WHEN IT HAPPENS TO MEN, IT'S "HATE" AND "A CRIME:"HATE CRIMES POLICIES IN THE CONTEXTS OF GAY POLITICS, MOVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS, AND FEMINIST CONCERNS

Amber Ault

Beloit College

Abstract

This paper analyzes hate crimes policies from a feminist perspective informed by field work in the gay and lesbian anti-violence movement. Hate crimes policies supported by the gay anti-violence movement often fail to recognize hate-motivated acts of misogyny, despite the fact that many feminist lesbians participate as staff members in gay anti-violence projects. The paper argues that feminist commitments to ending violence motivate women's participation in gay anti violence work, although misogynist violence soften ignored in policy and women anti-violence workers are often positioned to do the maternal "emotion work" of caring for victimized Benin anti-violence organizations. By ignoring violence against women as a hate crime, and by failing to interpret anti-gay violence as gender-motivated, many hate crimes policies promote the end of heterosexism without challenging male domination.

SERVICE NEEDS, USAGE, AND DELIVERY: A LOOK AT THE IMBALANCE FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN ELDERLY

Marjorie Baker

Wright State University

Abstract

This paper provides a review of relevant literature on the needs, usage and effectiveness of service delivery to African American elderly. Barriers impeding service usage are addressed and recommendations to make services more user friendly and more accessible to this vulnerable population are offered. The value of, and the reasons for considerable usage of informal systems of support by African American elderly is explained and affirmed. The need for more intentional and focused efforts to integrate and deliver formalized services is also encouraged.

DECONSTRUCTING DISABILITY: THE IMPACT OF DEFINITION

Stephanie Brzuzy

Arizona State University

Abstract

Socially constructed definitions of disability have varied throughout history. Deconstruction of the categorizations of people with disabilities demonstrates how the definition of the word perpetuates inequality. This article analyzes the prevalent definitions and models of disability used in our society. The elements of these definitions which contribute to oppression and inequality are discussed. The article concludes with a call for a reconstruction of the definition of disability in order to embrace variation and equalize rights and opportunities.

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED AND ACTUAL FINANCES AMONG RETIRED WOMEN AND MEN

Virginia E. Richardson and Keith M. Kilty

Ohio State University

Abstract

A critical gerontology perspective is used to compare and contrast expected retirement resources just prior to retirement with actual resources received six months after retirement. A sample of 242 retirees (125 men and 117 women) from a variety of occupational backgrounds was used. Retirement resources were measured by analyzing six financial indicators of retirement resources used in previous research. Independent variables were organized into three categories: (1) retirement as a social institution; (2) retirement as a distributional issue; and (3) retirement as a life stage. Multiple regression analyses of six expected retirement resources and six actual retirement resources revealed more variance explained in the actual models. Distributional inequities by gender, race, and income were the most salient predictors of limited resources. The findings suggest substantial discrimination in current retirement policies and explain why so many older women as well as elderly from diverse ethnic backgrounds cannot maintain continuity, but instead experience major economic losses during their retirement years.

WELFARE REFORM AND THE MYTH OF THE MARKETPLACE

Elizabeth A. Segal

Arizona State University

Abstract

The underlying value of the welfare reform initiatives of the 1990s is individual responsibility for economic well-being. Policy makers posit that if each person on public assistance would take full responsibility for her or his life, then the problem of welfare dependence would be solved. This article analyzes the flaws and myths of this perception. Trend analysis of employment of women heads of households demonstrates that historically the marketplace has never provided sufficient employment to raise public assistance families out of poverty. Welfare reform efforts will not helper families, and the beliefs emanating from the welfare reform debate disregard the important role of social responsibility.

The Golden Exile: The Social Construction of the Cuban American Success Story

Maria Vidal de Haymes

Loyola University - Chicago

Abstract

In the thirty-six years following the Cuban Revolution of 1959 numerous newspaper and magazine articles have been written describing an economic victory of mythic proportions among Cubans exiles in the United States. Together these journalistic accounts have created a widely accepted "Cuban American success story." However, a critical examination of this success story indicates that the more accurate and more modest descriptions of Cuban economic outcomes found in the professional journals have not been able to replace the spectacular rags-to-riches stories offered by the popular media. Nor has the fact that Cuban American household income is substantially less than that of non-Latino households been widely received. Also ignored in the "success" myth are the high rates of poverty among recent Cuban immigrants, Afro-Cubans, and Cuban-American children. This article describes the Cuban American success story and its emergence, inaccuracies, relationship to other minority "stories", and consequences.