It is often assumed that the religious culture of a state can shape policies within the state, particularly concerning morality issues such as abortion or homosexuality. However, the precise manner in which religion shapes these policies has not been clearly specified. Drawing from social movements and policy literature, we argue that the…

We introduce a method for measuring effective government and modeling its consequences for social welfare at the individual level. Our focus is on the experiences of citizens living in African countries where famine remains a serious threat. If a government is effective, it will be able to deliver goods that individuals need to improve their…

Assesses the well-being of populations in 41 countries as it relates to regime ideology, state strength, multinational corporate investment, trade dependency, and position in the world economy. Concludes that models of basic needs provision should include both international economic and internal political factors. Contains 30 references. (SV)

Uses time-series analyses to examine "culture-of-poverty" argument behind rising poverty levels. Discusses alternative views. Finds welfare benefits reduce poverty, modestly relate to increasing female headship, and strongly relate to rising unemployment among young minority males. Calls for more comprehensive model to explain poverty.…

Using data on the percentage of Blacks attending minority schools for both 1968 and 1972, this study analyzes socioeconomic, political, and governmental influences affecting school segregation in northern and southern States. Federal intervention is seen as the only effective force against segregated schools, at least for the foreseeable future.…

Examines how the Mexican government's penetration into 299 rural and urban counties, 1900-40, was related to growth in trade and service jobs. Emphasizes the government's support for written literacy and mass schooling as subtle strategies for incorporating peasants into urban institutions. Contains 39 references. (SV)

Using structural equation technique to replicate results of Hasenfeld and Rafferty's causal model predicting public attitudes toward welfare state programs with the social ideologies of work ethic and social rights. By incorporating estimates of measurement error, results failed to support the authors' original conclusions. Operationalizing key…

Examines effects of human capital investments and state intervention on mortality rate reductions and associated costs in four countries, 1890-1970. Net of other effects, investments in total doctors and in specialists reduced mortality rates but increases in specialists were not "efficient." Extent of government regulation influenced…