Information Science Reference Socio-Economic and Education Factors Impacting American Political Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities (Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development (AEGDDRD))

America has the reputation of being one of the wealthiest and most powerful countries in the world, yet within its borders social problems persist and negatively impact Americans. Though profound changes are taking place in the social, economic, and cultural contexts of America, they are precipitated by the urge for equal opportunity and social justice. Socio-Economic and Education Factors Impacting American Political Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research on the most current issues facing the American public and political system. While highlighting the changes America is making in the social, economic, and cultural regions of society, readers will learn how these changes are coming to shape their lives in the country. This book is an important resource for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals seeking current research on how social, economic, and educational issues impact the American political system and policies. About the Author Dr. Pamela Hampton-Garland is an Assistant Professor in the Adult Education, in the College of Arts and Sciences in the School of Education at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Hampton-Garland earned her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Cultural Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, her Master’s degree in Adult Education and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Hampton-Garland’s research interests were developed through personal experiences with the pursuit of higher education and were theoretically identified during the proposal phase of her dissertation. Pierre Bourdieu’s (1978) Cultural Capital is the theoretical platform that under-girds her research. The three areas of cultural capital include embodied, objectified, and institutionalized capital. Dr. Hampton-Garland's research focuses on the transformations of adults as they strive to shift from generational poverty to sustainability. This area of research undergirds her interest in the development of this book.Dr. Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt received a BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia (1982), an MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work (1984) and a PhD from the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America (2012). Her career has focused on cultural diversity with an emphasis on race and ethnicity. As such her employment choices have included professional opportunities which have provided her with a vast array of experiences working with people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. As an independent diversity consultant she provides workshops to community organizations, schools, businesses, and religious groups. Her professional interest is driven by an enthusiasm to learn about and from diverse people. Her research interests are in the area of multiracial identity development. She is currently employed as an assistant professor in the social work program at the University of the District of Columbia and is an Independent Diversity Trainer/Consultant.Dr. Benson G. Cooke received his B.A. degree from Morehouse College, and his M.S. and Ed.D. Degrees from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He currently serves as a Professor of Counseling and Psychology, and formerly served as the (2011-2014) Chair of the Department of Psychology, Counseling and Human Development at The University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. Prior to his employment with UDC in 2006, Dr. Cooke has served in teaching and leadership positions at George Mason University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Additionally, he has held administrative and clinical positions within mental health treatment agencies since completing his graduate education. From 2009-2011 Dr. Cooke served as the National President for The Association of Bla