Progress 10/01/10 to 03/16/15
Outputs
Target Audience: The people served within this study include individuals and families who use the services of the counties or other public agencies within the state of Minnesota. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Dr. Menanteau retired from the University of Minnesota in spring 2014. The final six months of this project were spent finalizing data and closing out relationships with county personnel.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The people served within this study include individuals and families who use the services of the counties or other public agencies within the State of Minnesota. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Social well-being has been defined as the general conditions that permit members of a social system to satisfy basic needs. Initial results of this project allowed the identification of the relative distribution of the standard of living in each Minnesota county. The findings of this research project clearly indicate high levels of variation of social well-being by counties in Minnesota. Research findings from early efforts to measure social well-being show that metro counties appear to have higher scores than communities located in out-state counties. The Measurement of Social Well-Being utilizes eleven indicators that together provide a single score of well-being in each county in Minnesota. Cirrhosis (death rate per 10,000) Influenza and pneumonia (death rate per 1,000) Suicide rate per 10,000 4. Death rate per 1,000 5. Infant death rate per 1,000 live births 6. Median family income 7. Percent of families living above poverty 8. Percent of female-headed households 9. Percent of housing with complete plumbing 10. Percent of children living with two parents 11. Percent of residents over age 25 who hold a BA/BS degree or higher Some latest findings: (a) Of the total number of counties in Minnesota (87), a majority of them (51) revealed low scores in social well-being. (b) Suburban counties (Carver, Scott, Washington, and Dakota) obtained the highest scores. (c) Rural counties scored low in the Index of Social Well-Being. (d) Counties with high unemployment show lower levels of social well-being. Goal Accomplishment: One of the goals accomplished was the identification and examination of variables depicting conditions of social development in addition to conditions of growth and differences between counties. Second, analysis of current patterns of change affecting small counties is reflected in the latest findings stated earlier in this report. Third, the impact of current forms of social organization and county government units on the service delivery process was determined, emphasizing the need for social services in addition to research, ideas, and goals. Fourth, the collaborative service model was found to be an asset to counties with limited resources. Lastly, this research contributed to review conceptual and theoretical applications of Systems Theories Research by disseminating the findings in national and international meetings.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Socio-Political Impacts of Globalization in Latin America. Article submitted to Review of Social Work, School of Social Work, Catholic University of Chile.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Globalization and Distorted Development: In Search of a System Perspective for Sustainability. Article presented and submitted at the ISA-RC51 World Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research project explores the structural conditions affecting the social organization and wellbeing of the population of Minnesota counties. The main research tool developed by this project is an Index of Social Well-being of counties' populations. This index is constructed by 11 socio-economic variables, which include information concerning unemployment, mental health, race and ethnicity, education, and income inequality. PARTICIPANTS: Beginning the fall semester (mid November 2012) the project incorporated as a research assistant for data collection and research analysis. The person selected was Eveline N. Kalomo, a PhD. Student at the School of Social Work. TARGET AUDIENCES: A number of other researchers within the United States and other countries have expressed interest in obtaining copies of the manuscript informing the creation and uses of the index of social well-being developed here in Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This research shows that counties with high unemployment rates are also affected by conditions of lower social well-being. Research findings also confirm that counties with a predominantly larger white population also rank higher than other counties with a larger mixed population. The Index of Social Well-being also indicates the importance of new collaborative approaches at the county and state levels of various sources and agencies. Two articles have been submitted for publication: Article: "Impactos Socio-Politicos de la Globalizacion en America Latina." Submitted to Review of Social Work (Revista Trabajo Social), School of Social Work, Catholic University of Chile. Article: "Globalization and Distorted Development: In Search of a System Perspective for Sustainability." Submitted to Journal of Socio-Cybernetics. Paper presented at the ISA-RC51 World Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden, July 2010.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this period of time the research project explored the expansion of focus from individual functions and goals to the level of performance of social systems. In the case of Minnesota, the research also analyzed current patterns of change affecting counties and the extent to which those changes limit the performance of small counties as social systems to provide basic services to their populations. Some of the research findings in this area of performance of social systems to improve quality of life of the population constitute a relevant challenge as much as an invitation to sociocybernetics to further develop models and programs of social well-being. The development and composition of the Index as well as main research findings have been presented in classes related to Program Evaluation courses at the University of Minnesota and to researchers in universities in Chile. In addition, research findings of the Index of Social Well-Being have been delivered and discussed with members of the Association of Minnesota Counties and other representatives of the State Legislature. PARTICIPANTS: Since September 2011, the research assistant for this project has been Rusudan Kilaberia, a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota. Rusudan is participating in a number of research experiences under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include national and international academic researchers, teachers, and graduate students in the social sciences, economics, and public policy. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: One important project modification has been the expansion and enrichment of the research focus from quality of life of individuals to the social well-being of larger social systems. This new direction would allow monitoring of social conditions and processes, help in the social reporting for education, and improved social forecasting (anticipating future social changes).
Impacts
At the request of Professor Julia Fomina from the Department of Economics at Omsk State Transport University in Russia, a revised version of this research is currently being translated for future publication in Russia. Professor Fomina was also a participant at the RC-51 international Congress where the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project presented this research and its findings. Presentations of this research and its findings, results, and techniques in classes with graduate students at the University of Minnesota helped to expand the focus of the initial research model to issues of social well-being as valid indicators of quality of life and social systems performance. It also enriched the curriculum of Program Evaluation classes for graduate students.
Publications
- Menanteau-Horta, D. 2011. An Index of Social Well-Being as a Measurement of a System's Performance. RC-51 International Congress of the International Sociological Association, Crakow, Poland.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The quality of life of individuals and communities is an important element related to overall health and productivity in the state of Minnesota. Over the years most individuals and families are confronted with issues that limit their ability to function well in their communities and the larger society. In this project we determined the relationship between the social well-being index of counties and socio-economic variables such as unemployment, Gini coefficient, the number of WIC recipients, mental health, educational levels, race and ethnicity. This project allows us to explore the impact of structural conditions on the social well-being of counties in the state of Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: The research assistant of the project is Kofi Danso, a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota. Kofi was involved in data collection and analysis under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project. The findings of the project were also presented in Program Evaluation (SW 8603) classes organized by the PI at the University of Minnesota. The project engaged a number of organizations and individuals. The PI and the research assistant organized meetings with the leadership of the Association of Minnesota Counties and League of Minnesota Cities to discuss efforts at inter-city and inter-county collaborative initiatives that are geared towards improving the social well-being of residents. The discussions on collaboration is resultant of increasing demand on the resources of cities and counties which makes it difficult for them to meet the social service needs of residents. TARGET AUDIENCES: Since the goal of the project is to find out the some of the predictors of social well-being, it is important that the state, counties, and cities which have the responsibility of providing a broad array of services including social services for the betterment of the people be informed about the outcome of the project. Therefore, this project is targeted at the county and city governments and administration. During meetings with the Association of Minnesota Counties and League of Minnesota Cities, the PI explained some of the findings to representatives of these organizations. These organizations could disseminate such information to its members for necessary action. The results of the project could influence the decisions regarding which counties need additional assistance regarding services necessary to improve the quality of life of its residents. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There are no major changes during this reporting period.
Impacts
The study demonstrates that investment in efforts to reduce mental health condition of county residents has the potential to improve the overall social well-being of the county. Unemployment also has a negative effect on the social well-being of a county. Therefore, counties with high unemployment rates have lower social well-being. Also it was noted that counties with more White population have a better social well-being. Further, the study shows that education plays a major role in the social well-being of counties. Through this study we are able to understand and untangle some of the factors that influence the social conditions of counties and the level of social development in Minnesota counties. The study enables us to measure the impact of social policy for the improvement of social dimensions and its interrelatedness with other forces on quality of life. Obviously, the effective and efficient provision of services to improve the lives and social well-being of citizens is an important role of agencies of the state, county and city governments. However, the complexity of social problems today requires the pooling of resources and energy by different stakeholders such as business, government, communities and between counties in finding solutions to address human challenges in Minnesota. Besides, today's shared-power world necessitates joint efforts through cross-sector collaboration to address insurmountable challenges. Additionally, constant budget crises make it increasingly difficult for cities and counties in many states to independently manage social problems in communities without resorting to some form of collaboration, especially in the area of social and human service provision. Consequently, it is crucial that state, county and city agencies embark on collaborative initiatives not only to share scare resources but also to learn from each other's strengths in improving standard of living of its residents.
Publications
- Menanteau-Horta, D.(2010) Globalization and Distorted Development, RC51, International Sociological Association (ISA)- 17th World Congress of Sociology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The development and construction of an Index of Social Well-Being for the State of Minnesota was completed with 11 indicators including demographic, economic, health, education, and social organization variables. The Index constitutes a research tool to determine conditions of social well-being of residents of Minnesota's 87 counties. This study also uses the Index to attain a better understanding of the relationship between general characteristics of social well-being and the ability of counties to provide social services to their populations. The Index emphasizes the importance of social factors in addition to economic variables when evaluating development. County leaders and state administrators as well as professionals in the areas of health and human services agree that this Index could also be utilized in monitoring present conditions of social development in Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: One research assistant (Jennifer Simmelink) participated in supervised functions of data collection and data analysis provided by the project's Principal Investigator (PI). As part of the training mission of the study, the PI and the RA participated in a Poster-Session presentation and research conference organized by the College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. Additional presentations to discuss research methodology and main findings were also offered by the PI at the University of Minnesota in classes of Program Evaluation (SW 8603) , and at invited academic programs at the Catholic University of Chile and the Austral University in Valdivia, Chile. TARGET AUDIENCES: This research project aims to provide verified information and new knowledge about assessment and measurement of some important aspects of social development in Minnesota counties. Among members of target audiences for sharing research procedures and findings the following groups are of primary consideration: First, state and county administrators and community leaders interested in promoting positive changes of social well-being in the state. Secondly, providers and professional individuals currently working in public and private agencies of human and social services. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The study of linkages between social well-being and welfare assistance reveals the close association between the Index of Social Well-Being and the relative capacity of Minnesota counties for supporting and delivering welfare programs. The analysis conducted by this research shows , for example, that rural counties have higher poverty rates, lower per capita incomes, and lower Index scores. The capacity of these counties to provide services such as Food Stamps, welfare, and medical assistance are consistently below the needs of the population. Small rural counties have lower average per-person payments for food stamps and benefits related to the MFIP Programs than do urban counties. The findings of this research have significant importance for social workers' practice as well as for public policy. First, social workers need information and knowledge about the conditions and limitations that affect their clients. Secondly, as front line welfare professionals, social workers may actively contribute to develop new strategies to serve the people. The needs for innovation in public policy are important outcomes of this study and a call for cooperative efforts among social welfare professionals, policy makers, and county leaders.
Publications
- Menanteau-Horta, D. and Marcuello, Servos, Ch. (2009) "Trust and Transparency: A Socio-Cybernetic Approach to Social Accountability". Session accepted for the 17th World Congress of Sociology, RC51- Session 1 of the International Sociological Association (ISA), Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Menanteau-Horta, D. (2009). The Controversy of International Inmigration: Challenges to Social Work in the U.S.A. and Chile. Social Work Journal (Revista de Trabajo Social), Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The development and final calculations of an Index of Social Well-Being of Minnesota counties were accomplished. The study uses an index of 11 indicators that includes demographic, economic, health, education, and social organization variables to determine the link between community structure and social well-being of residents in Minnesota's 87 counties. The scores range from a low of -11.68 to a high of +14.06, where negative scores on the index denote lower levels of social well-being and positive scores indicate better social conditions. The study reveals that metro area counties score higher than those in out-state areas. Research results have been disseminated to communities across the state via several interviews requested by radio, TV stations and other mass media channels. A number of county leaders and administrators as well as health and human services professionals have also expressed interest in receiving additional results of this study. PARTICIPANTS: Two graduate research assistants (Brooke Nunn and Georgia LaVoie) received training and participated in some functions of data collection and research procedures of this project. The PI of the study participated in a presentation and Poster-session at a research conference called by the College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. In addition, discussion about methodology and main research findings was presented to 18 graduate students in classes on Program Evaluation (SW 8603), at the School of Social Work, University of Minnesota. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences considered for further sharing and discussion of information related to this research include the following: (1) State and county administrators and policy makers interested in evaluating overall conditions of social well-being in Minnesota communities. (2)Providers and professional personnel of public and private agencies participating in major functions of human and social services in Minnesota counties, and (3) Other researchers and social scientist interested in similar research activities related to county structure, inter-county collaboration, and delivery of human and social services. . PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This research reveals that counties have substantial differences in their levels of social well-being due to an uneven distribution of resources that threaten particularly small and rural counties. A majority of counties (51 out of 87) show low scores of well-being. The disparity between the highest five counties (urban-metropolitan communities) and the lowest five (rural and agriculture-dependent counties) offers major challenges to the state in areas such as family income, educational achievement and infant mortality rate. These conditions reflect access to services, health insurance capacity and factors related to social development. The index serves as a tool to measure important aspects of quality of life and to monitor present conditions of social development in Minnesota counties.
Publications
- Menanteau-Horta, D. and Marcuello, Servos Ch. (2008) A Sociological Perspective for Social Action: Advances of Sociocybernetics. Journal Austral of Social Sciences,Valdivia, Chile, sp. No: 14 (11-124).
- Menanteau-Horta D., (2008), "Poverty and Exclusion in the U.S.: Challenges to Social Work." Chapter 11 (169-190) in Marcuello, Ch. and Gutierrez, A. Social Services, Models and Perspectives, An International Approach (sp). Academic Editions, Madrid, Spain.
- Menanteau-Horta, D. (2008), Developmental Assets in the Lives of Out-of-home-placed youth, (with Pitzer, R.L. and Meyers, S.M.) in Family Forum, the Minnesota Council on Family Relations.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A main output of the project during this period (2007) is the development of a new and revised Index of Social Well-Being for all 87 counties of the state of Minnesota. This index includes a selection of 11 demographic, social, and economic indicators of each county. These variables represent dimensions related to the standard of living of the population and portray social and economic conditions, health and household characteristics in each county. The index also provides a useful tool to explore some characteristics of the organizational structure of Minnesota counties and analyze their levels of social well-being. Some disturbing patterns of change depict a decline of rural America that tends to accentuate serious disparities between metropolitan-urban places and rural counties. While metro-centers concentrate economic resources, political power, and social opportunities, rural counties and their communities face significant challenges to their ability to achieve and
maintain well-being among their members. Minnesota has 87 counties, and 76% of them (66) are non-metro and rural while the remaining 21 counties are considered metro and urban places. Demographic distribution shows, however, that almost 60% of the total state population of over 5.2 million inhabitants live in the 11-county metro area which includes the counties of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright. The Index of Social Well-Being illustrates a pattern of substantial differences between metropolitan vs. rural counties in conditions related to median family income, population death rate, infant mortality rate, and educational achievement. Dissemination of this data has begun among professional social workers, educators, service administrators and providers, and community leaders.
PARTICIPANTS: Brooke Nunn (Student RA, Summer and Fall 2007) and Georgia Lavoir (Student RA, part of Summer) received research training in data analysis for project. Benjamin Winchester, Coordinator of Research, Center for Small Towns at Morris, MN, provided mapping capabilities for Index of Social Well-Being.
TARGET AUDIENCES: County Commissioners, community leaders, County Social Services Administrators and professional providers. Mass Media reporters and selected members of the State Legislature who have requested information from researcher. Research papers will be prepared and submitted to academic and professional journals.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
Findings of the Index of Social Well-Being are summarized in single scores for each one of the 87 Minnesota counties ranging from -11.68 to +14.06. This distribution was divided into four equal parts, obtaining categories defining counties with the lowest scores of well-being (-11.68 to -5.25), a second group with low scores (-5.24 to +1.19), followed by those with high scores (+1.20 to +7.63), and the counties with highest scores (+7.64 to +14.06). Research results reveal that only five metropolitan counties (Carver, Scott, Dakota, Washington, and Olmsted) have the highest scores. The lowest social well-being scores are found in 11 predominantly rural counties which are also in places distant from the metropolitan area of the state. Nine of these counties are located in the northern half of the state, and only two (Pipestone and Mower) are in the southern region of Minnesota. More than half of the Minnesota counties (51 out of 87) receive scores that classify them in
the low and lowest categories of social well-being. The disparity between the highest 5 counties and the lowest 5 counties offers major challenges to the state in areas such as family income, educational achievement, and infant mortality rate which may reflect access to services, health insurance capacity, and other factors related to social development.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2007). Social Complexity, Technology and Conflict. (RC51 Proceedings of the 7th. International Conference of Sociocybernetics, International Sociological Association, Murcia, Spain.
- Menanteau, D. (2007). Imperatives for Human Development for a Sustainable Social System. (Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics - SASE) International Congress of Socio-Economics, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
A main focus of this project during this year that the researcher was on a sabbatical furlough was to explore theoretical and methodological connections between the new field of sociocybernetics and the professional role of social workers and other social scientists. As the notions of social intervention, planning, and community development are functions of social work, the presence of a guiding theory is essential in a dynamic and complex society. Sociocybernetics, developed under the research umbrella of the International Sociological Association (ISA), constitutes today a solid scientific approach concerning systems theory and emerges as a promising intellectual tool available to the scientific community. Some of the findings of this research are the following: (1) In contemporary society, change is increasingly fast, usually crisis- driven, and conflict-laden. Within this context, social work, human needs, and collective problems face the challenge of generating
knowledge that can be transformed into practical interventions and efficient applications. A discipline that fails to do this runs the risk of becoming isolated and marginal to professional functions in the areas of planning, policy implementation, and collective action. (2) Sociocybernetics involves the application of concepts, methods, and ideas to the study of social and cultural systems. It offers a conceptual framework rooted in the General Systems Theory of useful application in the analysis of social life and complex social systems. This research identified the following four key components of a sociocybernetic perspective for the study of the professional role of social workers and human services providers: a) The relationship between observer and object which leads to new knowledge; b) Systems' control and interactions, interventions, and processes; c) Revision of the more traditional notions of system's equilibrium and independence; and d) The perspective of the social
actors with a diversity of roles and organizational patterns within systems. (3) This research project also analyzed the relevance of system's capabilities for engaging in planned change and development that are essential processes in most social work programs and human services. It was found that concepts such as 'self-reference' (capacity to observe and reflect about conditions), 'self-steering' (ability to direct actions), and 'self-organization' (capability to change and generate new social conditions) are applicable in the study of social problems, planning, and development. Also studied in this project is the use of sociocybernetics by Stafford Beer's 'Viable System Model' for social planning, organization, and development.
Impacts
Information provided by this study will contribute to expand the utilization of sociocybernetic principles as a new social systems' paradigm for development functions led by social workers, planners, and social and human services providers. Research findings will also offer an intellectual challenge to educators, students, and practitioners demonstrating the reciprocal relation between economic growth and social welfare. The analysis of conceptual and methodological components is being incorporated into University graduate courses, and dissemination of results are already being reported and discussed in papers and articles presented in professional national and international meetings. The next expected target of impact of this study is composed of policy planners, community development agents, public leaders, and institutions working in the areas of social change and human services.
Publications
- Menanteau-Horta, D. (2006). A Sociocybernetic Perspective for Social Work in the XXI Century. (with Ch. Marcuello). Proceedings of the World Congress of Social Work, Scenarios and Challenges of Social Work in the XXI Century. Santiago, Chile, (August 28-September 1).
- Menanteau-Horta, D. (2006). The role of the State in Social Development and Pension Reform in Chile and USA. Review of Social Sciences, University Austral of Chile, 10 (pp.5-21).
- Menanteau-Horta, D. (2006). Sociocybernetics Applied to Social Change and Development: The Case of Chile. Book chapter in Sociocybernetics, Directions of a Paradigm. Marcuello- Servos, Ch. (editor). Institucion Fernando el Catolico , Zaragoza, Spain. (pp. 389-406).
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
An Index of Social Well-Being was developed for all 87 counties of the state of Minnesota as a tool to study basic components of community structure and counties capacity for providing human services. This index includes eleven social and economic indicators representing demographic characteristics, health conditions, education services, employment opportunities, income and other variables that illustrate the standard of living of the population of each Minnesota County. A formula based on standardized Z scores of each indicator in each county and the standard deviation of indicators for all counties provided a single score for each county in the general index of social well-being. The estimated values of this index range from -15.25 to +15.59. Negative scores indicate lower levels of well-being characterizing communities with observed limitations of resources, economic opportunities, and social services. Findings show that while seven metropolitan counties
(Washington, Dakota, Carver, Scott, Sherburne, Anoka, and Olmsted) scored on the highest end of the Index of Social Well-Being, rural counties in general, and particularly six of them (Mahnomen, Clearwater, Red Lake, Aitkin, Cass, and Big Stone) scored on the lowest end of the index. All rural counties with the exception of two (Cook and Roseau) have negative scores while the opposite is true for urban and metropolitan counties. Of the 20 rural counties in the state, 18 have negative scores, and almost half of them have lost population and experience difficulties to develop better opportunities and services. Further analysis will determine the association of this index of social well-being with organizational factors and structural conditions of Minnesota communities such as income inequality, economic vitality and functional classification of counties.
Impacts
Data from this study illustrating the relative status of each county in the Index of Social Well-Being will offer valuable information to county commissioners and local planners, state legislators and social service providers. The index constitutes a graphic tool for courses and outreach education programs about development and social action.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2004) Poverty and Social Exclusion in the United States: Challenges for a New Socio-Economics. The Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE), Washington, D.C. (pp.1-27)
- Menanteau, D. (2004) Toward a System Approach to Human Emotions and Social Action. Sociocybernetics (RC51 Proceedings). International Sociological Association, Lisbon, Portugal. (Pp.1-17).
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
In connection with one of the objectives of this project concerning the study of prominent models utilized by counties and local communities in the delivery of social services (Objective # 4), the research focused attention on analyzing patterns of collaboration among Minnesota counties and service agencies. Data for this part of the project was collected in two different types of counties in rural Minnesota, One type is characterized by collaborative agreements among four counties in their efforts to provide social services compared to another group of four counties operating as single and independent units in their service delivery functions. Research findings underline the rural sociological assertion demonstrating that the survival and development of rural communities have been historically related to the processes of adaptation and their capacity to create a dynamic form of social organization. Their ability to retain their populations, keep and create new jobs,
and provide social services in the future will be largely determined by new strategies of cooperation among counties and communities. This research reveals that county collaboration in Minnesota enhances community asset-building, encourages democratic planning, and improves the delivery of social services.
Impacts
This study emphasizes the importance of intercommunity cooperation for achieving more efficient and effective delivery of social services. Research findings are helpful to State legislators; community leaders; county commissioners; services administrators, and community social workers interested in building community capacity by sharing assets and institutional services.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2003) Strategies of Cooperation and Delivery of Human Services in Rural Areas: Sharing Community Assets. Chapter 5, in Rural Social Work. Scales, T.L. and Streeter, C.L. (editors). Brooks/Cole/Thomson Learning, Belmont, Ca. (pp.54-64).
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Economic resources and organizational capacity of communities and counties largely determine Child welfare and general quality of life in rural areas. In 1999, 49 of the 50 poorest U.S. counties were rural. Children are most affected by these conditions, and nearly one of five American children lives in poverty. There are over 11.5 million poor children, which represents 37 percent of the poor population in the nation. The relations between elements of child welfare and an index of social well being estimated for the state of Minnesota reveal that rural children are in a situation of higher risk than urban children. The index also shows the diverse capabilities of counties to offer services to families and children.
Impacts
The project provides analytical and methodological tools for issues related to development and social welfare. It suggests that social workers and other practitioners may enhance their services by considering county data that depict the viability and service capacity of rural communities.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. and Yigzaw, M. (2002) Indicators of Social Well-Being and Elements of Child Welfare in Minnesota Rural Counties. Child Welfare, Vol. LXXXI, #5, September/ October, pp. 709-735.
- Menanteau, D. and Hollister, D. (2002) Globalization and Interdisciplinary Challenges for International Social Development: Reflections from the Classroom. Social Development Issues 23 (2), pp.3-10.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Minnesota illustrates a case of a dual development process where large areas are steadily growing while many rural communities experience a decline in population, income, and services. Although development efforts in the 1990's showed some resilience of rural areas to create new jobs, (at a rate of 2.5 percent per year), rural incomes fell 40 percent below their urban conterparts of Minneapolis - St. Paul areas in 1998. This income divide creates uneven development between large urban places and rural communities, generating major challenges for community development and social well-being. This situation appears exacerbated by the dynamics of globalization and its impact on state and local governments. Building new coalitions and strategies of cooperation for the delivery of human and social services in rural areas is becoming an important factor for the revitalization of rural communities and the future professional role of social workers and service providers.
Impacts
This project will provide analytical and practical tools to community development leaders and social service professionals concerning the impact of globalization and urban development on rural communities. Asset building and cooperation strategies will help agencies and communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
During this period the project focused analysis on the impact of economic and social changes, led by the expansion of the global economy, upon community organization and social development. Major trends and characteristics of the globalization process appear to generate conditions of income inequality, environmental risks, potential social conflicts, and challenges for local and national development. The traditional functional linkages among family, school and community are being affected by the globalization process. Data show that the new global economy not only implies a significant transformation in the mode of production, distribution, and exchange of goods and services in Minnesota and the United States, but it also may affect national and state development policies and programs. In relation to this, the area concerning professionalism of social workers is being expanded to an international comparative analysis of social workers' roles and functions in the U.S.
and Spain in collaboration with faculty members of the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Field-work research of this comparative initiative will be implemented during the first quarter of 2001.
Impacts
Research findings of this project have contributed to a greater understanding of the relationship between theoretical issues of social development and the structures and functions of agencies and service providers.
Publications
- Menanteau, D., (2000). Challenges of Globalization to Development: Divorce or Compatibility of the New Century? EUTOPIA, Journal of Development Studies, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Menanteau, D., (2000). Globalization and Social Development. Journal of Socio-Cybernetics, (IAS/RG51) Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Menanteau, D., (2000). Some Impacts of Globalization: Social and Juridical Problems. Program Society and Law, University of San Juan, Argentina.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Two main areas have been developed and expanded during this period of the project. One relates to theoretical issues of social development utilizing some of the principles of socio-cybernetics and sustainable development. The other refers to identifying structures and functions of agencies and institutions serving Hispanics in Minnesota. The relationship between cybernetics and social development was explored in connection with the application of cybernetic principles and methods provided by 'project cybersyn' organized by Stafford Beer to deal with problems of national social and economic development. The principles identified were those of viability (adaptation to change), recursion (inter-connection and interdependency among sub-systems), and autonomy (the degree of independence of sub-units that operate within the larger and complex system). Research findings demonstrated that social development and cybernetics cannot be isolated from political and economic
tensions affecting a social system. Rapid and drastic changes in society open new possibilities for connecting cybernetics with social development. By placing more emphasis on the system's ability to evolve, reproduce itself, and adjust to change, all included in the concept of system's 'autopoieses', the social system can be made more viable and open to purposeful change and social development.
Impacts
Project findings have been passed on to Minnesota counties which include 100-200 community leaders in social service delivery. Those in each county who especially benefit from the findings are human/social service personnel, educators, local leaders, and the Minnesota Extension Service. This research has contributed to a greater understanding of inter-county/interagency collaboration on the part of the involved social service organizations and their respective communities.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (1999) 'Questions for the future and the case of Project Cybersyn'. International Congress of Socio-Cybernetics, Kolimbary, Crete, Greece.
- Menanteau, D. (1999) 'Cybernetics and Social Development'. Journal of Socio-cybernetics (submitted), Research Committee on Sociocybernetics of the International Association of Sociology, Amesterdam, The Netherlands.
- Menanteau, D. (1999) 'Social Organization and Public Mobilization for Social Development and Environmental Protection'. International Symposium of the Inter-University Consortium for International Development. Cape Town, South Africa.
- Menanteau, D., & Hollister, D. (1999) 'Globalization and Interdisciplinary Challenges for International Social Development'. 11th International Symposium of the Inter-University Consortium for Social Development. Cape Town, South Africa.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
A main objective achieved by this project during 1998 includes collaborative research on out-of-home placement of Minnesota youth with full participation of Extension educators and social services personnel from four rural counties in south central Minnesota. As part of the national 'Healthy Communities--Healthy Youth Initiative', the study measured developmental assets of 24 youth in out-of-home placements. Results were compared to responses from parents and students of one of the local counties and national data from Search Institute's Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behavior. Study results reveal that on average, youth in out-of-home placement have lower developmental asset scores than members of the comparative groups and also lack clusters of assets that might have positive impacts on their development. The average age of placed youth was 15 years old with ages ranging from 9 to 18 years old. Over half of the respondents (58%) have previously been in
placement, 21% said that their parents 'rarely' provided a warm caring environment at home, and 33% reported that their parents were 'never' or 'rarely' approachable when they had something serious to talk about. 68% of the primary caregivers of out-of-home place youth received welfare assistance, and 50% of the youth were receiving special education services. Search Institute's national data of 250,000 students from 25 states show an average of 16.5 assets per youth, with 29% meeting the ideal of 20 or more from a total of 30 developmental assets. In contrast, the out-of-home placed youth of this study averaged only 11.2 assets. Parents saw their children as having slightly more assets, but social service personnel (case file reviewers) saw the out-of-home placement youth as having far fewer assets.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Menanteau, D., Meyers, S. S., Pitzer, R. L., & Rabe, B. K. (1998). Out-of-Home Placement: Assessing the Needs and Assets of Children. University of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Menanteau, D., (1998). Sustainable Development and Democracy. Iberoamerican Journal of Management and Community Action, Madrid, Spain, XVI, #32, pp. 65-75.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
This project has accomplished the following: (1) A survey was conducted among a sample of 533 social workers serving in county social services and welfare programs in Minnesota. Questionnaires completed and returned were 337, which constitute a high rate of response (over 63%). Data collected include socio-demographic, economic, and educational characteristics of social workers, tasks, work issues, and measurement of levels of professionalism. (2) Inter-County Collaborative research on out-of-home placement of Minnesota Youth was established. This effort involves professionals from the University Extension Service and Social Services personnel from a three-county area collaborative. This data will provide baseline information for policy and programs. A preliminary analysis was included in a Graduate School M.A. Thesis, "Understanding risk and resilience: A necessary link to preventing out-of-home placements in Minnesota youth". (B.K. Rabe, Research Assistant). (3)
Sustainable Social Development issues have been explored incorporating inter-disciplinary and international perspectives. The role of social workers, development policies, and delivery of services represent areas of analysis being developed in connection with the survey among social workers in Minnesota.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (1997). "Challenges to Sustainable Development", in Sustainable Development: Toward Measuring Perf of Integrated Socioeconomic/Enviromental Systems. Elohimjl et al (eds), v. II, 14th Intl Conf WACRA-EUROPE, Madrid, Spain.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Delivery of social services and the role of social workers are influenced by organizational patterns as well as by the resources available to counties and communities. In this respect levels of income inequality in 87 Minnesota counties and the impact of employment structure of income distribution were analyzed. Research findings show that rural and agriculture dependent counties depict higher levels of income inequality than urban and metropolitan counties. New methodological procedures utilizing a backpropagation neural network technique were applied for predicting income inequality as it correlates to employment structure. Results of the neural network study were accurate in predicting inequality (measured by Gini Coefficients) in two tests with 1980 and 1990 data. The project also initiated the construction of a professionalism scale for social workers which will be applied to a sample of social workers in Minnesota.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Menanteau, D. and Papadas, C. (1996). A Neural Network Study of the impact of Employment Structure on Income Distribution. European Regional Science Association, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
The initial phase of this project includes an assessment of State and County relationships and the impact of these relations upon the availability and delivery of social services. These relations contribute to determine the context for the professional role of social workers in rural communities. For this study, responses from 153 county commissioners representing 85% of the total 87 Minnesota counties were analyzed. The survey studied the commissioners' views about relations between state and county government, including social services. Research results show that 89% of the commissioners agreed that more local control of the budget would promote more effective programs. Ninety percent of the commissioners feel that state legislative actions have a negative influence on the provision of services. Too many mandates (44%); limited funding and favoritism toward metro-areas (38%) were singled out as negative conditions for rural communities.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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