Showing papers in "Clinical Sociology Review in 1998"

Providing Culturally Sensitive Services to Latino Clients: A Case Study of a Non-Profit Organization

Abstract: This paper describes an evaluation of a non-profit human service organization's attempts to provide culturally sensitive services. Systems and constructivist theoretical perspectives are used to examine the problematic of providing effective and meaningful counseling and educational services to Spanish-speaking, Latino immigrant clients The two models of achieving cultural sensitivity—cultural compatibility and cultural competency—are assessed. Findings reveal that service was hindered by the ghettoization of Latino providers, external constraints on service delivery, role conflicts among Latino providers, and institutional silence and uncertainty about multicultural issues. These problems indicate that culturally sensitive service requires that culturally compatible services be incorporated in an organization that promotes culturally competent policies and

Mixing Apples and Oranges: Sociological Issues in the Process of an Academic Manager

Abstract: This paper describes and analyzes key sociological issues that arise during the merger of a campus with a college within a large university. The issues arising in this case study are analyzed within the framework of a model for reframing organizations. The skills that a clinical sociologist can bring to a merger situation to help minimize delay and failure are discussed "Merger is not a process designed to make all participants happy. " John D. Millett (1976) Colleges and universities increasingly are merging with each other for a variety of reasons, such as mutual growth, expanding missions, enriching the quality of programs and services, building a shared vision, and cost efficiencies (Martin 1993-94). There are many types of mergers and restructuring models which range from "pure" or total mergers to joint ventures and educational affiliations (Samels 1994). Collaboration and coordination among colleges and universities are incrementally replacing competition and conten-

"Mental Pictures And Emotional Intimacy: A Theoretical Explanation for the Sexual Sadistic Serial Murder's Heterosexual Lifestyle"

Abstract: This paper develops a theoretical explanation for the sexual sadistic serial murderer's heterosexual lifestyle. The theoretical formulation developed draws upon Glasser's (1984) control theory and Marshal's (1989) general theory of sexual offending. It synthesizes Glasser's propositions around idealized life style and mental pictures and Marshal's propositions on intimacy. The theoretical formulation developed focuses on the mental and behavioral contradictions implicit in the life of this type of offender. The paper concludes by comparing these lifestyles to those of homosexuals in similar heterosexual lifestyles.

The Unintended Consequences of the Restructuring of the Division of AIDS Services in New York City

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of the quality of services of consumers of the New York City Division of AIDS Services in restructured and pre-restructured agency settings A total of 447 consumers participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews conducted at DAS field sites around New York City between July and November of 1996, using a 77 item evaluation instrument developed by the researcher and staff from the Mayor's Office on AIDS Policy Coordination On the three quality indicators, satisfaction with services, perception of the effectiveness of the caseworker, and perception of the helpfulness of the caseworker, there were no significant differences between restructured and pre-restructured sites when background factors were controlled. The failure of the restructuring effort was attributed to lack of inclusion of all stakeholders in the planning process The 1990s can be characterized as the decade in which customer satisfaction became the basis for organizational change. Many business and social service organizations have been adopting some form of Total Quality Management (TQM) or Quality Assurance (QA) programs in attempts to make