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Sociologists have long observed the tendency of the public to support individualistic explanations for poverty, and critiqued the role of academics in the victim blaming process. At the current time, as economic inequality increases and homelessness becomes a problem of growing public concern, the potential for sociology to facilitate victim blaming is of interest and concern. Some of the motivations and mechanisms of victim blaming that emerge in academic publications are examined, and their impact on mass media publications and in the classroom discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report examines the status of Midwest women sociologists in occupational attainment and professional participation, and seeks to answer three questions: (1) What is the current status of Midwest women sociologists? (2) What changes have occurred in the status of Midwest women sociologists in recent years? and (3) How does the status of women sociologists in the Midwest compare to their colleagues nationally? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effectiveness of an intervention program for youthful offenders in lowa based on a cognitive approach to rehabilitation, which pivots on the theme that "bad thinking leads to bad behavior." Subjects were 16- and 17-year-old juveniles who had been transferred to adult court and 18- and 19-year-old youth who had been arrested for "first time serious felonies." Attitudes towards police and the courts improved during the intervention, as did feelings that the offender's probation officer was supportive. Offender feelings of accomplishment and ability did not improve, and problem-solving ability and prospects for life success apparently decreased, although prospects for improving life goals and offender empathy toward victims changed positively. Three patterns emerged: Changes in attitudes toward the criminal justice system, a sense of personal accomplishment and ability, and a sensitivity to the views of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]