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Perspectives of the American dream in the works of Langston Hughes, William Faulkner, and Sylvia Plath
No full textThe American Dream is a crucial element of the national consciousness and ethos that has persisted from the nation’s founding; however, when we looks at the Dream and all that it entails in literature, we most often see represented a class of white men striving for the upward mobility that they hope will propel them to affluence. When we consider the American Dream and its place in history and literature, we do ourselves a disservice if we neglect to evaluate it through the lens of the lives and authors representing different demographics and backgrounds. In doing so, a more complete and nuanced understanding of the function of the Dream in twentieth century American literature and society can be had. By taking into account perspectives of the American Dream in the works of Langston Hughes, William Faulkner, and Sylvia Plath, my thesis seeks to address this gap in literary understandings of the Dream
Autism on the net: an autoethnographic appraisal of literature on online socialization, empowerment, and kinship of autistic people in digital spaces
Get PDFIn a world that is increasingly becoming more and more active online, social groups formed on the basis of interests and passions have the propensity to intersect with communities of those who experience marginalization, in this case, autistic people. As such, this work seeks to examine what the basis of an autistic cultural identity is, and how the social factors that it is built on, those being belongingness, social connectedness, and political connectedness, and how they manifest among various online communities, whether it be cosplay fandom, fanfiction communities, or virtual worlds within Minecraft and Second Life. These online communities illustrate these tenets of the autistic cultural identity, as well as how these communities, by the basis of being online, enable autistic social connectedness to occur more readily and smoothly then within everyday life in the “real” world, and the implications of online communities having their own culture groups have on both disability studies and anthropology
BookTok: The Cultural Phenomenon Introducing a Stagnated Industry to a New Generation
Get PDFBookTok, a creator-driven subset of TikTok that promotes and discusses books, gained popularity in 2020. Its emergence has significantly altered the book industry, allowing once-unknown authors to transform into bestselling novelists with the click of a button. Modern romance, fantasy, and young adult novels are typically favored on BookTok. These novels are vastly different from the books in the traditional literary canon, challenging conventional ideals regarding what types of literature could be considered canonical. Additionally, BookTok is primarily driven by younger users, allowing many teenagers and young adults to rediscover the joy found through reading and writing. This research project focuses on a question regarding BookTok’s relationship to traditional literature: “BookTok: Is the social media phenomenon opening the notably gatekept literary canon to a new generation of authors and connoisseurs, or is it creating a new canon entirely?” Through examining evidence from an IRB-approved study distributed to more than 300 avid readers, perusing scholarly research, and conducting an in-depth literature examination of canonical and modern-day novels, we determined the extent to which BookTok has changed the literary industry. This project discovered that (1) reading habits are shifting among teenagers and young adults, (2) BookTok is offering new book marketing tactics, (3) canonical novels are different from the novels popular on BookTok, and (4) BookTok is a viable (but unpredictable) marketing method
Study of the role of differential diffusion and equation of state on the features of stably stratified turbulent channel flow using direct numerical simulations
Get PDFStably stratified turbulent flows are observed in many systems, ranging from engineering applications to environmental flows. The density variation in such flows, particularly that observed in water bodies depends on temperature and salinity (salt content) through an equation of state (EoS). The molecular diffusion of the temperature and salinity in such flows differ substantially, which leads to the presence of a differential diffusion phenomenon. This furthers the complexity of stratified turbulence, where the density stratification is known to alter the dynamics of turbulence. In this study, results from direct numerical simulations of stably stratified turbulent channel flow under moderate levels of differential diffusion and two types of EoS are examined in terms of instantaneous, statistical, spectral, and modal features of the flow field. The study shows that the effects of differential diffusion are dominant compared to the type of EoS on the spatio-temporal dynamics and statistics of the flow field
The disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement and the detrimental effect it has on both
Get PDFThe increase of Latino communities in mid-sized and smaller cities, along with the impact of language competency and lack of programs for law enforcement, has been sufficiently explored, yet issues persist. This study examines the disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement, which has created significant distrust and communication issues. Examining these communities is important because there is still a need to mend these relationships. This study explores the effects of this divide and how to help fix it. Information obtained from law enforcement officers at the Chattanooga Police Department, highlights key issues, including the lack of community-based policing, cultural barriers, and insufficient language resources. The findings emphasize the need for better translation services and improved training programs to build better relationships. Using descriptive analysis the study offers recommendations to bridge the gap and strengthen the relationship between Hispanic communities and law enforcement. By addressing these issues, the research provides valuable insight into improving police-community relations, specifically within the Chattanooga Police Department
Stereotyping Dads: The adaptation and validation of a new measure of stigma consciousness in fatherhood
Get PDFPrevious research demonstrates that the chronic stress of belonging to a stereotyped group can negatively impact an individual’s intellectual functioning, academic performance, leadership skills, self-control, identity, mental well-being, and overall achievement both situationally and across time (Aronson, et al., 2013; Von Hippel, Sekaquaptewa, & McFarlane, 2015). While stigma consciousness and the effects of stereotype threat have been widely examined across various societal institutions, their presence and impact within gender-based parenting roles remain relatively underexplored. The development of the Stigma Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ) has allowed researchers to establish a measure of how strongly individuals identify with the presence of stereotypes towards themselves (Pinel & Brown, 2003; Xavier, et al., 2014). The validity of the scale was previously verified in its original form, and the authors of the current study seek to adapt this scale in order to examine stigma consciousness in fathers and to validate it as a new measure for use in child development and parenting literature. To the researcher’s knowledge, no research has been conducted examining fathers’ experiences of stigma consciousness, and no measure has yet been created and validated by which to measure these experiences. Within the adaptation and validation the Stigma Consciousness Questionnaire for Fathers (SCQ-F), there is an opportunity to examine stigma consciousness within gender-based parenting roles. This study sought to understand how stereotype threat and stigma consciousness affect fathers while exploring their relationship to self-esteem and parental self-efficacy and to contribute a reliable measure for advancing studies on stigma in parenting. Participants (n=61) took part in an anonymous online questionnaire hosted on Qualtrics. The survey included demographic questions on age, household dynamics, and region. Participants responded to the adapted Stigma Consciousness Questionnaire for Fathers, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, and the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale. Researchers hypothesized that the adapted SCQ-F would demonstrate good internal consistency, α=~0.70, the SCQ-F would not be significantly correlated with an established measure of self-esteem, the RSE, establishing evidence for discriminant validity, and the SCQ-F will be significantly positively correlated with BPSES, an established measure of parent self-efficacy, providing evidence for criterion-related validity. Findings indicated support for hypotheses produced by researchers. Upon conducting exploratory analyses, variables were also noted as potential moderators. Results of this research expand knowledge in an understudied area of psychology by exploring stigma consciousness and stereotype threat experienced by fathers, examining the influence of bias within parenting, and assessing the prevalence of perceived stereotypes across different ages and generations
Job Demands, Resources, and Recovery Practices Among Public Service Employees
Get PDFPublic service employees, particularly those in early childhood education and non-profit sectors, face significant job demands that often outweigh available resources, leading to an increased risk of burnout and turnover (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007). Early childhood educators face unique challenges, including low compensation and high expectations, contributing to turnover rates as high as 26-40% annually (Herman et al., 2023). Similarly, non-profit employees often experience resource constraints and high emotional demands (Navajas-Romero et al., 2020). This study examines the relationship between job demands, resources, and recovery practices among these populations to provide actionable recommendations to improve wellbeing and reduce turnover. Through survey-based data collection, we will perform quantitative analyses as follows: a correlation analysis to explore the relationships between job demands, resources, and turnover intentions and a moderation analysis to observe how job resources and social support may buffer the impact of demands on burnout and turnover of early childhood educators and non-profit employees in Hamilton-County, Tennessee. From these findings, we will create a multilevel recommendation for each population\u27s individual worker, work group, and organizational levels to enhance job resources, improve recovery practices, and ultimately reduce burnout and turnover in early childhood education and non-profit sectors
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words: How Career Website Images Influence Application Intentions
Get PDFOrganizations are driven to persuade qualified candidates to apply for open positions to discover and recruit higher-quality individuals (Phillips & Gully, 2015). They also recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and seek to implement hiring strategies to attract underrepresented individuals (Greenberg, 2015). Avery and McKay\u27s studies in 2003 and 2006 found that targeted recruitment commercials highlighting non-White employees as recognized and included in an organization enhanced non-White job seekers\u27 interest in that organization. It has not yet been determined if this effect applies to White members of other marginalized groups, notably White and non-White LGBTQ+ individuals (Avery & McKay, 2006; Walker et al., 2011). This study examines how images on a company\u27s Careers Page web page influence the application intentions of applicants of various races/ethnicities and LGBTQ+ identities. We tested four hypotheses in this study: Hypothesis One (H1): Images portraying a racially and ethnically diverse workforce will positively affect the application intentions of non-White applicants Hypothesis Two (H2): Images portraying LGBTQ+ symbolism will positively affect the application intentions of LGBTQ+ applicants. Hypothesis Three (H3): Images representing one marginalized group will have positive, but slightly smaller effects on the application intentions of other marginalized groups. Hypothesis Four (H4): Application intentions of White applicants will remain unaffected by images portraying a racially and ethnically diverse workforce. These hypotheses were evaluated in a 2x2x2x2 quasi-experiment, in which we compared the application intents of non-White and White job applicants. The application intentions of persons who identify as LGBTQ+ or not were also examined. Participants in the study were shown one of four images on a mock web page: one depicting no racial or ethnic diversity, one depicting no racial or ethnic diversity with LGBTQ+ symbolism, one depicting a racially and ethnically diverse workforce, or one depicting a racially and ethnically diverse workforce with LGBTQ+ symbolism. The study was conducted via a Qualtrics online survey and 539 participants were solicited from Prolific’s online participant pool. Currently, the data is being analyzed using a factorial ANOVA and post-hoc tests will be used to understand specific differences if interactions are significant. Findings from this study will measure the impact of website image elements that promote diversity and inclusion on the application intents of various applicants. We will be able to better understand if the perception of any marginalized identity, whether or not it is the applicant\u27s identity, boosts the likelihood of applying to an organization
The Impact of Work Arrangements on Turnover Intentions and Affective Commitment: The Moderating Role of Psychological Isolation
No full textIn the post-COVID-19 era, the shift to remote and hybrid work arrangements has transformed traditional workplace structures, enhancing flexibility but introducing new challenges. This study investigates how these work arrangements: traditional (in-office), remote (entirely off-site), and hybrid (a mix of in-office and remote affect affective organizational commitment and turnover intentions, with a focus on the moderating role of psychological isolation. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data will be collected from 200 participants, evenly represented among the three work arrangement types. Participants will be current U.S. residents and employees recruited through Prolific for a representative sample. The survey will measure affective organizational commitment, turnover intentions, and psychological isolation, along with demographic and job-related controls. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) will be used to compare affective commitment and turnover intentions across work arrangements, with post-hoc tests to identify specific differences if needed. A second MANOVA will assess how psychological isolation moderates these relationships, including interaction terms and controlling for relevant variables. Hypothesis 1 expects traditional workers to show higher affective commitment compared to remote and hybrid workers. Hypothesis 2 predicts remote workers will have higher turnover intentions than their traditional and hybrid counterparts. Hypotheses 3 and 4 propose psychological isolation will negatively impact affective commitment and positively influence turnover intentions. Hypotheses 5 and 6 anticipate that psychological isolation will exacerbate the negative effects of remote and hybrid work on commitment and turnover intentions. The study aims to offer insights into the psychological impacts of remote and hybrid work arrangements, providing strategies to address psychological isolation and enhance employee engagement. These findings will contribute to both academic research and practical workplace policies
Ambiguous situations make me anxious: Personality traits and initiating social interaction
Get PDFSocial interaction is important for human health and happiness, yet it may be in decline. In this study, we examined traits related to whether individuals interact with one another. A structured lab observation was used to determine if participants would interact with a confederate. We also measured their Need for Cognitive Closure (NFCC), Social Anxiety (SA), Intolerance for Uncertainty (IU), and the Big Five personality traits, and examined the relationship between these factors and preferred physical distance from the stranger. Only 20% of all participants interacted with a confederate. Predictors of social interaction included higher scores in the Big Five personality trait of openness and lower IU scores. No factors were related to physical distance preference. NFCC, SA, and IU were all positively correlated. Overall, it seems that less fear of the unknown was one of the biggest factors involved in interaction with a stranger. We suggest that therapies for those with social anxiety that focus on eliminating fear of ambiguity may have more success, resulting in decreased loneliness and improved well-being