Michael Ballin
Dr. Kubal
Sociology 176
December 12th, 2018
Community Benefit Organization
Introduction
The research being presented here is on a community benefit organization located in the general Fresno community. This community benefit organization works to help youth, and their families being affected by the Juvenile Justice system, and foster care systems. Data collection was conducted using multiple methods, which include ethnography, interviews, and content analysis. All data collected was analyzed using a data analysis software called Nvivo. Nvivo helped to produce word frequency queries, text search queries, and word clouds. Sociological theories such as Symbolic Interactionism, and the ideas of Erving Goffman were used to inform all aspects, methods, and techniques of this research. Ideas include general descriptions of the work being done by this organization. Roles being played by staff, clients served, and all that entails. The presentation of self, and organization is examined by looking at the front stages, and back stages of this community benefit organization. Stigmas are also taken into consideration concerning how they play out within this environment, who they are attached, and applied too. Other concepts being explored include the ideas of meaningful action, team definition of the situation, claims, grounds, warrants, and advice given to the clients of this community benefit organization. Overall, multiple sociological theories, and ideas were applied during this research.
Literature Review
Chapter Four: The Nature and Significance of the Self
According to Goffman, people are social actors on the stage of life (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009). Dramaturgical theory has to do with our expression of self, and how we express ourselves to society through the different roles we play. We act differently depending on what social situation we find ourselves in. Human beings emphasize certain traits and characteristics, depending on the tailored message they are trying to send. This concept is called impression management.
The chapter goes on to talk about the "expressive resources," we use to convey our social selves to the world. These expressive resources include setting, appearance, and manners (Sandstrom, Martin, and Fine, 2009). Setting refers to the physical place or location, "where" we would do our social acting at. Appearance are the things one might wear, the hairstyle people choose, kind of how you present yourself to other people on a day to day basis. Manner refers to the "how" you would treat people in general, the attitude you display or use with people (Sandstrom, Martin, and Fine, 2009).
Goffman's theory includes a concept called dramatic realization (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009). In which, the individual emphasizes certain positive aspects of themselves, while choosing not to emphasize what may be judged as negative aspects of themselves to their audience. Dramaturgical theory also includes ideas of people acting on a "front stage" and a "back stage" (Sandstrom, Martine, Fine, 2009). The front stage could be described as the main stage, front, and center, where the spotlight is on the individual. The backstage is described more as a background space where character is allowed to be broken.
Goffman's theory is about communication, and how relate-ourselves to others. The tailored messages we send out into the world and to society. We create the image we want people to see because we care about what other people think about us. Our actions, and people's reactions to our actions can be a reinforcing or discouraging thing. It gives the self an idea of how to act or not act in certain social settings. It is almost as if we use other people in society to measure how the self should be.
Chapter Five: Role Taking, Role Making, and the Coordination of Action
People may have similar "definitions of the situation," but that is not always the case. People may also interpret or have different expectations for how a situation should play out. This can lead to a "negotiation of the situation" (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009). Compromise can occur or complete disagreement. Disagreement and differing opinions on the definition of the situation can cause conflict. Consequences of disagreements and differing opinions can give birth to violence between different social groups in society.
People role take and role make depending on the different social pressures or obligations they are bound to in a particular role (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009). It seems certain actions and expected behaviors are tied to certain roles. These expectations serve as guidelines, but don't always necessarily have to be followed. Nothing is concrete or set in stone, roles are and can be adjusted to certain social situations when need be. People also have the option and choice to leave or exit certain roles (Sandstrom, Martine, Fine, 2009).
Throughout all these social interactions of role making and role taking, it must be kept in mind that this is happening within the context of a society. There has to be a social cohesion that exists. Terms and concepts that include social consensus, alignment, coordination of actions between individuals and groups (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009). There is also a management of emotions that occurs within the roles we play and the definition of the situation we find ourselves in. Roles can be embraced, but we can also distance ourselves from certain roles. This chapter also touches on the relationships in relation to power and the statuses people hold. People can hold dominate or subordinate positions depending on their social statuses and roles they play and occupy. The reading ends with the conclusion that social order is a negotiated process. People have differing opinions about the world, yet cohesion and organization exists (Sandstrom, Martin, Fine, 2009).
Chapter Eight: Symbolic Interactionism
According to Goffman's in Chapter 8 of "Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century," social interaction occurs while roles are being played out by individuals (Dillon 2013). Certain behaviors and actions are associated with particular roles that people choose to play. Social relationships are born out of performances that happen often between people in society, and people try to present themselves in certain ways to other people.
This concept of impression management has to do with individuals and groups, controlling and tailoring the message they are sending out into the world. It seems human beings also have an influence on how certain social situations are defined. Things such as props and settings indicate to people how they should act and behave in certain social situations (Dillon 2013). Goffman's theories also describe how people in society communicate without verbal communication. This concept is called non-verbal ritualized interaction, in which people communicate through body language and routinized gestures (Dillon 2013). It seems people are always in a state of constant communication even when not speaking.
According to Goffman, total institutions are places of control, monotony, and restricted autonomy (Dillon 2013). These institutionalized places of authority strip individuals of their individuality to some extent. These total institutions promote conformity and routine. People who are in total institutions could also have "stigmas" tied to them. Stigmas are like stereotypes that mark you as abnormal or different from the norm (Dillon 2013). Stigmas seem to be negative and can influence how other people in society treat you. People with stigmas placed on them might try to use impression management as a form of "passing." Passing is term used for people with stigmas placed on them to manage the impressions of others in order to be perceived as "normal" in society (Dillon 2013). It also seems like a defense or coping mechanism.
Methods: Ethnography
Ethnography is about a lot of different things. It is about setting, and gaining access to that setting, also known as entrée (Warren & Karner, 2015). Whether it be a public, or private setting. There are many factors that you have to consider when choosing a proposed research setting, which include time, financial costs, and geographical location (Warren & Karner, 2015). Depending on your setting, and research situation IRB approvals are needed in some more formal circumstances. It also helps if you are a member of the group you are trying to study. As opposed to being outside of the group. These factors can help with availability or unavailability of your entrée into a specific location, setting.
It seems also dress code and behavioral expectations come with being a researcher. You are expected to tailor your dress and manners to better fit into the place you are trying to study (Warren & Karner, 2015). There are different methods and strategies that can be used in gaining access to the information that one is wanting to acquire. Key informants and gate keepers can grant or deny, access to setting and information. Shadowing key informants, or participating in go a longs, can also be very helpful to the research (Warren & Karner, 2015). People within organizations can be very helpful to the research, or become obstacles to conducting it.
It is good to build, sustain, and tap into existing networks when thinking about conducting ethnographic research. You can be a stranger to the proposed research setting, or indigenous (Warren & Karner, 2015). Both have their advantages and disadvantages. You also have to take into account emotional and physical costs of the research, if any. After, you have gained access to a space. Embodiments such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, can play a role in how well you research goes (Warren & Karner, 2015). After, observations are made. Notes need to be written properly, as soon as time permits for memories sake. There are many different ways written data is collected, and analyzed.
Methods: Interview
There are different types of interviews that can be used throughout the qualitative research process. Interviews can be conducted one on one, with couples in group settings, or focus groups. Interviews can be face to face, also because of technology it seems now they can happen over skype, or using the internet (Warren & Karner, 2015). Questionnaires, or question guides can be created to help facilitate the process. Questions are asked to obtain information that is meaningful to both interviewer, and interviewee. Thought is to be put into how questions are asked, and what information they are intended to produce. Prompts and probes can be used to dig deeper, and provide clarification for the interviewer (Warren &Karner, 2015).
When interviewing there are also ethical practices to keep in mind, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding harm to the interviewee (Warren & Karner, 2015). The presentation of the interviewer also plays a role in how the interview might proceed. The setting of the interview also needs to be taken into consideration, a quiet space where few interruptions will take place is preferable. The interviewer also needs to make sure there recording technology works properly. The goal is to make the interviewee feel as comfortable as possible in order to obtain as much information as possible. Active listening is an art to be learned, and demonstrated during the interview process. This includes verbal and nonverbal cues (Warren & Karner, 2015).
The emotional responses that can arise in interviewees because of sensitive topics, or questions should be acknowledged, and handled professionally (Warren & Karner, 2015). You have to give people a way out, if they do not feel comfortable proceeding. After all interview research data is collected, interviews need to be transcribed as accurately as possible. There are many different technologies that can help with this process. It is possible that social interaction, and conversation can occur even after the interview is over. This interaction may or may not be relevant to the research being conducted (Warren & Karner, 2015).
Methods: Content Analysis
Content Analysis is the examining of documents in all its many forms. This could be physical documents that include newspapers, articles, books, photos, and many other things. Documents could also be electronic, or found online (Warren & Karner, 2015). It seems like limitations depend on your creativeness in analyzing the content you are looking for. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, they capture moments in time. It also seems that content analysis gives some color to the research in general, a long side the notes being observed through ethnography, the words that are spoken, and transcribed through interviews. In content analysis you can examine historical documents, or more present materials.
Documents can be considered primary sources, but also secondary sources depending on the proximity, and how the document relates to the topic being studied (Warren & Karner, 2015). Content is analyzed to see what messages are being conveyed, and if observable patterns arise. Content can be positive or negative depending on the context, and historical time period. There is also something called photo elicitation in content analysis, where photos are shown, and people describe the subjective meaning these images might have for them. It seems there can be some overlap within the interview process itself (Warren & Karner, 20150.
Different forms of content analysis can also be an empowering thing. When you put the camera in the hands of the people you are studying. You get to the view the world from their perspective, and learn about the meaning, and definitions they give to their own personal situations (Warren & Karner, 2015). Content analysis can be a powerful tool for the qualitative researcher, or the people being researched. It gives visual reference to populations that might go unnoticed. Visual content can be referenced when describing, and observing the general environment of the place, or space being researched. All forms of data collection within qualitative research are all important pieces to the overall project as a whole, everything has its place (Warren & Karner, 2015).
Methods: Ethnography
I collected my data through a combination of observation and participant observation. Data was collected at the community benefit organizations office space within the general Fresno community. The research started out purely observational and transitioned into more active participant observation as time progressed. Data was collected on different days and times, usually Wednesdays and Fridays anywhere from 8am-6pm. Observations were about 15 minutes a at time. As I began to do more participant observation, it was more of a reflection of the whole day in general. The staff being observed belong to the community benefit organization being researched. Theoretical concepts being studied include thick description, front stage/backstage, presentation of self, stigmas, team and how this relates to the definition of the situation, also concepts like meaningful action.
I ran a word frequency query which lists in order from highest to lowest the frequency of words used in my field notes. The word "office" was the most frequent word used in my field notes. Other words that were used frequently include staff, people, and work. I also ran a text search query on the word "office." This query finds all paragraphs and sentences where the word "office" is being used. By running these two queries in conjunction, it is possible then to create nodes. These nodes are labeled according to the theoretical idea or concept they tie back into. In examining the data you begin to gain a better understanding of the significance of seeing the patterns in the words we use to describe the situations we see.
As a researcher overall, I feel good about the data and data collection process in general. It has been a very great and rewarding experience. I feel like my observation skills have greatly improved. You start to see things, you never noticed before, or never paid any attention to, even down to the smallest details. I find myself more in tuned with my senses, more specifically my ability to see and hear things in the environment and general surroundings. Also noticing the different social interactions that take place between people on a daily basis. The phrase "quality over quantity" has taken on a whole new meaning for me during the duration of this research project. It makes one wonder if whoever said this was implying qualitative over quantitative.
Methods: Interview
Research was continued at community benefit organizations office spaces. One office space is located in the general Fresno community. The second office space that community benefit organization works out of is located within the Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC). 3 out 4 interviews took place at the JJC. Only 3 interviews will be included in the presentation of this research because of timing purposes and limitations. All interviews took place on the same day, throughout the full work day. Interviews range from around 6 minutes to about 25 minutes long. It seemed interviews started off short, and got longer as the interview process progressed. Persons being interviewed include the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, or Boss Lady of the organization, the Volunteer Coordinator, and a Program Specialist, staff in general.
Data was collected through interviewing various staff within the Community Benefit Organization. Questions pertaining to the theories of Symbolic Interactionism, and the ideas of Erving Goffman were asked during the interview process. Interviews were recorded using the Voice Memos app that comes default on most iPhones, and cell phones in general. Recordings were then sent to a transcribing app called Transcribe. Transcripts were then produced, and edited for grammar purposes. After editing, transcripts were then uploaded into the data analysis software called Nvivo. Nvivo was used to organize, code, and node the interviews being analyzed. This program was also used to produce different queries which include a word search, text search query, and the word cloud that will be seen below.
Theoretical concepts being applied to the research include the theories of Symbolic Interactionism, and the ideas of Erving Goffman. Concepts such as general descriptions, the ideas of front stage/backstage as pertaining to the presentation of self, or organization. Other ideas explored include stigmas, meaningful action, and the definition of the situation from a team perspective. I feel very good about the data, and data collection process as a whole. I felt like Community Benefit Organizations staff was very open to talking and being interviewed. Overall, this research project in general has been a very rich and rewarding experience. I definitely do it all again. I see a lot of room for improvement. I think everybody did the best they could, given the time limitations.
Methods: Content Analysis
For this third round of data collection on Community Benefit Organization, data was collected through examining different sources of content. Sources include the community benefit organizations website, Facebook, fliers from different fundraising events, an annual magazine that they launch yearly, and many other sources. Sources were accessed through physical hard copies, also electronic sources such as the internet. Data collection took a few days to collect, around 30 pieces of content were collected for this particular analysis. The location of this community benefit organization is located in the general Fresno Community. Concepts being examined include general descriptions of the work this organization does. Other concepts include the claims this organization makes, grounds, warrants, statistics, and advice that people have given to the population being served.
Tools used in this content analysis include the data analysis software called Nvivo. Nvivo was used to code, and help organize the nodes for this research. Nvivo also helped in producing a word search, and text search query, along with a word cloud. Overall, I feel very good that this project is coming to an end. A lot of work, time, and energy has went into producing this research. It has been a very tedious process, with multiple pieces, and parts put together. The staff of this community benefit organization was very helpful and cooperative through the whole observation, and interview processes. This content analysis piece was more about the content, message this organization puts out physically and electronically. I have come to the conclusion throughout this class, and project that I like qualitative research way better that quantitative. Although I believe both methods might be useful in their own ways.
Analysis: Ethnography
Thick Description
These quotes under the thick description subtitle gives a detailed account of what the front office of the community benefit organization being researched looks like. Details include the décor of the office, objects in the general surroundings and environment. Also a description of what staff may be wearing, their actions within this space, and social interactions taking place in general.
"The front office includes things like fans, signs that have logo, and mission of organization. A bouquet of roses in a clear glass vase is sitting on the front office table. There are small trash cans in office spaces. Front office has pictures of youth who have probably went through the program on display for people to see when they walk in. They have painted pictures of butterflies on the wall, informational pamphlets. There is also a big framed picture with the cover of a magazine that the organization launches annually every year. In front office there is a kid's area, little chairs and table set up for kids to sit. There are toys, stuffed animals in a bin. On the front office table there are pictures to color, a bag of markers all different colors to use. Business cards of all staff are on display."
This particular quote gives you a sense of the front office in general. There is definitely a lot going on, a lot of information to take in. This quote includes visuals of people, general information of environment, and colorful pieces of art. It also gives you an idea of the population they serve, or try to cater to, to some extent.
The next quote within the concept of thick description describes sounds being heard in the office. Also social interactions taking place in general amongst co-workers and staff. Details of what type of dress staff may be wearing in relation to a holiday, more specifically Halloween. You also get a sense of the feeling or vibe of the office for this particular quote and day of observation.
"I hear mouse clicks, printer sounds, document's being printed. Some minor social interactions are happening. I hear a staff woman clearing her throat, sound. I hear conversations occurring in the next room. 3 staff members have glasses on. It is Halloween, one staff woman has a witch hat on and is wearing all black. It seems that is her way of being in the spirit of the holidays. Other staff are dressed casually, business casual, professionally to some extent, seems pretty lay back, kind of chill. Today seems like a less busy day than other days."
Description within this quote can also be tied to the idea of presentation of self, and how staff present themselves on a daily basis. Also the exceptions that can be made depending on what day it is specifically pertaining to holidays. You kind of get a sense that work is a serious thing, but also there is room to not be so serious. This can imply somewhat of a loose or relaxed environment amongst co-workers.
The last quote used to exemplify the concept of thick description includes details of general social interaction taking place, work being done, and songs being sung. It attempts to describe the observable feelings of the staff of this organization, the general environment, and the set-up of the office space.
"General interaction is taking place. People are talking, working, asking questions for clarification. The office is generally quiet, besides people talking. Finance guy/man is singing. There is a front office, a lunch room, a small conference room, and 3 small office spaces. Staff are on their computers. They seem to be pretty content and happy. The floor is carpet, brown, dark tan, some type of poke a dotted design. The finance man/guy said the carpet is tweed. There is a sink, a refrigerator, cupboards and cabinets. The environment is one where jokes can be told, laughter is present from time to time."
Again, this quote is thickly describing what this office space looks like. The general structure of this place. The environment that this staff works in and helps to create. It gives one the idea that the staff plays a role in shaping the work experience they have on a daily basis. The environment shapes them, but they also shape it to some extent. Staff are not powerless or without agency in this work space. They are active participants in shaping their reality, and the reality of others.
Presentation of Self: Front Stage/Back Stage
The next concept being examined is Goffman's idea on the presentation of self. These ideas include the front stage and back stage, and how this relates to the organization being observed, its staff, volunteers, and interns. The quotes below suggest that Goffman's ideas can be observed in everyday life situations, general social interactions, and participatory observations.
"Doors were generally open, but can be during private conversation or if an activity is going on with clients."
This quote describes how some information is open to the public, but other information and conversations are more private. This is an example of how some information can be shared on the front stage in the office, while other information needs to be shared behind closed doors. The behind doors can be considered the back stage. It seems back stages can be created using the doors and rooms of front stage spaces.
This next quote also exemplifies Goffman's ideas of the front stage and back stage. The community benefit organization's office is the front stage to some extent. Where the staff comes to perform their jobs and roles on a daily basis. Staff can come to work, but may not necessarily be in the office for a full 8 hours. There are times that staff may leave to run errands, go to meetings, go out to eat lunch during lunch break.
"We drove about 5 mins away from office. KFC is not located to far from office. We ended getting something to eat, sitting down to eat. It was interesting we were no longer on the front stage or in the office. We were kind of backstage to some extent or not in front of Boss Lady and other staff. We had conversations about the organization. We talked about their budget and how they have grown economically in a few years. We talked about positions that might be filled soon. I asked if he thought I might be a decent candidate for a position within the organization. I think I was looking for some type of reassurance that I could do the work that needs to be done at a professional level. I think doubt myself sometimes. We talked about a lot of different things. We talk about women at school, and not getting stuck in the friend zone. It was definitely a less formal conversation because we were not constricted by the walls of the office, or ears of other staff nearby."
This quote describes a conversation occurring between to people out of the office during lunch time. The back stage became a local KFC where music was playing in the background. Staff and volunteer/intern were no longer on the front stage of the office. They were able to talk more freely about less formal things. Things they might not have been able to talk about being under the eyes and in ears distance to other staff and coworkers.
The last quote, piece of evidence that gives life to the ideas of Goffman describes a situation where two volunteers are talking about their subjective personal experiences being involved with this organization. The conversation also revolves around things that these volunteers have in common. Things like school and where they might work in the future.
"We both talked about this feeling of not knowing kind of where to go from here, the ending of one thing and the beginning of another. What stood out the most was that he started talking about his front stage and backstage personalities or behaviors. He stated things like "you know, like I drink beer here and there, sometimes." I think he was coming to the realization that one day he is going to finish school and have to get a real full time job, in the real world. He was talking about how he couldn't go to interviews or work like that. He knew certain behaviors or habits would have to change, that he was going to have to present his self as more professional moving forward in certain settings."
This interaction takes place within participatory observation. Where one volunteer is describing to the other volunteer some of his backstage behaviors and habits. This volunteer talks about his drinking habits in general and how these back stage behaviors and habits could affect his front stage performance. It seemed like he was aware that there was a relationship between the two. Also that some his back stage routines would have to change in order to for him to be able to perform properly or adequately in his front stage appearances.
Stigma
This next concept being examined is a term that is located within the theory of symbolic interactionism. These pieces of evidence give life to the idea of stigmas. The ideas people may hold about other people, which include assumptions, and biases.
"Especially young people who have made mistakes or have the stigma of being the "bad kids." This organization is in a constant process of reframing narrative for people who might hold stereotypical ideas about the young people this organization works with. They are active participants in changing the way people think about young people who might be in the Juvenile Hall, foster care systems, and county systems in general. They do this through their marketing, fliers, and the stories they tell."
This moment of observation describes the work this organization does in deconstructing stigmas and stereotypes about the population they work with. It also describes examples of how this organization actively participates in shaping ideas, and the messages they send out into the general community.
This second piece of evidence that supports the idea of stigmas being observed is another conversation that took place during participatory observation. The same volunteer that disclosed some of his back stage behaviors, habits, and routines goes on to talk about his stereotypes, biases, and stigmas.
"He starts talking about his own internship, volunteer experience. He starts speaking about his time with youth, and his ideas about the whole situation. By listening to him talk, I can tell he came in with some biases and assumptions about the youth in general. He learned that his biases and assumption were not correct. He thought he was going to teach and mentor these young people, and that they would be "dumb or bad" to some extent. It seems even he had some stigma about the youth. He realized that the young people he works with are quite smart. He talked about how they actually teach him things, learning from each other was a mutual thing."
This volunteer talks about the assumptions initially made about the population he was volunteering to help. It seems he thought that these population would not be as smart as he thought. He also thought that they might not accept him. He has learned through observation and participation that his initial assumptions and judgements were wrong. He is now more aware of this populations mental abilities. He also understands now that learning is a mutual thing in these situations and social interactions that take place.
This last piece of evidence describes the Volunteer Coordinator of this organization and how he recognizes the different stigmas that come along with working with certain populations in general. It seems there are layers or multiple stigmas that can come with being in the Juvenile hall or foster care system, or even dealing with personal issues of substance abuse.
"During staff meeting, the Volunteer Coordinator gave a brief explanation of some of the methods, ideas, and systems he uses to organize his work. He talked about substance abuse, and the different cycles, levels, and how to recognize certain things relating to this topic. He also talked about the stigmas that are attached people who might be dealing with substance abuse. This brief explanation was a clarifying experience for other staff in general. It gave them context in how it relates to their work, and how best they could support the Volunteer Coordinator in the work he was doing."
This quote describes the Volunteer Coordinator educating his fellow coworkers, and describing the stigmas that come along with substance abuse through a brief explanation. This explanation was communicated through visual illustrations.
Meaningful Action
Data being presented here displays Goffman's idea on meaningful action. These pieces of data give description to the actions that individual staff, and the organization take in general to produce actions that are meaningful.
"It seems sometimes according to the finance man/guy. It is not always about how much you make, but the fact that you are helping somebody in the work you are doing. The work has to be fulfilling and meaningful."
The finance man/guy is in conversation with volunteer/intern. He is ironically explaining to the volunteer/intern that money is not everything or the most important thing in the world. The life that you live has to mean more than this, it has to have meaning that makes you feel good. Money does not necessarily imply happiness. For the finance man/guy helping other people through his work is meaningful.
This second piece of data being presented demonstrates the concept of meaningful action through being able to reach goals. The organization being observed has just reached a financial milestone. Economically they have reached a goal.
"This organization also just met their goal of fundraising goal of $25,000 dollars. They will know receive a matching endowment grant for another $25,000. Which helps them in their economic sustainability, and being able to continue the work they do for people. This was also announced at the staff meeting."
This was done through team work. It is a large success that can lead to larger successes. It was meaningful to announce during a staff meeting in order to let staff know that they are reaching their goals. Their team work is cohesive. This is also meaningful because staff can continue to do the work they find meaningful. The work is continually being funded.
The last piece of data describes how even the people who are not staff might find meaning in the work this organization does on a daily basis. It definitely falls in line with the other two pieces of data that display meaningful action. This piece of data describes how the work that this staff finds meaningful is continually funded by other people who find the actions of this organizational meaningful.
"Also it seems hand written thank you notes, have to be sent out constantly to thank the people who have donated or supported in some way. This is called donor management, you have to make the people who give you money feel good, so they keep giving. Donors, people support the work that this community benefit organization does for young people, and their families."
This community benefit organization is partly funded by the community. The community has to believe to some extent that this organization is making a difference in their community or they might not donate to this cause. The community has to buy in, it also makes one wonder if meaning can be found in the act of giving to an organization like this. As if the donor is also taking part in meaningful actions.
Team: Definition of the Situation
These final pieces of data give definition to ideas related to the theory of symbolic interactionism, but also Mr. Erving Goffman. They discuss situations of team work and the definition of the situations according to a team perspective. It seems even though staff are different, diverse, and come from many different backgrounds. There still needs to be a cohesive, and to some extent unified definition of the situation in order for this organization to be effective in their goals and mission.
"I saw staff celebrating each other's small successes which I thought was pretty cool. It probably made the person who got his task done feel pretty good. Some type of or sense of gratification. I also saw some type of team work. If one person doesn't know the answer, they know that they can count on each other to figure it out or at least ask each other for reassurance and clarification."
This piece of data displays the idea of team in the sense that the staff of this organization were acting as a team. Positive encouragement and affirmation were occurring. This staff understands that they can rely on each other to some extent. They have a team definition of the situation. It seems that team work really does make the dream work.
The second piece of evidence that suggests team work and a common definition of the situation is one in where a community is working in conjunction with the staff of this community benefit organization in order to help people in general. People who donate to this organization are furthering the mission. This is an economic team work.
"Donors, people support the work that this community benefit organization does for young people, and their families. It is a community effort, the people make this social vehicle move, operate on a daily basis. It is as if some people understand that it takes a village to raise the children in their community."
It is possible that they find this organizations actions and mission meaningful. Donors are therefore willing to give. It is possible to think that donors have a similar definition of the situation when it comes to the issues and problems that are happening in their community in general. They see this organization as taking actions towards solutions, this is fundable. People want to help an organization that works to help young people and their families. It is a chain of helpfulness.
The last piece of data that gives display to ideas of team in relation to the definition of the situation is an interaction that takes place between Boss Lady/CEO and Finance Man/Guy. It seems although a common definition of the situation is ideal, it might not always be the case or reality.
"Finance guy/man and Boss Lady/CEO killed a black widow. CEO/Boss Lady took the black widow very serious and was kind of frightened by its presence. Finance guy/man seemed to take it less seriously. It was kind of funny watching them interact to solve that problem. It seems he did exactly, what she told him not to do. He had hit it with a broom, and it fell somewhere, but they later found it. Problem was resolved, team work makes the dream work."
Boss Lady was somewhat terrified of a black widow. She asked Finance Man/Guy to help her resolve this black widow issue. He ended losing track of the spider for a brief moment because he hit the spider with a broom regardless of Boss Lady/CEO's wishes. It seems he did not understand how serious Boss Lady/ CEO took black widows in general. He thought it wasn't a big deal. She thought it was a big deal. They both had different definitions of the situation at this one point in time. Eventually, the issue was resolved.
Analysis: Interviews
General Description
In this particular piece of data Boss Lady/CEO of community benefit organization is giving a general description of what some of the clients her organization serves might go through. It seems she very aware of the economic differences that exist between people within the general Fresno community, America in general. Fresno could be or is a microcosm in relation to the macrocosm that is America as a nation.
Reference 3 - 1.77% Coverage
CEO: But there's not equitable access to pathways to success. So the clients we serve face a lot of stigma, which i think impacts the staff. So when staff were trying to help clients that don't have equitable access to safe, and healthy neighborhoods, or ummm health access, or education, ummm because their families are struggling, you know, versus if they came from an affluent family and had the luxury of living at home and having three meals a day and not needing to worry about violence in their neighborhood.
These words spoken about economic differences, and the inequality that exist between people, and the access people have or don't have remind one of the theories of Karl Marx. You can see the ideas of the haves and the have-nots played out to some extent, and the effects of having and not having, and the stigmas that come with not having.
This second piece of data is also words spoken by the CEO of this organization, it seems to her self-care is a very important thing in this type of work. She goes on to give a general description of what she thinks of the non-profit sector in relation to health, and longevity in general.
Reference 4 - 1.53% Coverage
CEO: There's big martyr syndrome in the nonprofit sector. You do not need to be a martyr. You need to care for yourself. So you could do this work for a long time because that's what we owe it to our mission. Because the unfortunate reality of it is a lot of our missions may not be accomplished in our lifetimes, and we hope that they are like, i hope i work myself out of a job. Ummm it's quite possible it may be in my predecessor's lifetime.
She goes on to talk about community benefit organization mission's and how some of the goals non-profits work towards may not be accomplished in just one person's lifetime, but multiple life times. It is a work that is bigger than one person, it takes generations of community to accomplish the larger goals of the organization as a whole, whatever that mission might be.
These last piece of data within the general description set is the Volunteer Coordinator giving a description of his roles, and responsibilities within his position. He describes how his job is to network, build, and sustain relationships with different people within the community he works in, and for.
Reference 1 - 2.77% Coverage
Volunteer Coordinator: I would say that's one of the roles. I say one of my responsibilities is being a trainer, for, ummm for, anyone who's coming to volunteer to learn about youth development and ways to build healthy relationships with young people. Ummm another one of my responsibilities is actually to build a partnership with this probation community, and our officers, and find ways in which the young people could be helped, more by outside help. Ummm and i also uhhh do budgets, I also help write grants, also…
It seems he does a lot of different things to be able to help the young people, and families of the clients he serves. The overall goal is to help young people, this organizations work in general is to help people live, and lead successful lives in general, and be productive contributing members of society.
Presentation of Self: Frontstage/Backstage
In this particular piece of data Boss Lady/CEO is explaining what goes on in the background to be able to present a unified cohesive front stage presentation. She is specifically talking about a holiday event that occurs yearly. In which clients that have gone through the Community Benefit Organizations program and are celebrated, and recognized for their achievements.
Reference 1 - 1.71% Coverage
CEO: And then, there's a lot of organization amongst the staff, and volunteers who help coordinate the events of who's going to do what, who's going to give out the food tickets? Who's going to collect the rsvp's, who's going to make sure we greet certain donors, who's going to actually do the speaking? Who's going to give the welcome? Who's gonna usher the surprise Santa Claus that comes at the end ummm and make sure that everything is there, who you know. I mean, so there's a lot of logistics.
It seems a lot of background work goes into making sure everything is ready for presentation. Goffman does talk about how coordinated actions of teams or organizations work to produce certain results, certain impressions. This a great example of coordinated actions, less about the presentation of self, more about the presentation of organization by individuals coming together to make it happen.
For this second piece of data pertaining to the ideas of Erving Goffman, the Program Specialist is describing how she transitions from the front stage to the backstage, and how they overlap, or are interrelated. She talks about you have to be able to separate the two different stages. Front-stage being when she is at work performing her roles and responsibilities that are tied to her status as an employee for community benefit organization.
Reference 1 - 5.52% Coverage
Program Specialist: But as far as my case work, my case load, ummm i try to leave it at work as much as possible. And, umm you know, if i ever see, like if i ever go to the doctor's office or if I, i always leave a flyer handy to, to my community, i'm always trying to either carry cards with me or, you know, talk about what i do because i am very passionate. And i do believe in the work that we're doing it, it's effective. So i always try to share my cards or a flyer about community benefit organization. Ummm in that sense, i do take that with me because i'm proud, proud of what i do.
Back-stage being when she is no longer at work, and how that looks. She discusses how even though there is a need to be able to separate the two different stages, she still promotes her front stage work within the backstage of her everyday life as an ordinary individual within the community. Program Specialists front-stage and back-stage are very intertwined to some extent.
This third piece of data is spoken by the Volunteer Coordinator. He gives insight into what goes into organizing the trainings that he conducts for people who want to volunteer at community benefit organization. The front-stage is where he presents his information, guidelines, and rules to potential volunteers during orientation.
References 2 – Coverage 3.22%
Volunteer Coordinator: What type of feeling do we want people to leave that place with? What type of like, like when I have trainings on Fridays, I think to myself, how do I want people to leave out of here, on Fridays? Are they more inspired to like come back and help with the kids? But people would never know it, by the time, it's time for me, it's just like ok, be engaged, and the end result is everybody's feeling good, we learned something. We feel more connected. It might not have went all perfect, like how I had it set up or you know any event, but the end result, begin with the end in mind.
He talks about being in the back-stage thinking about the feelings he wants volunteers to leave with in order for them to be successful volunteers. It seems the back-stage is where he prepares for his front-stage presentation. It also seems like he visualizes what the front-stage should look like beforehand, very aware of the message his performance will put out to the audience.
Stigmas
This piece of data is reminiscent of Erving Goffman's ideas on stigmas. In this particular quote Boss Lady/CEO is describing some of the stigmas that are attached to people in general, but also specifically to the population that her organization serves. She talks about how she deals with people who make assumptions out of ignorance or lack of understanding of the situation.
Reference 1 - 1.93% Coverage
CEO: when people make assumptions about people who are addicted to drugs, or somebody who's been incarcerated. Umm and so i've had to learn how to separate that a little bit. Otherwise it would just be super triggering, and traumatic, and just piss me off. I'd just fight with everybody, and i can't do that. Ummm but also, in some ways, it's allowed me to grow, and face the challenge of trying to, manage my own patients, and compassion for people who have had more privileged backgrounds that genuinely don't understand this work even though they want to help.
Boss Lady/CEO explains how people who might make assumptions about the population she works with gives her an opportunity for self-growth. It seems stigmas are often attached to people within the juvenile justice system, prison system, and legal system in general.
Program Specialist goes on to describe how as an organization they try to combat these narratives, stereotypes, and negative stigmas that get attached to the young people/adults that are served by community benefit organization. They do this by educating the community in general.
Reference 1 - 5.62% Coverage
Program Specialist: I think as an organization, we try to, educate our community partners as much as possible, ummm especially working with our population. We do get a lot of questions, and we try to, make it as positive and as educational for our community partners that need to know. And most of them are usually, you know, willing to work with our family. So the more we educate our community, the better it is for our population. So is their stigmas. Yeah, they have their own personal stigmas or their own stereotypes, but we try to turn it around, make it as positive as possible.
They does this by providing positive information and statistics to help support the people they serve. It seems community benefit organization plays a clarifying role when it comes to managing the impressions that general community members might have about the work they do.
This last quote exemplifies the idea, stigma of the "problem child," or the "bad kid." It seems young people who have this stigma attached to them receive less sympathy from the general population out in the community. Activities that deviate from the "norm," or are seen as against the morals of society can cause stigmas to be attached.
Reference 1 - 1.99% Coverage
Volunteer Coordinator: Mmmm okay, well, there's a lot of stigmas. One, there's a stigma for all of the young people who are here because of, why they here, for whatever reason, you know, they did some type of crime, they did wrong. Ummm so they was already labeled the problem bad child, you know, because they're the ones who did the crime, the burglaries or what have you.
The clients that this organization serves might face multiple stigmas simultaneously. Some examples might include the stigmas that come with being imprisoned, dealing with substance abuse, or being unemployed, and many other things. Combating these stigmas seems to be a very important part of the work that community benefit organization does, it is embedded within it.
Meaningful Action
When asking questions that pertained to the ideas of meaning in relation to action within the umbrella of Symbolic Interactionism, these are the things that came up. Boss Lady/CEO goes on to describe why this work is meaningful to her. She also gives insight into why she continues to take the actions that produces the work that she does.
Reference 1 – 1.10% Coverage
CEO: Ummm generations of struggling with substance abuse, and incarceration, and homelessness, and violence in the household. Um, you know, so, so this work is very personal to me. Umm I really believe in helping create these pathways to success for young adults in these systems. Ummm I think that it's also what keeps me…
It seems that she grew up in similar circumstances to the clients she serves. Boss Lady/CEO is acting, and reacting to her own life experiences, and the situations of others. She finds meaning in helping others. This work seems to be a very directed, and coordinated effort on her part to produce certain actions, reactions, and intended results within the community she is serving.
When asking the Program Specialist about the meaning this work holds for her, she goes on to describe what she is hoping for happens through her work. She sees her work as changing people's lives, generations of people, youth and their families. Program Specialists finds meaning in her work and actions, she hopes the young people she works with react in positivity and appreciation.
Reference 1 - 5.19% Coverage
Program Specialist: I feel like I'm not only impacting a youth, I'm impacting their child and basically our community's future. So it means a lot. I put a lot into my work, ummm you know, and in hopes that they appreciate it and they take something from it. You know, at least one thing umm most of our you have, the parenting classes are court ordered. And I, I always try to tell them to come in and just try to take away something. You're going to be here. There's no other way around it. So try to learn, participate as much as possible. So i love what I do.
She hopes the work that she does changes people's lives for the better. Her efforts are a positive force within the community she lives in, and serves. Program Specialists actions serve as guiding examples of how to learn something from what might be perceived as negative situations. It is as if meaning can be found in her helping people in not so great situations, and transforming them into positive experiences.
For the Volunteer Coordinator of this organization, meaning can be found in the actions of actively learning about history, culture, and social movements. For him, the more the clients he serves or people in general learn about their history, and culture, the better off they will be. He believes that the results of taking the actions to learn about your own personal history, and culture will produce positive reactions within his clients, and people in general.
Reference 1 - 2.13% Coverage
Volunteer Coordinator: and what i mean by that is that, the more they learn about they history, and their culture, the more they learn about what makes them, them, and being proud of it, like we're your family come from, the hardships or whatever. The more people find out, more about themselves, the more we could address any type of stigma because then that, that veil of ignorance has pulled away.
Volunteer Coordinator seems to state that stigmas have been placed on people because of certain historical circumstances that have taken place between different ethnicities. By educating yourself historically, culturally, and socially, stereotypes can be stripped of their negative powers or connotations they hold to some extent. Thus producing a meaningful and positive change in behavior, actions, and mindsets.
Team: Definition of the Situation
In this quote Boss Lady/CEO recognizes the importance of the research itself. Without realizing she understands to some extent that the organization that she helps run needs to have a similar sense, or definition of the situation. For her, if there is not a unified or cohesive definition of the situation this could be detrimental to the organization as a whole, and there effectiveness in producing intended results.
Reference 1 - 1.10% Coverage
CEO: cause i think it fits into anonymous ummm types of surveys is helpful because who knows what if what i say is completely opposite of what the staff says, which would then show disconnected areas for my own growth, and development in managing this team. But ummm i would say we have a really great supportive culture…
It seems Boss Lady/CEO, and her staff have to be on the same page to some extent. This also includes the board members that help guide the organization to successful outcomes. Good communication amongst all levels of team/organization seems to be vital to a common definition of the situation.
According to the Program Specialist of Community Benefit Organization, when it comes to organizing events, and the working environment in general staff are aware that there is a team definition to the situation. It doesn't matter if you necessarily work for a certain program within the organization, help is given where help is needed. Team work makes the dream work to some extent.
Reference 1 - 2.85% Coverage
Program Specialist: Yeah, i think we just we're kind of like, hey, you guys this is happening. It's all hands on deck all the time here. It doesn't matter if it's not even your program. It's always all hands on deck. And that's just the environment that we have here. Well, here at my workplace.
Again, "it takes a village to raise a child", or in this case it takes a community benefit organizational team to support the youth in their community. General community members must also believe that the work this organization is doing, is valuable in order to receive economic support. So even some people on the outside of this organization have to have a common definition of the situation, in conjunction with the staff of the organization as pertaining to the ideas of Mr. Erving Goffman.
Volunteer Coordinator goes on to talk about how volunteers in conjunction with the staff, and community members in general must have a cohesive front. This cohesive front is a necessary presentation and serves as an example of what healthy relationships look like for the youth that community benefit organization serves.
Reference 1 - 1.75% Coverage
Volunteer Coordinator: ummm in order for a team that work, young people need to see adults have healthy relationships, you know. So part of the trainings that I provide to help young, old, business community, college students, everybody realize, that they all play a part in helping these young people, if they humble themselves.
He helps to produce a uniform definition of the situation by conducting mandatory orientations that volunteers must attend. It seems creating a common definition of the situation is a socially interactive process that includes multiple social actors from various stages, not necessarily occupying the same social role or positions in life. Team definition of the situation is a diverse collage of perspectives, all different colors and textures, and yet a beautiful work of organizational art is produced for the benefit of the youth, and families being served.
Analysis: Content Analysis
General Description
This first piece of content data being analyzed gives a general description of the work this community benefit organization does, goals, mission, and vision. You can see that it is a very positive work they are trying to achieve within their community. It is a work that affects individuals, and groups within the larger society, the microcosmic and macrocosmic.
Reference 1 - 9.32% Coverage
The objective of the Community Benefit Organization programs is to equip youth with tools for success, thereby reducing recidivism, decreasing the social and monetary costs of incarceration, building healthier communities, and above all providing a fresh start in life for the participants.
This work is a community service that is combating many social ills. It is aimed at youth, and their families. This work is a very healing work, a community medicine produced by dedicated and committed people to some extent. It is a very giving work that moves to help other people in general, no matter their personal or individual circumstances.
This second piece of data being analyzed is also a brief description of what this community benefit organization hopes to accomplish. It is a description of guiding words, it describes the back bone of this organization, the structure of its existence, the reason it exists. All actions taken by this organization must keep this quote, statement in mind when moving forward.
Reference 1 - 5.45% Coverage
We hope to address those stifled voices—our kids are not often heard, or are viewed only as victims or villains. This organization is a community based organization, often known as a nonprofit, committed to creating pathways to success for youth involved in or touched by Fresno County systems.
Also by analyzing this piece of data you get a sense that this community benefit organization understands some of the stigmas that might come with this work in general, when it comes to the population they serve. This organization works to reframe narrative on a daily basis to combat negative stereotypes that might hinder the work, and success of their youth.
This last piece of content data being analyzed within the general description section is a statement by Boss Lady/CEO of the organization, she describes how much this work means to her personally. She also talks about the importance of the stories being told in the annual magazine that they launch yearly. People in the community who have faced adversity, and have overcome obstacles in their lives, and have still reached some type of success are showcased in this magazine.
Reference 2 - 5.13% Coverage
This isn't a day job. This is a life calling. The stories in this magazine are a true testament of the power of hope, and the burdens and obstacles that people can overcome in their lives.
There are thousands of copies produced of this magazine. They are then distributed freely to the community, so that other people can be inspired by others who have succeeded despite the odds. Youth that this community benefit organization has worked with are featured in the magazine, along with community leaders. Even students and staff from Fresno State are featured in some of these magazine issues.
Claims/Grounds
This second section of data being analyzed emphasizes the ideas of claims, more particularly the grounds used to suggest there is a problem that exist. The text below asks you to visualize the problem, and what it looks like. This piece of data comes out of the one of the annual magazines that gets published yearly by this community benefit organization.
Reference 1 - 6.23% Coverage
Imagine a life where gangs, domestic violence, and substance abuse are the daily norm. Each child we serve experiences one or more of these risk factors. They're also experiencing feelings of shame, being unwanted, and a sense of isolation.
This statement is asserting that there are indeed social problems. It acknowledges a few, talks about how they intersect, and briefly mentions the effects of these problems on the population they serve. This ground is saying this is why we need to help these young people, and their families.
This next example of grounds being made is, again discussing the conditions that might have put these young people in the places they might have ended up, the juvenile hall or foster care system. This piece is claiming that not everybody starts out with favorable conditions in life, which is true to some extent. Even though we would love to all believe equality is a reality, we have to come back to earth, and remember it's an ideal were still reaching for as human beings.
Reference 1 - 21.33% Coverage
As you read these stories, remember that everyone makes mistakes — no one of us is perfect. Some do not get a fair chance in the beginning. Some do not have the advantage of good parenting and a supportive family. Some get caught up in the negative influence of others. Some make bad decisions. Most were children in our community when things went wrong. We have an obligation to help.
This claim, ground is saying that people make mistakes, all human beings do. We need to show the same sympathy, and empathy that we would expect other people to give us if we were in the same position. Again, it takes a village to raise a child, or the children in our community. We all have some responsibility, a moral obligation in making our community a better, and healthier place.
This last piece of data within the grounds section is a hint at the problem that is discussed throughout this whole research project. It is kind of telling you how you should look at the problems that have, and have not been discussed yet. It is stating without stating, again the idea that all people deserve to be treated like people.
Reference 1 - 2.83% Coverage
She said she'd like to share the importance of recognizing that every person, no matter how they're perceived or what their situation, has a story. Good or bad, indifferent or passionate, right or wrong, it's their story.
Not just bad kids with stigmas attached to them because of the mistakes, or position they have been dealt in life. This text seems to be asking for compassion in some sense, be compassionate to the young people, and their families in your community. It almost makes you understand why the magazine they launch yearly is important, because it gives examples of people who have succeeded through adverse conditions.
Warrant
This third section of data analysis examines the sociological concepts of warrants, the second pieces to claims, the justifications of why we should help to solve the problems, or issues being claimed. The justification seems to be that the population being served are kids, they are young people that need help.
Reference 1 - 6.04% Coverage
The kids we work with—they're kids. Somewhere along the line someone or something went wrong and these kids haven't had the chances that other people might have. That's where we step in—to support them and give them the chance they might not have had earlier.
We should help them because these young people just need a little support and guidance. It is almost suggesting that we should keep inequality, inequity in mind. As if these things did not allow favorable conditions in the first place.
This second piece of data within the warrants section is spoken by a professor here on campus. She was featured in one of the community benefit organizations annual magazine. It seems she didn't really have an easy childhood either, but she persevered, and made it through.
Reference 2 - 5.73% Coverage
Just because a child or teenager is mistreated, does not mean that the person who is mistreating them is reflecting the worth of that child. Someone who is being abusive or neglectful to children has their own reasons for why that is occurring. It is certainly not okay; it is simply the story of their own life. It is NOT a reflection of the child's value.
She is speaking from her personal experiences in life. Things become more persuasive when you might be a part of the population you are advocating for. These text also seems to be saying that children should not be judged for the mistakes of their parents. We have to take everything into account, and consideration.
This last piece of data within the warrants section is a simple warrant. It is a saying if you believe in these things, then you should do this. It is a call to action in helping the population being served. It is stating that by taking these actions, you can become a part of the solution to some extent.
Reference 1 - 6.73% Coverage
lf you believe in investing in a healthier community and creating pathways to success, we are calling on YOU to Become a Volunteer
Who wouldn't want to volunteer to do these things, or be a part of these things, if time permitted? This content is taken from one of the community benefit organizations fliers used in helping to recruit volunteers.
Statistics
This next section of data is reminiscent of a quantitative research project to some extent. It seems statistics are used to assess the staff's academic capabilities in helping the youth. The higher degree, the better it looks. Hopefully, also the level of professionalism goes up to some extent. This content was stated by Boss Lady/CEO organization during one of the first magazine launches. These numbers could have change since then, again hopefully for the better.
Reference 1 - 4.77% Coverage
Our dedicated staff is highly effective; they have the commitment and education to provide quality services for our youth and their families. 100% have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, 7.5% hold a master's degree or are currently working toward that goal.
Statistics in this particular data are showing the educational levels of the staff. Again, hopefully implying the more educated the staff, the better at providing services to the populations they serve. Numbers help to make strong arguments, stronger. Numbers don't lie.
These statistics, content was found on the community benefit organizations website. These statistics seems to evaluating how effective their programs are in serving the population they serve. They are comparing the recidivism rates of youth who go through their program compared to the recidivism rate in general. I'm assuming this would be youth who might not have been through their program.
Reference 3 - 3.01% Coverage
The recidivism rate for youth clients is 9.9% and can be compared to the Fresno County juvenile recidivism rate of 33%.
Statistics are being used to assess the effectiveness of their programs, but statistics can also be used for grant purposes. The more this community benefit organization can show that their programs are effective, the more funding they can get to operate, to be able to do the work that they do.
This content was also taken from the community benefit organizations website. Again, it is showing how much time clients spend participating in their programs on average each month. It imaginable that these numbers are also used to boast the program, while at the same time displaying a type of effectiveness.
Reference 4 - 3.71% Coverage
On average every month, each youth client participated in 8-hours of activities. Also, each household client participated in 4-hours of activities.
Young people within county systems for whatever reasons need these positive programs. This is where they learn new skills, hopefully develop more positive, and less deviant behaviors according to society's norms.
Advice
This last section of analysis was created because of the patterns of recurring content. It seems people have a lot of advice to give young people who might be in difficult, or unpleasant situations. This piece of advice was given to youth who might experiencing some type of abuse, reminding them that this abuse is not a reflection of them.
Reference 1 – 1.16%
"To the children who are the victims of abuse, I urge them to not own the suffering and abuse"
Sometimes parents make mistakes, and young people suffer because of it. We shouldn't assume, or place stigmas on populations, when we don't always know their background stories. People need to take all factors into consideration when dealing young people, and their families, any at risk populations.
This second piece of advice is given by another person that was featured in the annual magazine that this community benefit organization launches yearly. He is a local Fresno rapper that has found success internationally. It seems when he was younger, he was also in the foster care system. This is a great example of someone starting out in a county system, and still making it out and being successful.
Reference 1 - 10.62% Coverage
When you get out, make more positive decisions. While you've got that time sittin' on right now, think about the decision you made prior that got you into that situation. Make better decisions, my young brothers and sisters. You can be so much more than what you think you are. You can change somebody's life just by changing your own.
This local Fresno rapper's advice is aimed at young people in the juvenile hall, and foster care systems. He is telling them to remain positive, and to think before taking actions, and just reminding them that life can still be great, despite mistakes. Set-backs help you grow, mistakes are learning moments.
This last piece of data is more of a rhetorical tool used to pose a question. It is talking about a man who was in the prison system. Someone who struggled with substance abuse, and addictions. He did everything he needed to do, went through the programs he needed to go through. Eventually he got out, and now he is in the master's program for social work here at Fresno State.
Reference 1 - 2.35% Coverage
Who better to help those who are walking down the wrong path, than someone who has walked down that same path?
This question is asking who is in a better position to help young people, and give them advice than somebody who has been through similar situations. This person is now, or has interned, volunteered with community benefit organization in order to help steer the young people in his community in the right direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion when analyzing this community benefit organization through the multiple methods of ethnography, interviewing, and content analysis, patterns of social interaction begin to emerge. These patterns are reflected in the daily behaviors, routines, roles, and habits of this organization, and its staff. They are to be viewed through the lenses of sociological theories that include Symbolic Interactionism, and the ideas of Erving Goffman. Specific ideas include general description, presentation of the organization, and how this pertains to the front stages and back stages of this community benefit work. The effects of stigmas, and how they affect clients being served. The concepts of meaningful action, and the definition of the situation from a team perspective are also taken into consideration. Many sociological theories, concepts, and ideas have been applied to the research as a whole. Nvivo, a data analysis software was used in this analysis of the research as a whole. Word frequency queries, text search queries, and word clouds were all produced using Nvivo. All data collection was administered at the community benefit organizations office spaces located within the general Fresno community.
Bibliography
Dillon, Michele. 2013. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Sandstrom, Kent, Daniel Martin, and Gary Alan Fine. 2009. "Symbols Selves and Social Reality." 3rd ed. Oxford University Press.
Warren, Carol A. B., & Karner, Tracy X. (2015). Discovering Qualitative Methods: Ethnography, Interviews, Documents, and Images. New York: Oxford University Press.
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