Graduation Date
1990
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Elizabeth Watson
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Ronald A. Fritzsche
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
The primary objective of this project is to better understand the feasibility of utilizing variables such as population numbers, economic diversity, cultural diversity, and the structure of government as measuring tools for identifying community power distributions within a larger pluralist/elitist framework. This is significant for two reasons. Theoretically, current generalizations in the field can be scientifically tested within an empirical framework. Practically, for those individuals/groups who are working towards social change, an informed picture of leadership distributions can be tantamount to effective participation within the community policy process. Methodologically, this study will utilize the reputational approach, originally proposed by Floyd Hunter in the 1950’s. Although the reputational approach has its weaknesses, it also has demonstrated to be an effective and relatively efficient method for understanding distributions of power in specific geographic areas. The results of this study—for the most part—supported current generalizations in the field. In varying degrees, variables such as population distributions, economic diversity, and the structure of contemporary government proved to be useful measures of local community power. Recommendations for future research are numerous. Replications can be conducted—within various longitudinal timeframes—in order to further test and substantiate theories of community power variation. Also, further research into the ways in which macro policy decisions in the county impact various marginalized/underprivileged groups are critically needed as well.
Recommended Citation
Bearbower, Jerome Matthew, "Community Power in Humboldt County: A Reputational Approach" (1990). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2389.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2389