12/09/2008

Publications

Berry, A., Katras, M. J., Sano, Y., Lee, J., & Bauer, J. (2008). Job volatility of rural low-income mothers: Mixed method approach. Journal of Family and Economic Issue, 29, 5-22.

Braun, B. (2008). Rural family policy matters. In. Goreham, G.A. Ed. Encyclopedia of Rural America 2nd Edition. Millerton, NY: Grey House Publishing.

Churchill, S. L., Plano Clark, V., Prochaska-Cue, K., & Creswell, J. (2007). Family fun as reported by rural low-income women. Journal of Leisure Research, 39, 271-294.

Cook, C., Bentzinger, A., Greder, K., Garasky, S., Sano, Y., Ontai, L., & Browder, D. (2008, October). The road to homeownership: Examining housing histories among recent Latino immigrants. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, Indianapolis, IN.

Dolan, E., Braun, B., Katras, M.J., & Seiling, S. (2008). Getting off TANF: Experiences of rural mothers. Families In Society: Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 89 (3), 456-465.

Grutzmacher, S. & Braun, B. (2008). Key differences between food secure and food insecure mothers in rural, low-income families. An analysis of three waves of the Rural Familes Speak study. Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition, 2, 81-92.

Gudmunson, C.G., & Patricia D. Olson, P.D. (2008). Use of the EITC among low-income rural families in an economic downturn [Abstract]. In I. Leech & P. Fisher (Eds.), Proceedings of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Pp.13.

Mammen, S., and Lawrence, F. C. (2008). Losing out on the earned income tax credit: Differences between EITC recipients and eligible, non-recipients. [Abstract] In I. Leech & P. Fisher (Eds.), Proceedings of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Pp. 7.

Olson, C., Lent, M. (2008, May). Food insecurity in rural New York State. CARDI Research & Policy Brief, Number 17. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Available at: http://devsoc.cals.cornell.edu/cals/devsoc/outreach/cardi/publications/research-and-policy-brief-series.cfm

Ontai, L., Sano, Y., Pong, H. N., Conger, K. (2008). Low-Income Rural Mothers Perceptions of Parent Confidence: Role of Family Health Problems and Partner Status. Family Relations, 57, 324-334.

Plumb, J. & Braun, B. (2007). Rural low income womens struggles and strength: A call to change. Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 6. Available at: http://www.kon.org/urc/v6/plumb.html

Sano, Y., Dolan, E. M., Richards, L. N., Bauer, J., & Braun, B. (In press). Employment patterns, family resources, and perception: Examining depressive symptoms among rural low-income mothers. Journal of Rural Community Psychology, E11 (1).

Sano, Y., Richards, L. N., & Zvonkovic, A. M. (2008). Are mothers really gatekeepers of children? Rural mothers' perceptions of non-resident fathers involvement in low-income families. Journal of Family Issues, 29, 1701-1723.

Simmons, L. A., Braun, B, Charnigo, R. C., Havens, J. R. & Wright, D. W. (Summer, 2008). Depression and poverty among rural women: A relationship of social causation or social selection? Journal of Rural Health, 24(3), 292-298.

Simmons, L. A., Anderson, E. A., & Braun, B. (2008). Health needs and health care utilization among rural, low-income women. Women & Health, 47 (4), 53-69.

Simmons, L.A., Huddleston-Casas, C., & Berry, A. (2007). Low-income rural women and depression: Factors associated with self-reporting. American Journal of Health Behavior,31(6), 657-666.

Swanson, J. A., Olson, C. M., Miller, E. O., & Lawrence, F. C. (2008). Rural mothers use of formal programs and informal social supports to meet family food needs: A mixed methods study. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 29. 674-690. Available on line at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/l62x182554871302/


In Press

Greder, K., Cook, C., Garasky, S., Sano, Y, & Randall, B.. (in press). Rural Latino immigrant families: Hunger, housing, and economic well-being. In R. L. Rochelle, J. DeFrain, J. Johnson, & D. A. Abbott (Eds.) Strengths and Challenges of New Immigrant Families: Implications for Research, Policy, Education and Service. Lexington Books. MD: Lanham.

Huddleston-Casas, C., Charnigo, R., & Simmons, L.A. (in-press). Food insecurity and maternal depression in rural, low-income families: A longitudinal investigation. Public Health Nutrition.

Katras, M.J., Dolan, E., Seiling, S. & Braun, B. (In press). The Bumpy Road off TANF for Rural Mothers. Family Science Review.

Lee, J., Katras, M.J., & Bauer, J.W. (In Press). Childrens birthday celebrations from the lived experiences of low-income rural mothers. Journal of Family Issues.

Mammen, S., Bauer, J., & Richards, L. (In press) Understanding persistent food insecurity: A paradox of place and circumstance. Social Indicators Research.

Mammen, S., Lass, D., & Seiling, S. B. (In press). Labor force supply decisions of rural low-Income mothers. The Journal of Family and Economic Issues.


Theses and dissertations

Abel, T. (2008). Making ends meet: Hunger survival strategies in two rural Oregon communities. Unpublished master's thesis, Oregon State University. (J. Gross, advisor).

Brewton, K. (defense fall, 2008) A qualitative look at the experiences of low-income, rural mothers raising children with disabilities. Unpublished masters thesis, University of Minnesota. (J.W. Bauer, advisor)

Feeney, S. (2007). As a family we are going to be here: Mexican immigrant mothers experiences with parenting in distinct community contexts. Unpublished master's thesis, Oregon State University. (L. Richards, advisor).


Frazer, M.S. (defense fall, 2008). Poverty measurement and depression in the context of welfare reform. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Minnesota. (J. W. Bauer, advisor).

Petrovic, L. (2007). Health and the persistence of food insecurity in rural New York families. Honors thesis in Nutrition, Cornell University. (C. Olson, thesis advisor).

Waldman, J. (2008). Stressor events, resources and depressive symptoms in rural, low-income mothers. Unpublished masters thesis. University of Maryland, College Park. (B. Braun, thesis advisor).

11/19/2009

Bauer, J.W., Son, S., Lee, J., Katras, M.J., Sano, Y., & Berry, A.A., (2009, July). Challenges with employment: Trajectories and supportive environments. Consumer Interests Annual, 55. Proceedings of the American Council on Consumer Interests.


Braun, B. (2008). Rural Family Policy. In, Gorham, G. (Ed). Encyclopedia of Rural America. Millertown, NY: Grey House Publishing. 755-759.


Braun, B. (2008) Rural low-income mothers: Persistent problems, possible intervention. Online Journal of Rural Research and Policy, 6, 1-18. Retrieved from: http://ojrrp.org/journals/ojrrp/article/viewFile/44/42


Cook, C.C.; Bentziger, A.C.; Greder, K; Garasky, S; Sano,Y; Ontai, L; & Browder, D. (October 2008). The road to homeownership: Examining housing histories among recent Latino immigrants. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association. Indianapolis, IN, p.p. 33-38.


Dolan, E.M., Seiling, S., & Harris, S. (2009, July) Work Constraints of Rural, Low Income Mothers and Their Partners. Consumer Interests Annual, 55. Proceedings of the American Council on Consumer Interests.
Dolan, E.M. (2009, July). Policy Implications. Consumer Interests Annual, 55. Proceedings of the American Council on Consumer Interests.


Greder, K., Cook, C., Garasky, S., Sano, Y., and Randall, B. (2008). Rural Latino immigrant families: Hunger, housing, and social support. In R. L. Dalla, et al. (Eds.). Strengths and Challenges of New Immigrant Families: Implications for Research, Policy, Education and Service. Lexington, MA: The Lexington Press, Inc. Pages 345-367.


Greder, K., Cook, C., Garasky, S., Bentzinger, A. (2008). Meeting needs of new Latino immigrant families. College of Human Sciences Policy Brief. {Available online}. http://www.hs.iastate.edu/makeadifference/pdf/latimmigrants.pdf


Huddleston-Casas, C. A., Charnigo, R., & Simmons, L. A. (2009). Household food insecurity and depression over time among rural, low-income women. Public Health Nutrition, 12(8), 1133-1140.


Katras, M.J., Dolan, E.M. Seiling, S.B., & Braun, B. (2009). The bumpy road off TANF for rural mothers. Family Science Review, 14. Available on line at: http://familyscienceassociation.org/archived%20journal%20articles/FSR_vol14_2008/1Mary%20Jo_Katras.pdf


Lee, J., Katras, M.J., & Bauer, J.W. (2009).Children's Birthday Celebrations from the lived experiences of low-income rural mothers. Journal of Family Issues, 30, 532-553


Mammen, S., Bauer, J.W. & Richards, L. (2009). Understanding persistent food insecurity: A paradox of place and circumstance. Social Indicators Research, 92:151-168.


Mammen, S., Lass, D., & Seiling, S. B. (2009). Labor Force Supply Decisions of Rural Low-Income Mothers. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 30, pp. 67-79.


Mammen, S., Dolan, E.M., & Seiling, S. (2009, June). Poverty Spells and Rural Families: Who Gets on, Who Gets off the Welfare Rolls. In Schröder (Ed.) Consumer09: Proceedings of the 4th International Consumer Sciences Research Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, pp. 108-112.


Mammen, S. & Seiling, S. (2009). Policies that Support the Employment Decision of Low-Income Rural Mothers. Consumer Interests Annual, 55. Proceedings of the American Council on Consumer Interests.


Mammen, S., Bauer, J. & Richards, L., (2008). A Paradox of Place and Circumstance: Food Consumption Behavior Among Rural Low-Income Families. Proceedings of the International Association of Research in Economic Psychology and Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics. Rome, Italy. July 2008.


Mammen, S., & Lawrence, F. C. (2008). Losing out on the earned income tax credit: Differences between EITC recipients and eligible, non-recipients. Proceedings of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, 7.


Sano, Y., Dolan, E.M., Richards, L., Bauer, J. & Braun, B. (2008). Employment Patterns, Family Resources, and Perception: Examining Depressive Symptoms among Rural Low-Income Mothers, Journal of Rural Community Psychology, E11, (1).


Sano, Y., Richards, L. N., & Zvonkovic, A. M. (2008). Are mothers really gatekeepers of children?: Rural mothers' perception of nonresident father's involvement in Low-Income Families. Journal of Family Issues, 29, 1701-1723.


Swanson, J. A., Olson, C. M., Miller, E. O., & Lawrence, F. C. (2008). Rural mothers' use of formal programs and informal social supports to meet family food needs: A mixed methods study. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 29(4), 674-690.


In Press

Mammen, S., Bauer, J.W. & Lass, D. (2009). Life satisfaction among rural low-income mothers: The influence of health, human, personal, and social capital. Applied Research in Quality of Life.


Sano,Y., Katras, M. J., Berry, A., Lee, J., & Bauer, J. Working towards sustained employment: A closer look on intermittent employment of rural low-income mothers. (in press). Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services.


Son, S. & Bauer, J.W. (in Press, 4/25/09). Continuously employed rural low-income, single mothers' family and work life over time. Journal Family and Economic Issues (to be published March 2010). 31(1):


Theses and dissertations


Katherine Elizabeth Brewton, (2008). Qualitative Analysis of the stress and coping experiences of low-income rural mothers raising a child with a disability. Unpublished master thesis, University of Minnesota (J. Bauer, advisor).


Francesca Devaney, thesis title: Parenting Challenges of Low Income rural Mothers: Differences between Adolescent Mothers and Mothers over 35. Completion date: May 2009. (College of Health and Human Services Grimes Competition Award winner). (Dolan, advisor).


Luce, C. (2009) Appalachian Women's Expectations and Experiences of Fatherhood in Low Income Families: A Life Course Perspective. Unpublished master's thesis, Ohio University, Athens. (M. Manoogian, advisor).


Waldman, Joanna. Fall, 2008. Stressor events, resources, and depressive symptoms in rural, low-income mothers. College Park: University of Maryland (B. Braun, advisor).


Master's Field Essay


Michelle Woodford. Escaping Poverty: Rural Low-Income Mothers' Access to Post-Secondary Education. Field Essay for Master's Degree. Department of Resource Economics. UMASS Amherst. April 2009. (S. Mammen, advisor).

12/15/2010

Publications  journals & on-line

" Bauer, J.W. & Dolan, E.M. (Eds.) (in progress). Rural families and work: Contexts, problems, and solutions (working title). Springer. (final draft due to publisher in December 2010)


" Bird, C. L., Dolan, E. M., & Seiling, S. B. (in press). Resources  The key to employment. In J. W. Bauer, & E. M. Dolan, (Eds.), Rural families and work: Contexts, problems, and solutions. New York: Springer.


" Devaney, F., & Dolan, E.M. (revise and resubmit) Parenting Challenges of Low Income rural Mothers: Differences between Adolescent Mothers and Mothers over 35. Journal of Comparative Family Studies.

This study explores the different supports and barriers of 26 rural low-income mothers of two different maternal age groups: younger (those who had their children at the age of 20 or younger) and older (those who had their children at the age of 35 or older). The family ecology theory guided the research. Five themes regarding supports and barriers that assisted or hindered their parenting abilities were found: emotional, financial, relational, institutional, and parental. The multiple levels within the family ecology theory can directly or indirectly contribute to the mothers parenting abilities, feelings of support, life satisfaction, employment, mental and physical health, and confidence in their maternal role. It is important to acknowledge the context of these mothers experiences among the rural low-income population. Providing support and resources to mothers living in rural poverty can assist in their parenting, which would benefit their children.


" Greder, K., Sano, Y., Cook, C. C., Garaskey, S., Ortiz, L. & Ontai, L. (In Press). Understanding the relationship between transnationalism and the housing and health risks of rural Latino immigrant families. Family and Consumer Science Research Journal, 38, 186-20.

Interviews with 78 participants in 3 states explored relationships between transnationalism and health and housing risks and found differences in knowledge of community resources, although not for housing and health risks


" Greder, K., Sano, Y., Cook, C., Garasky, S., Ontai, L., Ortiz, L. (2009). Exploring the relationship between transnationalism and housing and health risks or rural Latino immigrant families. Family Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 38(2). pp. 186-207.

Interviews with 78 rural low-income Latino immigrant mothers in three states (CA, OR, IA) explored relationships between transnationalism, health and housing risks. Transnational activity based on language spoken at home, nature and frequency of contact with family and friends in, and the extent and frequency of travel to the country of origin, was conceptualized as a continuum from high to low. Low transnational families lived in the U.S. twice as long and were more knowledgeable about community resources than high transnational families. Modest relationships between transnationalism, housing and health risks were identified. Thus, health and housing risk indicators may be present in low-income, rural Latino immigrant families regardless of the degree of transnationalism. Future studies are needed to further explore these relationships.


" Greder, K. (May 28, 2009). Strengths that lead to success for Latina Immigrants. Success for Women magazine.


" Greder, K. and Sano, Y., Health Seeking Behaviors in Limited Income Families. Submitted to Encyclopedia on Family Health, Sage Publications.

" Gudmunson, C.G., Son, S., Lee, J., & Bauer, J.W. (2010). EITC participation and association with financial distress among rural low-income families. Family Relations, 59, 369-382. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2010.00609.x

This study examines Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) participation among rural, low-income families, by income level, and investigates whether nonparticipation corresponds with increased financial distress. Rates of EITC participation among 314 rural low-income mothers were lower than national averages, especially among the lowest earners. However, there was an increase from one year to the next, perhaps due to study involvement. Eligible families that did not participate in the EITC experienced greater income inadequacy and economic loss. Professionals who work with families in rural areas may increase EITC participation through outreach to the lowest earning families by emphasizing the need to file tax returns, discussing the potential size of the benefit, and helping families gain access to free tax preparation services.



" Kropczynski, J. & Dyk, P. "Insights into Housing Affordability for Rural Low Income Families" revise and resubmit with the Journal of Applied Social Science

Nonprofits and government entities model the standard set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing affordability, which states that housing payments in excess of 30-percent of gross income are unaffordable. Families require a minimum level of basic consumption in addition to housing that must then be paid for with the remaining 70-percent of their gross income; hence it is important to look at how these needs factor into the government equation for affordability. Using data from the Rural Families Speak project, a multi-state research project that examines rural, low-income families with children, the percent of income spent on housing is compared to the ability to fulfill basic needs. By incorporating measures of perceptions of fulfillment of basic needs, the understanding of affordability can be broadened to include the challenging circumstances of rural areas.


" Lee, J., Katras, M.J. & Bauer, J.W. (under review). Values underlying U.S. low-income rural mothers voices about welfare and welfare reform. International Journal of Human Ecology.

This study explicitly identifies the main values that rural welfare recipients reveal when they talk about their experiences of welfare and welfare reform. An inductive analysis of values is conducted using interview data with 49 current and former recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) residing in seven rural counties of Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, and New York in the United States. Seven main values that emerge from the data are self-esteem, autonomy, uniqueness, advancement, security, independence, and fairness. A visual structure of these values is developed to illustrate how these values are related.


" Mammen, Sheila, Lawrence, F.C., St. Marie, P., Berry, A.A., & Knight, S.E. (2009). The Earned Income Tax Credit and Rural Families: Differences between Participants and Non-participants. Working Paper 2009-01. Department of Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst. http://people.umass.edu/resec/workingpapers/index.shtml

The differences between rural low-income mothers who were participants and non-participants in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) were examined. One-third of the 224 eligible mothers in a multi-state study did not claim the tax credit. Non-participants were more likely to be Hispanic, less educated, with larger families, borrowing money from family, and living in more rural counties. Participating mothers, on the other hand, were more food secure, perceived their household income as being adequate, reported recent improvements in their economic situation, were satisfied with life, and lived in states with a state EITC. Analysis of qualitative data revealed that rural mothers had many misconceptions about the EITC. These findings contribute to family and economic professionals understanding of why rural low-income families do not participate in the tax credit and assist in formulating policies and education/outreach efforts that would increase their participation.


" Mammen, Sheila, Lawrence, F.C., St. Marie, P., Berry, A.A., & Knight, S.E. (2009). The Earned Income Tax Credit and Rural Families: Differences between Participants and Non-participants. Working Paper 2009-01. Department of Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst. http://people.umass.edu/resec/workingpapers/index.shtml

The differences between rural low-income mothers who were participants and non-participants in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) were examined. One-third of the 224 eligible mothers in a multi-state study did not claim the tax credit. Non-participants were more likely to be Hispanic, less educated, with larger families, borrowing money from family, and living in more rural counties. Participating mothers, on the other hand, were more food secure, perceived their household income as being adequate, reported recent improvements in their economic situation, were satisfied with life, and lived in states with a state EITC. Analysis of qualitative data revealed that rural mothers had many misconceptions about the EITC. These findings contribute to family and economic professionals understanding of why rural low-income families do not participate in the tax credit and assist in formulating policies and education/outreach efforts that would increase their participation.


" Mammen, S., Lawrence, F. C., & Lee, J. (In press). The earned income tax credit: A policy that supports low-income rural families. In J. W. Bauer, & E. M. Dolan (Eds.), Rural families and (to be determined). New York: Springer.


" Manoogian, M. M., Jurich, J., & Richards, L. N. (in press). Feminist participatory research: Ethical dilemmas in our research journeys with women in rural, low income families. In L. Harter, J. Hamel-Lambert, & J. Millesen (Eds.), Participatory Partnerships for Social Action and Research. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.



" Powell, S.E., & Bauer, J.W. (2010). Examining the Resource Use of Low-Income Families Caring for Children with Disabilities. Journal of Poverty and Children, 16(1), 67-83. doi: 10.1080/10796120903575101

The Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, Pub.L. 104-193 (PRWORA) was passed creating the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. Since the passage of PRWORA, many families who are able have left the welfare rolls meaning that those remaining on welfare are likely composed of families facing barriers to leaving welfare. Families caring for children with disabilities fall within this category. This project addressed the gaps in knowledge regarding low-income families caring for children with disabilities by conducting a qualitative research project investigating the resources used by these families to find and keep employment and child care. The study used a sample from a research project entitled Rural Families Speak and examined the data of 26 families caring for children with disabilities. Analysis resulted in policy recommendations aimed toward increasing the efficacy of the programs designed to help these families.


" Sano, Y., Garaskey, S., Greder, K., Cook, C.C., & Browder, D. E. (in press). Understanding food security among Latino immigrant families in rural America. Journal of Family and Economic Issues.

Using ecological theory, this study investigated how low-income rural Latino immigrant families succeeded or failed to meet their food needs over time. Interviews with ten families purposively selected to represent consistently food secure, fragile, and consistently food insecure groups were intensively analyzed using a case study approach. Achieving and maintaining food security was a complicated task and a constant struggle for families. Success or failure was influenced by factors at multiple ecological levels including the characteristics of the family, access to social networks and community support, and the local economy. These findings can inform practitioners and policymakers seeking to identify strategies and policies that will support Latino immigrant families as they work toward improving their well-being.

" Sano,Y., Katras, M. J., Berry, A., Lee, J., & Bauer, J. (in press). Working toward sustained employment: A closer look on intermittent employment of rural low-income mothers. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services.

Working at one point of time does not always mean sustained employment among low-income mothers. The purpose of this study is to investigate what contributes to the different patterns of longitudinal employment by tracking a sample of 131 rural low-income mothers with intermittent employment over three waves. The intermittent employment trajectories are categorized into Job Change, Job Loss, and Job Gain. A mixed-methods approach is chosen to maximize the complementary nature of quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of both multinomial logistic regression and inductive analysis show that individual, family, and structural characteristics play important roles for sustained employment. Case studies vividly illustrate similarities and differences across the three patterns of intermittent employment



" Sano, Y., Manoogian, M. M., & Ontai, L. (under review). The Kids Still Come First. Creating Family Stability during Partnership Instability in Rural, Low-income Families. Submitted to Journal of Family Issues.

This qualitative study examined the nature of partnerships among 28 rural low-income mothers who experienced partnership transitions across three waves of annual interviews. Analysis revealed that mothers desired the Standard North American Family (SNAF) yet, their pursuit of SNAF, ironically, resulted in partnership instability. Mothers partnership decisions were closely intertwined with their parenting abilities, and mothers heavily relied on support from family of origin members to create family stability.

" Sano, Y., Katras, M.J., Lee, J., Bauer, J.W., & Berry, A.A. (2010). Working towards sustained employment: A closer look on intermittent employment of rural low-income families. Families in Society: The Journal for Contemporary Social Service, 91. Advance on-line publication. doi: 10.1606/1044-3894.4039

Working at one point of time does not always mean sustained employment among low-income mothers. The purpose of this study is to investigate what contributes to the different patterns of longitudinal employment by tracking a sample of 131 rural low-income mothers with intermittent employment over three waves. The intermittent employment trajectories are categorized into Job Change, Job Loss, and Job Gain. A mixed-methods approach is chosen to maximize the complementary nature of quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of both multinomial logistic regression and inductive analysis show that individual, family, and structural characteristics play important roles for sustained employment. Case studies vividly illustrate similarities and differences across the three patterns of intermittent employment.


" Sano, Y. & Manoogian, M. M. (under review). I wanted a fresh start from where I was: Rural low-income womens experiences of multiple partnership transitions. Michigan Family Review.

Focusing on the experiences of twenty-two rural, low-income mothers, this qualitative study examined the nature of multiple partnership transitions from a critical feminist perspective. The findings indicated that their multiple partnership transitions in a short period of time were largely motivated by their financial struggles, housing insecurity, lack of parenting support, and failed gendered expectations. More supportive policies for single-parent families would likely increase healthier, long-term partnerships in a long run.



" Seiling, S. B., Manoogian, M. M., & Son, S. (in press). I dont know how we would make it: Social support in rural low-income families. In J. W. Bauer, & E. M. Dolan, (Eds.), Rural families and work: Contexts, problems, and solutions. New York: Springer.



" Son, S., & Bauer, J.W. (2010). Employed rural, low-income, single mothers family and work over time. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 31(1), 109-120. doi: 10.1007/s10834-008-9127-6.

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine how low-income, single mothers manage their family and work lives. Analysis was based on longitudinal data collected from 28 rural, low-income, single mothers across 11 states who were continuously employed over three waves. Four main themes were identified: demands from family and work, resources the mothers used to maintain employment, work-family conflict, and strategies to retain employment. This study concludes that despite all the difficulties, mothers try to utilize their limited resources and adopt strategies for combining family and work life even though their demands and resources vary over time. Mothers employed in the same jobs receive consistent support from families. Implications for child care and leave policies are discussed.


" Walker, S. K. & Manoogian, M. M. (in press). Child care: A challenge for rural families to meet economic, personal, and family needs. In J. W. Bauer, & E. M. Dolan, (Eds.), Rural families and work: Contexts, problems, and solutions. New York: Springer.





Published Proceedings & Abstracts, Presentations


Creating Stability in Fragile Partnership Trajectories. Poster presentation at National Conference of Family Relations, San Francisco, Nov. 2009
Yoshie Sano, Assistant Professor, Washington State University
Margaret Manoogian, Associate Professor, Ohio University
Lenna Ontai, Associate Specialist, University of California, Davis

Qualitative findings of partnerships in Wave 1 of NC1011 data found that stable partnerships differed in terms of social supports and parenting from those that demonstrated chaotic patterns across the 3 waves of data collection. The findings indicate that despite apparent signs of chaotic relationships, women tended to strive to create stability for a variety of reasons.


" Bentzinger, A.C. & Cook, C.C., On the Path to Homeownership: Low-income owners & renters in rural areas. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, pgs. . Santa Fe, NM, November 2009.


" Dolan, E.M., Seiling, S., & Harris, S. (2009, November). Rural, low-income dual earner parents  flexibility in work/family roles. Poster presentation at the National Council on Family Relations 71st Annual Conference, Burlingame, CA.


" Edleman, A. (April, 2010). Culturally sensitive interview techniques. Honors project. Poster presentation, Iowa State University Honors Program.


" Greder, K. (Jan., 2010). Examining housing and food security among rural Latino immigrant
families. Presentation at Latino seminar series, Department of Sociology, Iowa State University.


" Greder, K. (Oct., 2009). Understanding Food Insecurity. Presentation to Food Science Human Nutrition undergraduate class, FSHN 463, Community Nutrition.


" Greder, K. (Sept, 2010). Food Insecurity and Housing Among Rural Latino Immigrant Families. Presentation to Food Science Human Nutrition undergraduate class, FSHN 463, Community Nutrition.


" Greder, K. Food insecurity and housing among rural Latino immigrant families. (March, 2010). Presentation at the Iowa Nutrition Network spring meeting, Des Moines, Iowa.


" Greder, K. (Sept, 2010). Understanding the Link Between Food Insecurity and Housing Among Latino Immigrant Families. Key note presentation at the Annual Iowa WIC Conference. Des Moines, Iowa.


" Hatton, H., Varcoe, K. P., Ontai, L. The Presence of Family Management Skills among Low-Income Rural Women: Implications for Behavioral Outcomes in Children. Proceedings, Eastern Region Family Economics and Resource Management Association. March, 2010. 10 pp.

Low-income families living in rural areas face unique challenges such as isolation from social and economic resources which can place them at high risk for significant economic hardshipa factor which has important implications for child well-being. These low-income families also demonstrate heterogeneity, whereby health and family management skills can influence the variability in family economic status. For some families, having more family management skills and better maternal health may lead to increased economic security. The present study investigated resiliency and risk factors underlying levels and change in economic security Post-1996 Welfare Reform in a low-income rural sample of mothers with young children. Emphasis was given to how the influence of family management skills and change in economic security predict the likelihood for a child to develop behavior problems in early childhood. The findings have implications for programs and policy initiatives aimed at supporting families living in low-income, rural environments.


" Klein, S., Prather, B., Simmons, C., Swanson, L., Rick, A., Greder, K. (Oct., 2009). Food insecurity- Making it personal. Panel presentation at the 13th Annual Community Food Security Coalition Conference, Des Moines, IA.


" Knight, S.E. (2010, June). Establishing an EITC campaign in your community and building effective partnerships. Presentation at the Georgia Earned Income Tax Credit/Asset Building Statewide Coalition Meeting. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Savannah, GA.


" Kropczynski, J. & Dyk, P. 2010-08-15 "Social and Economic Underpinnings to Understanding Housing Affordability for Rural Families" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, The Peachtree Westin, Atlanta,GA

During the current economic recession, nonprofits and policy makers have been working toward policy that will improve families economic conditions. Using data from the longitudinal multi-state, Rural Families Speak project, principle component analysis is used to identify common underpinnings of families economic situation. This study specifically addresses the question, can income, outside assistance, food security, stable employment, adult health, and knowledge of community resources be reduced down to underlying dimensions of families' housing affordability? Common factors that explain variability among families are then analyzed using logistic regression to highlight variables most significant to families' economic well-being.


" Kropczynski, J. & Dyk, P., 2010-02-08 "Rural Families Speak About Family Health Challenges to Sustained Employment" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Rural Sociological Assoc., Wyndham Orlando Resort Hotel, Orlando, FL
This utilizes the qualitative accounts of the NC1011 Rural Families Speak project, a multi-state research project that examines rural, low-income families with children in their individual, familial, and community contexts to examine how health barriers within the family affect sustained employment for the family as a whole. Results of the qualitative analysis illustrate how mothers own health is not the only barrier to employment, often partner or child's health play a large role.

" Kropczynski, J. & Dyk, P. 2009-08-01 "Balancing Work, School and Family Health: Examining the Impact of Health Challenges in Low-Income Rural Families" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, The Madison Concourse Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin
Using the human ecological perspective, this study examines how health barriers within the family affect the ability to attend work and school. Through 3-waves of family level quantitative datasets these barriers are also examined in terms of consistent employment. Drawing from the NC1011 Rural Families Speak project, a multi-state research project that examines rural, low-income families with children in their individual, familial, and community contexts, a sub-sample of this project was used focusing only on families from Appalachian communities. Analyses have revealed that childrens injuries or illness had an effect on mothers consistent employment, while partners health challenges were most strongly correlated with their own health barriers.

" Sano, Y., Manoogian, M. M., & Ontai, L. (2009, November). Creating Stability in Fragile Partnerships in Rural Low-Income Families. Poster presentation at annual meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, San Francisco, CA.

This qualitative study examined the nature of partnerships among 28 rural low-income mothers who experienced partnership transitions across three waves of annual interviews. Guided by Boundary Ambiguity Theory, we specifically explored (i) how low-income mothers in rural communities experience partnership transitions over time, and (ii) how rural, low-income mothers create stability for themselves and their children in the midst of partnership transitions. Our analysis revealed that mothers desired the Standard North American Family (SNAF) as a normative family structure, yet, their pursuit of SNAF, ironically, resulted in partnership instability. Mothers partnership decisions were closely intertwined with their parenting abilities, and mothers heavily relied on support from family of origin members to create family stability. The mothers quest for SNAF resulted in constant negotiation to try to ascribe a role to each family member and define/re-define boundaries among internal and external family systems.



" Sano, Y. (2009, November). Symposium: Exploring the Complexity of Family Relationships in Low-Income Families. Family Policy Section. National Council on Family Relations national conference, San Francisco, CA.

This was a same poster presentation as the one described above. See above for abstract.


" Sano, Y., Manoogian, M. M., & Ontai, L. (2010, March). Creating Stability in Fragile Partnerships in Rural Low-Income Families. Poster presentation at bi-annual meeting of the Northwest Council on Family Relations, Vancouver, WA.

Supportive family relationships are critical for overall family well-being. Family relationships in low-income families, however, can be complicated due to multiple stressors from financial, familial, and social circumstances. Family members may help each other by mediating the negative impact of daily stress on their abilities to function as parents, workers, and citizens. On the other hand, they may also act as major stressors, especially when family members present financial, emotional, or psychological challenges. This symposium examines the complicated nature of family relations in low-income families and offers recommendations for public policies that are intended to strengthen low-income families.


" Son, S., & Bauer, J.W. (2009, November). The capability approach for research on families in poverty. Paper presented at the National Council on Family Relations 71th Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Theoretical application is fundamental for research on welfare and poverty among families. This paper uses two economical concepts to interpret individual economic theories in a manner that we can apply these theories to study families. Gary Beckers Human Capital and Amartya Sens Human Capability theories are discussed in relation to family policy issues including poverty and well-being.

12/05/2011

11/21/2012

12/12/2013

06/30/2014