OMISSION: a LOOK INTO the PK-12 EXPERIENCE THROUGH the LENS of LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, and TRANSGENDER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Presented by Ronald W

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

OMISSION: a LOOK INTO the PK-12 EXPERIENCE THROUGH the LENS of LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, and TRANSGENDER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Presented by Ronald W OMISSION: A LOOK INTO THE PK-12 EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE LENS OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ________________________________________________________________ A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia ____________________________________________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education ______________________________________________________ by RONALD W. KNIGHT-BECK Dr. Carole A. Edmonds, Dissertation Supervisor MAY 2016 The undersigned, appointed by the dean of the Graduate School, have examined the dissertation entitled OMISSION: A LOOK INTO THE PK-12 EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE LENS OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS presented by Ronald W. Knight-Beck a candidate for the degree of doctor of education and hereby certify that, in their opinion, is worthy of acceptance. ________________________________________________ Dr. Carole A. Edmonds ________________________________________________ Dr. Timothy J. Wall ________________________________________________ Dr. Jennee M. Barnes-Gregory ________________________________________________ Dr. Chad M. Brinton DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and others who have felt oppressed within an environment for reasons that were out of personal control. Your life is important, it is precious, and it is equal to those who do not have to fight for their rights or equal treatment. Sometimes it is hard to see what the world has in store for you, but I can tell you that it is special, unique, and you are the only one that can complete the journey, that is your future. Additionally, I would like to dedicate this dissertation to those who do not understand or cannot empathize with those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. Education is the key to understanding and I encourage you to explore until you are comfortable with the unknown. LGBT people are no less human than those who are cisgender and heterosexual. Remember that we are all human and have the responsibility to encourage respect and acceptance of all people. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Foremost, I would like to thank my husband Christopher Knight-Beck. Chris has endured the dissertation in multiple capacities. We started the dissertation journey three months prior to the day we got married. Due to the timing, Chris has had to wait for my time, attention, and assistance with all things house and home. He has spent countless hours listening, reading, and making suggestions on all aspects of this educational journey. I love you and appreciate you more than you could possibly understand. I would not have survived this process without your support. I also want to thank my family. My family was key during this process by constantly asking and inquiring about my educational status. My parents, in-laws, siblings, and extended family have had nothing but positive comments and love toward this experience. Additionally, my two sisters who decided that returning to school to develop themselves to define a better life for themselves, children, and family has been an inspiration. I would also like to acknowledge my friends and fellow cohort members. I appreciate the understanding of the frequent excuse of, “I have to work on my paper”, which was used exhaustively over the course of this dissertation. You guys have never deterred me from working, never tried to sway me from moving forward, and I appreciate the time and respect that you gave so I could complete this voyage. I also want to thank my co-workers for the kind words, words of wisdom, and the multiple comments when some realized that they would like to go back to school, because of my personal goals. You guys are truly motivators in my life and I am in debt for those selfless words of encouragement. ii I would also like to thank Jennifer Gross, Jake Boswell, and Chris Banks for motivation, support, and the relationships we developed. Over the coursework I looked forward to speaking with you each week and appreciated each of your unique personalities. They stated that we would meet valuable people within our program, but they did not say that I’d meet some of the best, good-hearted, selfless people in my life. Thank you for everything and I love you three more than you realize. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Carole Edmonds and Dr. Tim Wall. Both professors have been essential to the dissertation journey and because of them the stress was minimalized because of clear and organized expectations. Further, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Carole Edmonds personally for always picking up the phone, no matter how many times a day I called. She is welcoming, loving, and highly influential over the success of my dissertation. You are amazing and I know that you will be missed on your upcoming retirement. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................... ii LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................vi LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................. vii PRELUDE............................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE DISSERTATION-IN-PRACTICE ............... 3 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................ 4 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................... 5 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 6 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................... 6 Social Learning Theory............................................................................................... 8 Design of the Study ..................................................................................................... 8 Limitations .................................................................................................................. 9 Delimitations ............................................................................................................. 10 Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 10 Definition of Key Terms ........................................................................................... 10 Significances of the Study ........................................................................................ 12 Expansion of Literature........................................................................................ 12 Develop a Need for a LGBT Inclusive Curriculum ............................................. 13 Legal Aspects of Equity ....................................................................................... 13 Summary ................................................................................................................... 14 SECTION TWO: PRACTITIONER SETTING FOR THE STUDY ................................... 15 History of Organization ............................................................................................ 15 Federal Education Laws ....................................................................................... 16 Missouri State Board of Education ...................................................................... 18 Kansas State Board of Education ......................................................................... 19 Organizational Analysis ............................................................................................ 21 Missouri Education .............................................................................................. 21 Kansas Education ................................................................................................. 24 Leadership Analysis .................................................................................................. 26 Public Schools in Missouri .................................................................................. 26 Public Schools in Kansas ..................................................................................... 27 Implications for Research in the Practitioner Setting ............................................... 28 Summary ................................................................................................................... 30 SECTION THREE: SCHOLARLY REVIEW FOR THE STUDY ..................................... 31 Social Learning Theory............................................................................................. 31 iv Curriculum Integration.............................................................................................. 33 Issues with Integration ......................................................................................... 34 Health Education .................................................................................................. 34 Diversity Education ............................................................................................. 35 School Culture .........................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Young Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) People
    Briefi ng 3 Young lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people Briefings for health and social care staff (a) Specific issues for young LGB people Young lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people can be vulnerable to a number of health risks because of people’s reactions to their identity. They may also feel stigmatised; there are very few role models for young LGB people, and many conclude that society will not approve of them. Many young people know they are lesbian, gay or bisexual by the age of 11 or 12, or have feelings of being different.1 However, some do not come out to someone else until they are 15 or 16. This period (11–16 years old) has been described as the isolation years and is the most crucial for targeting support and information. Homophobic bullying is an increasing problem in schools; the word ‘gay’ is the most frequent term of abuse in playgrounds. Evidence suggests that LGB young people, and those perceived to be LGB, may be more at risk of bullying.2 Between 30% and 50% of young people in secondary schools attracted to people of the same sex will have directly experienced homophobic bullying, compared with 10–20% of young people who have experienced general bullying.3 ChildLine4 estimates that around 2,700 young people access their services each year to talk about sexual orientation, homophobia and homophobic bullying. The most common problems talked about were homophobic bullying and fear of telling their parents about their sexual orientation. Furthermore, young people with LGB parents sometimes experience bullying.
    [Show full text]
  • The Education of Homeless Children: Rules, Rights and Practical Solutions
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 450 194 UD 034 015 AUTHOR Heybach, Laurene M.; Nix-Hodes, Patricia; Price, Sarah TITLE The Education of Homeless Children: Rules, Rights and Practical Solutions. A Training Manual for Shelter Providers, Staff, Advocates and Parents. INSTITUTION Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, IL. PUB DATE 2000-09-01 . NOTE 115p. AVAILABLE FROM Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, 1325 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60605 ($11). Tel: 312-435-4548; Fax: 312-435-0918; Web site: http://www.chicagohomeless.org. PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom (055) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC05 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Access to Education; Children; Educational Discrimination; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Equal Education; *Homeless People; Homeless Shelters; Homosexuality; Poverty; Public Schools; Social Discrimination IDENTIFIERS Chicago Public Schools IL; Illinois State Board of Education; Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act 1987 ABSTRACT These training materials provide advocates with the tools needed to help families obtain a stable and effective education for their children despite the condition of homelessness and the trauma that accompanies it. Nine sections include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "How Mobility Hurts Homeless Children and Schools"; (3) "Laws and Rules Governing the Education of Homeless Children" (the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act, policy of the State Board of Education, and the settlement agreement in Salazar v. Edwards); (4) "What
    [Show full text]
  • UK Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child NGO Alternative Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child – ENGLAND
    UK implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child NGO alternative report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child – ENGLAND This report has been produced by the Alliance for Inclusive Education National Youth Advocacy Service Children’s Rights Alliance for England APPROACH Ltd. NCH (CRAE). A drafting committee was Association of Lawyers for Children NSPCC established in 2007, with representatives Association of Panel Members Parenting UK from the following organisations: Association of Youth Offending Team Phoenix Consultancy and Training Ltd Managers Phoenix Education Trust • Action on Rights for Children (ARCH) ATD Fourth World Play England • APPROACH Ltd. Baby Milk Action playtrain • Brook Bail for Immigration Detainees Princess Royal Trust for Carers • Child Poverty Action Group British Association for Community Child Prison Reform Trust • Children’s Rights Alliance for England Health Public Law Project • The Children’s Society British Association of Social Workers Queer Youth Network • ECPAT UK British Humanist Association Race on the Agenda (ROTA) • Howard League for Penal Reform British Youth Council Refuge • Medical Foundation for the Care of Brook Refugee Council Victims of Torture Bury St Edmunds Youth Council Release • Nacro Calcot Services for Children Royal College of Nursing • National Association for Youth Justice Campaign for State Education Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health • National Children’s Bureau (NCB) Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education Salford children’s rights service • National Society for the Prevention of Child Dynamix Save the Children UK Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Children and Armed Conflict Unit Scope • Refuge Children North East Shelter • Royal College of Paediatrics and Children’s Legal Centre Shout Out! Off The Record Child Health Children’s research centre, Open University SOLAR Centre, University of the West of • Save the Children UK Children’s Rights Alliance for England England • UNICEF UK.
    [Show full text]
  • Trans Equality Policy Statement
    Reviewed and Approved by E&P Approved by Corporation July 2018 Next due for review July 2021 Trans Equality Policy Statement Purpose The purpose of this policy statement is to provide all members of the College community involved in further education for young people and adults with a greater understanding of transgender issues, the relevant law and good practice in relation to transgender employees and learners. The College Commitment Brockenhurst College recognises that there can be differences between physical sex and gender identity/expression. Brockenhurst College will at no time discriminate against people on the grounds of transvestism, transsexualism, intersex conditions or any process of gender reassignment, begun or complete. Where this policy refers to ‘trans people’, it has in mind people living with any of these identities. Where it refers to ‘gender identity’, it covers both the fixed identity of people living in the gender of their birth and the more fluid identities of many trans people. Brockenhurst College celebrates and values the diversity of its workforce, and believes that the College will benefit from employing trans people at all levels of responsibility, thus hoping to provide role models for students who identify as trans. Brockenhurst College will treat all employees and students with respect, and seek to provide a positive working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation. Legislation The Equality Act 2010 embraces and extends existing legislation to provide protection for transgender people in further education against harassment, victimisation and discrimination in the delivery of goods, facilities, services, and in employment (at recruitment, during employment and when ending a job).
    [Show full text]
  • A Freshers' Guide to Lgbt+ London
    99 PAGE TITLE A FRESHERS’ GUIDE TO TO TO GUIDE GUIDE FRESHERS’ FRESHERS’ A A OUTOUT && LONDON LONDON LGBT+ LGBT+ FRESHER’S FAIR 2016 ABOUTABOUT 99 PAGE“BE WHO TITLE YOU ARE AND SAY WHAT YOU FEEL, BECAUSE THOSE WHO MIND DON’T MATTER AND THOSE WHO MATTER DON’T MIND.” Dr. SUESS Writer and Cartoonist (1904 - 1991) IQ Imperial College Union LGBT+ 3 CONTENTS 4 President’s Note 6 All About IQ 8 Committee 16’/17’ 10 Help! 11 Sexual Health 12 What’s On... 14 LGBT+ London (Bars) 18 LGBT+ London (Nightclubs) 20 LGBT+ London (Map) 22 I Don’t Feel Like Dancing 24 Culture Club 26 A Little History 4 PRESIDENT’S NOTE When I joined IQ I wasn’t sure what I was going to find. Having had no LGBT+ friends at school (that I knew of) I was simply looking for a chance to meet people like me. This will be the case for many of you reading this as you take your first steps into university life. For others, you may be coming to Imperial with years of experi- ence in the LGBT+ community under your belt. Whatever your background, rest assured that IQ is a so- ciety open to everyone, with members that have a wide range of experiences. We hold events, both silly and serious, that cater to our diverse group of members. For me, I found a great bunch of people, a greater awareness of the challenges facing LGBT+ students and the chance to get involved and change things for the better.
    [Show full text]
  • Out & About: a Fresher's Guide to Gay London
    A FRESHERS GUIDE TO GAY LONDON ABOUT OUT& 4 “BE WHO YOU ARE AND SAY WHAT YOU FEEL, BECAUSE THOSE WHO MIND DON’T MATTER AND THOSE WHO MATTER DON’T MIND.” Dr Seuss (American Writer and Cartoonist, 1904-1991) The committee would like to make a special thanks to Alfredo Carpineti and Chris Kurzeja for their time and efforts in creating the professional design and thoughtful original content of Out & About. 3 CONTENTS 4 All About IQ 5 Help! (I Need Somebody) - Info & Advice 6 Help! (I Need Somebody) - Sexual Health 8 The Long Way Out 13 I Wanna Take You To A Gay Bar 16 Nightclubbing 18 Soho Map 20 I Don’t Feel Like Dancing 23 Culture Club 24 A Little History 26 What’s On: Autumn 2009 4 ALL ABOUT IQ COMMITTEE ‘09/10 PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY CHRIS ROB MIKE WEB/PUBLICITY EVENTS WOMENS OFFICER MITCH FELIX IONA Our website is www.imperalcollegeunion.org/iq Our Facebook Page: search for “IQ (Imperial College LGBT)” in the Imperial College network Q-Phone: 07963 005 676 55 WORDHELP! FROM (I NEED THE SOMEBODY) PRESIDENT Sometimes you just have a burning question (or something else burn- ing) that you need help with. Sometimes friends are helpful, but most of the time you just want to find out anonymously. This section lists places and people that are there to help you out. INFO AND ADVICE The LLGS provides an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual people and anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality.
    [Show full text]
  • Cross-Dressing 11
    CROSS-DRESSING 11 Barrett, J. (Ed.) (2007). Transsexual and other disorders of gender identity. Oxford: Radcliffe. The seminal textbook on trans from a pragmatic and medical perspective containing chapters on psychological support, sur- gery, endocrinology, speech therapy, religion and UK law. Bornstein, K. (1994). Gender outlaw. London: Routledge. As the seminal challenge to a binary gender system, this book is both funny and thoughtful. Bornstein, K. (1998). My gender workbook. London: Routledge. A companion to Gender outlaw and written as a textbook, this book is filled with exer- cises to help people explore their gender beyond a binary. Ekins, R., & King, D. (2006). The transgender phenomenon. London: Sage. A sociological exploration of most aspects of changing gender. Ettner, R., Monstrey, S., & Eyler, A.E. (Eds.) (2007). Principles of transgender medicine and surgery. New York: The Haworth Press. A US-based overview of many of the aspects of changing gender. Garber, M. (1992). Vested interests: Cross-dressing and cultural anxiety. London: Penguin. A sociological and theoretical exploration of cross- dressing. Expertly researched but becoming somewhat dated. Halberstam, J. (2005). In a queer time and place: Transgender bodies, subcul- tural lives. London: New York University Press. An exploration of trans masculine identities from a queer-theoretical perspective. Lev, A.I. (2004). Transgender emergence. London: Haworth Clinical Practice Press. A very useful and comprehensive book covering psychotherapy with trans people. Wilchins, R.A. (1997). Read my lips: Sexual subversion and the end of gender. Ann Arbor: Firebrand Books. The seminal trans manifesto, beautifully written, funny, moving. www.beaumontsociety.org.uk. The Beaumont Society has been assisting men who present as women since 1966 and is an excellent repository of knowledge and support.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Annual Report
    2020 ANNUAL REPORT TM 1 ILGA World - the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is grateful for the support of its member organisa- tions, staff, interns, Board and Committee members who work tirelessly to make everything we do possible. A heartfelt shout-out and thank you goes to all the human rights defenders around the world for the time and energy they commit to ad- vancing the cause of equality for persons with diverse sexual orienta- tions, gender identities and gender expressions, and sex characteristics everywhere. Our deepest thanks to those who, despite the unforeseen eco- nomic hardship bestowed upon everyone by the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, have committed to financially make our work pos- sible in 2020. We also thank one significant anonymous donor and many other companies and individuals who have made donations. We kick off the year with new activities to support local organ- isations as they follow-up on LGBTI recommendations from JANUARY 2020 the Treaty Bodies. Throughout 2020 ILGA World and our allies AT A GLANCE made sure to keep raising queer voices at the United Nations! We launch an extensive global research into laws banning ‘conversion therapies’. Protec- FEBRUARY tion from similar ineffective and cruel treat- ment is as urgent as ever! MARCH As everything turns virtual, our communities remain connected: APRIL The world comes to a grinding halt as ILGA World holds its first-ever online Board meeting, and hosts the Covid-19 pandemic erupts. Even roundtables discussing the impact and response to the Covid-19 during these difficult days, we have pandemic among LGBTI organisations.
    [Show full text]
  • Transgender (Trans) – Living a Different Gender from That Assigned at Birth
    TRANSGENDER (TRANS) – LIVING A DIFFERENT GENDER FROM THAT 2 ASSIGNED AT BIRTH Barrett, J. (Ed.) (2007). Transsexual and other disorders of gender identity. Oxford: Radcliffe. The seminal textbook on trans from a pragmatic and medical perspective containing chapters on psychological support, sur- gery, endocrinology, speech therapy, religion and UK law. Bornstein, K. (1994). Gender outlaw. London: Routledge. As the seminal chal- lenge to a binary gender system, this book is both funny and thoughtful. Bornstein, K., & Bergman, S.B. (Eds.) (2010). Gender outlaws: The next gen- eration. New York, NY: Avalon Publishing Group. An updated compila- tion in the same vein as Gender outlaw above. Ettner, R., Monstrey, S., & Eyler, A.E. (Eds.) (2007). Principles of transgender medicine and surgery. New York: The Haworth Press. A US-based overview of many of the aspects of changing gender. Lev, A.I. (2004). Transgender emergence. London: Haworth Clinical Practice Press. A very useful and comprehensive book covering psychotherapy with trans people. Shaw, L., Butler, C., Langdridge, D., Gibson, S., Barker, M., Lenihan, P., das Nair, R., Monson, J., & Richards, C. (2012). Guidelines for psychologists working therapeutically with sexual and gender minority clients. London: British Psychological Society. United Kingdom Gender Recognition Act 2004 – the UK law on changing gender. Wilchins, R.A. (1997). Read my lips: Sexual subversion and the end of gender. Ann Arbor: Firebrand Books. The seminal trans manifesto, beautifully written, funny, moving. www.ftmi.org. FTM International is a site assisting trans men and prompt- ing political and individual rights for trans men. www.beaumontsociety.org.uk. The Beaumont Society has been assisting men who present as women since 1966 and is an excellent repository of knowledge and support.
    [Show full text]
  • Toolkit for Teachers: Dealing
    Toolkit for Teachers Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools Toolkit for Teachers Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools toolkit contents Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools Table of Figures 3 Summary of Toolkit Resource 6 1. Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools 8 1.1 Introduction 9 1.2 About the toolkit 10 1.3 Curriculum for Excellence 11 1.4 Policy that supports practice 12 2. The Key Issues 16 2.1 Defining homophobia and homophobic bullying 16 2.2 The impact of homophobia and homophobic bullying 20 2.3 Homophobia affects all young people 22 2 Contents – Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools 3. Questions and Answers 24 3.1 Homophobic bullying 24 3.2 Gender, transgender young people and transphobia 27 3.3 LGBT young people 29 3.4 Staff issues 30 3.5 Discussing LGBT issues with young people 31 3.6 Supporting LGBT young people 32 4. Including Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in School Policy 34 4.1 Inclusive anti-bullying policies 34 4.2 Anti-bullying policy ‘health check’ 36 4.3 Raising awareness of your anti-bullying policy 37 5. Practical Guidance 38 5.1 Removing barriers to anti-homophobia work in schools 38 5.2 The use of language 39 5.3 Responding to and challenging homophobia and homophobic bullying 41 5.4 Challenging homophobia from colleagues 53 5.5 Recording and monitoring homophobic incidents 53 5.6 Supporting LGBT young people 55 5.7 Signposting and information 57 5.8 Confidentiality and information sharing 57 5.9 Involving parents and carers in anti-homophobia work 58 5.10 Young people with LGBT parents or carers 61 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Members' Conference & General Assembly: Dublin, Nov 2014 1 Minutes
    Annual Members’ Conference & General Assembly: Dublin, Nov 2014 Minutes DAY 1: Saturday 15th November 1/Plenary Session 1 Patrick Dempsey: I am Co-Chair of IGLYO’s Executive Board, Welcome to IGLYO’s General Assembly. The other Executive Board members introduced themselves and their roles: Eirik Rise, Treasurer Ani Giorgadze, Intersectionality Officer Orlaith Hendron, Co-chair Mina Tolu, Communications Officer George-Konstantinos Charonis, Education and Social Inclusion Officer Ashot Gevorgyan, Secretary 2/Adoption of Chair and Minute Taker Patrick Dempsey (IGLYO): The Board would like to propose that Nanna Moe Chair the General Assembly. Nanna has previously served on the IGLYO Board and is currently ILGA-Europe’s Communications Officer. General approval Patrick Dempsey (IGLYO): The Board proposes that Sarah Rowlinson be appointed as minute taker for the General Assembly. Sarah served on the IGLYO Board from 2012 – 2014. General approval 3/Adoption of Agenda Nanna Moe: the agenda had been slightly altered. Can the GA approve the agenda? General approval 4/Adoption of Tellers NM: The Board propose the appointment of Setta Mortensen, IGLYO FCC Member and Alex from BelongTo as tellers to the GA. Can I see approval for this? General approval 5/Roll Call NM: A roll call needs to take place to ensure quorum has been met for the General Assembly to proceed. Quorum is defined as half of the membership plus one. When your organisation is called please put your hand up and you will be given your voting card. Please sign your voting card and make sure you keep it with you. NM held roll call and the following organisations were accepted as present and handed voting cards.
    [Show full text]
  • Collective Action and Digital Information
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Publicly Accessible Penn Dissertations 2015 Collective Action and Digital information Communication Technologies: The Search for Explanatory Models of Social Movement Organizations' Propensity to Use Dicts in Developed Democracies Felicity Duncan University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/edissertations Part of the Communication Commons Recommended Citation Duncan, Felicity, "Collective Action and Digital information Communication Technologies: The Search for Explanatory Models of Social Movement Organizations' Propensity to Use Dicts in Developed Democracies" (2015). Publicly Accessible Penn Dissertations. 1048. https://repository.upenn.edu/edissertations/1048 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/edissertations/1048 For more information, please contact [email protected]. Collective Action and Digital information Communication Technologies: The Search for Explanatory Models of Social Movement Organizations' Propensity to Use Dicts in Developed Democracies Abstract Digital information communication technologies (DICTs) play an ever-more prominent role in politics, from the technologically sophisticated presidential campaign of Barack Obama to the Twitter-inspired Occupy Wall Street movement. However, not all political groups embrace technology to the same degree. Little scholarly attention has been paid to understanding why some groups adopt DICTs and use them to achieve political goals, while others do not. This dissertation attempts to remedy this by examining what drives DICT adoption among 48 organizations involved in advocacy activities in support of and in opposition to gay rights and marriage equality. It further contributes to the literature on DICTs and politics by considering the role of national context in DICT adoption, selecting organizations based in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, and comparing patterns of DICT adoption cross-nationally.
    [Show full text]