crime amongst the African-Americanmale population and the variety of social problems, such as a history of abuse and psychological disorders, that may be fuelling this criminal behaviour. This paper also takes a look at the fact that many African-Americanmales are being released from prison with drug addictions that did not exist prior to their incarceration.
Contents
Introduction/Statement Problem
Significance of Problem
Purpose Of Proposed Study
Preliminary Literature Review
Studies Supporting African AmericanMale Criminal Activity
Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Aggressive Behavior
The Link Between Victimization and Psychopathology
Summary of Preliminary Research
Limitations
Sample Size
Delimitations
Implications
From the Paper "There is however much evidence pointing to affective disorders and substance abuse problems within the African American male population, which may contribute to drug dependence and criminal activity (Widom & White, 1997; Wagner, Loyd & Gil, 2002; Zeitlin, 1999; Gil, et. al, 2004). Still other evidence points to drug use early in adolescence as contributing to criminal behavior, and that early drug use may be associated with other domestic, violence or abuse problems and mental health disorders even in youth (Vega & Gil, 1998; Turner & Lloyd, 1995; Tubman, Langer & Calderon, 2001).
Other evidence suggests patterns of dependence symptoms and alcohol abuse may be linked with depressive or other disorders in adolescents, which may progress into adulthood leading to criminal activity (Martin, Kaczynski, Maisto & Bukstein, 1995; Kessler, et. al, 1996; Kilpatrick, et. al, 2000)."
Abstract This paper analyzes the correlation between affective disorders, substance abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system among African-Americanmales. The paper discusses the incidence of incarceration, substance abuse and affective disorders individually and then it discusses patterns between the three issues.
Table of Contents:
High Incarceration Rates Among African Males High Incidence Untreated Affective Disorders Depression/Anxiety
Mandated Sentences Equal Tougher Sentences on AM Males Perception of Traumatic Events in Urban African Males Part II - Drug Abuse and Crime Activity
From the Paper "Most of these studies suggest that left untreated, affective disorders including those among African Americans worsen with time, and that higher rates of recidivism often result particularly when offenders are released and still must face various psychological stressors and disorders including depression or anxiety (Spencer, 1999). Given this information it seems logical that rehabilitation measures be adopted that help address psychological instability among prison populations. As yet however, there are no uniform regulations or laws that dictate or mandate rehabilitation for African Americans or other populations at risk for higher rates of affective disorders in prison. This suggests that these disorders will likely continue in the future."
Abstract This paper examines how there appears to be some correlation between substance abuse among African-Americanmales and their representation in the criminal justice system. It provides a literature review to show that African-Americanmales are greatly overrepresented in the statistical data of the criminal justice system. It also reviews theoretical models such as the Social Development model and the Developmental Pathways model.
From the Paper "Poverty is termed "an assault on a child's self-esteem" (Prothrow-Stith, 1991) and this in combination with "single parents families often lead to resentment and anger in young men. Young black males in the impoverished underclass often grow to manhood robbed of their pride and self-esteem. It is related that the investigation of the effects of the socio-economic underclass is the focus of many studies and has been so since the early 1990's. A great deal of research exist that links substance abuse with certain developmental risk factors. Some of these factors are poor parenting skills, as well adversity in family or environmental condition."
Abstract The paper uses a literature review to evaluate what the relative strength of correlation is between substance abuse, affective disorders and incarceration in African Americanmales. The strength of association is exampled from multiple populations including those incarcerated for petty theft, auto convictions, and those convicted of rape, murder or other forms of violent assault. The paper concludes that there is ample evidence from the literature supporting a relationship or correlation between substance abuse disorders, affective disorders and deviant behaviors among incarcerated African Americanmales. However, there is also evidence suggesting that at present the criminal justice system in America is doing little do address the needs of this unique population.
Outline
Literature Review
Theories of Affective Disorders and Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse
Affective and Substance Abuse Problems Combined
Conclusions/Discussion
From the Paper "The theoretical framework describing the relationship between affective disorders, substance abuse and deviant behavior is often referred to as the "anomie perspective" and may be defined as the lack of normalness that one experiences in their day to day existence (Shaw, 2002). Following this theory, African males experience "more moral confusion and difficulty assimilating to the normal cultural landscape of society" and hence demonstrate "extremism in behavior", in part as a result of their loss of perspective or reality (Shaw, 2002:6). Further individuals suffering this state tend to lead extremes of life feeling "they are above the law or social order of society" in many cases, or lamenting their sad existence, both of which may lead to individual affective inclinations or substance abuse patterns in African males (Shaw, 2002:6). "Failure, frustration and strain" experienced in ordinary life can also result in moral unsureness and "polarized reactions to societal events" (Shaw, 2002: 6). This in turn may cause someone to give up hope or due diligence, or their efforts toward conformity and contribute to deviant behavior. Under the framework of anomie, strain and "moral undecidedness or lessening in normative control feed back on each other making substance dealing, abuse and deviant behavior an acceptable reaction to life and reality" (Shaw, 2002:6)."
This brief yet concise paper examines and analyzes the results of four specific social and psychological theories and the manner in which they relate to the behavior and socialization patterns of African-Americanmales.
Abstract This paper defines and details the reasoning behind and the various aspects of the developmental pathways model, the social development model, the social ecological model and contextualism which was introduced in 1942 and originally known as 'pragmatism.' This paper delves into the manner in which the theories listed above were used to explore and understand particular behavioral patterns inherent in African-American men. The writer of this paper also discusses and analyzes the results found in each of the theories mentioned in this paper.
Table of Contents:
Developmental Pathways Model
Social Development Model
Social Ecological Model
Contextualism
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to Morris, Pepper's use of the term "contextualism" first occurred during 1932, where he referred to John Dewey's pragmatism. According to this philosophy, context refers to the influence of history and the changing context of meaning. What this means is that a specific time frame produces specific effects in behavior. Thus, a perception of behavior in African-American males during a specific time frame influences behavior in their peers. Drug use among young African American males is then to be analyzed according to the context of broader influences than merely the family. This is particularly relevant in a world that has become increasingly globalized by developments in technology and trade. The world beyond the immediate boundaries of city and country has become immediately accessible by means of the Internet, e-mail and cellular technology."
Tags: behavior, male, gender, social, psychological, theory
Abstract This paper discusses how prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in Americanmales and how multiple epidemiological studies have confirmed that African-Americanmales have a higher incidence of prostate cancer, and experience higher mortality than Caucasian males in the United States. It looks at how ignorance of cultural issues, language differences, and prejudice all serve as barriers to access to a uniform standard of health care for African-Americanmales. It contends that to be effective, recruitment of African-Americanmales into prostate cancer screening programs must move from health care provider sites, to community sites where African-Americanmales normally congregate and looks at some of the success stories.
From the Paper "Difficulty recruiting African-American men into prostate cancer screening clinical trials and mass screenings is a common thread in the literature review. National trials data with less than ten percent participation rates among African-American men demonstrates that the current approach to recruitment into screening is less than effective (Weinrich, Boyd, & Bradford, 1998). The research demonstrates the possibility of multiple causative factors. In general, the lack of knowledge about prostate cancer may be a barrier to making an informed decision about prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) screening (Sellers & Ross, 2003). Informed decision-making implies that the decision to screen will involve both the health care professional and the patient (Sellers & Ross). "
Abstract This paper first defines the term portraiture and offers a basic working definition of mentoring. The paper then looks at how portraiture mentoring can be used to mentor you African-Americanmales, explaining that the life experience of the African-Americanmale has discouraged and marginalized him, making the school environment a threatening one. The paper thus highlights the need for a mentor to reconstruct the self image of the African-Americanmale as a strong learner, an intelligent individual, and an able student. A portraiture mentoring strategy is then presented thatillustrates the means by which the self image of the African American can be remolded. The paper also notes the importance of personalization related to portraiture.
From the Paper "We have a variety of terms to define here. Let us begin with portraiture. Portraiture in the classical sense refers to the means by which an image is portrayed. For a long time, this had to do with the means by which a person was painted or illustrated physically by an artist. For the purposes of mentoring, the definition has been expanded to entail the construction of a self portrait or image of an individual that makes him most fully equipped, or empowered, to learn and enjoy the benefits of learning in society thereof. For the African-American male, that self image is due to racism and all its evil relatives that has resulted in those highly negative elements in the life experience of the African-American males, and these negative experiences have manifested as cultural controls that have lowered his self image and marginalized him, as research will reveal. Now, let's tie this to a working definition of the notion of mentoring."
Abstract Explains why there is a lack of African-Americanmales in the teaching profession. Reasons cited include the lack of job satisfaction and the problem of a lack of role models for minority students. Provides statistics on teaching as a profession, including salaries, status, and lack of minority teachers.
From the Paper "The U.S. Department of Education, 2000, reported that there is a disparity between the numbers of teachers of color and the numbers of students ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the cultural message of the dominance of Americanmales in power. The paper contends that there is an imbalance of power between men and women, which is most clearly demonstrated in military and political institutions, such as the Supreme Court and the office of the Presidency. The paper focuses on sexual transgressions and harassment of women, as illustrated in Tailhook and Citadel incidents and by various American presidents.
From the Paper "Even though women have made significant strides in decreasing gender and sexual inequality in this country, they have not succeeded in dismantling the systemic and institutional structures that treats male oppression of women as a given. A prime example of the..."
Tags: sex crimes, sexual harassment, cultural messages, presidents, Tailhook, Citadel
Abstract This paper focuses on mathematical achievement in African-American boys versus their white counterparts. It addresses risk factors such as family income, mother's education, single-parent households and a non-English primary language. The paper discusses the works of theorists Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner and John Dewey regarding this issue.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Limitations
Literature Review
Summary of The Literature Reviewed
From the Paper "The African American male was not expected to achieve in educational areas of management and accounting studies evidenced in the statement related in the work of Dantley and Leonard (2006) who states that a participant related that: "I only indulged myself in my studies to the degree that I was satisfied that I could do math up to multiplication and division of fractions and decimals and it was good enough for me for what was I going to do. I wasn't going to be doing any math. To be a laborer, all it's going to require is to run a piece of machinery." (p. 42) additionally a participant stated: "We don't have no industry out there and the industry that is out there, they're not targeting the Black community and saying, "If you go and get more math, then I can guarantee you this." (p. 45) and finally: "I have hopes. My expectation is that (my son) will graduate from high school. If he doesn't, it's no big deal...My expectation for him is to probably be no worse than I was. Just to pass." (p.46) (Dantley and Leonard, 2006)"
