A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESIDENTS' AND LEADERS' ATTITUDES TOWARD COMMUNITY CHANGE (INDIANA)
Abstract
This study examines a model based upon theoretically derived hypotheses involving both objective and subjective variables as determinants of attitudes toward social change. In a time of uncertain economic conditions, demographic shifts, technological advances and diminishing federal funds, rural communities are faced with many challenges. Thus, locally organized efforts, which are affected by the attitudes of the local people, take on increasing importance. An enhanced understanding of such attitudes requires movement beyond simple description toward a multivariate analysis of factors that affect attitudes. This comparative study of eight different communities in Indiana evaluates several determinants of attitudes among residents and leaders, and provides information which can be generalized to other community situations. Attitudes toward community change are measured by two subjective scales as: (1) personal interest in the community, and (2) ability of the community to handle change effectively. Path analysis is used to assess the direction and strength of the hypothetical causal effects in the model. The findings suggest that social participation and community attachment are most strongly associated with one's personal interest in the community. One's evaluation of local attributes and attachment to the community are important in how one feels about the ability of the community to handle its problems. Personal characteristics, especially age and education, are of some importance. Community characteristics have only weak effects in the over-all model. Although the personal attributes of the leaders and residents are very different, the results of the two models are quite similar. These findings are discussed in terms of the importance of attitudes in the development of community policies at both the local and state/federal levels.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Sociology
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