| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
OTSUBO Shozo Toyo University, Sociology, Professor, 社会学部, 教授 (00090671)
YAMATE Shigeru Toyo University, Sociology, Professor, 社会学部, 教授 (60073061)
KUBOTA Kyoko Chubu Gakuin University Human Welfare Professor, 人間福祉学部, 教授 (50085924)
INAZAWA Koichi Toyo University, Social Welfare, Associate Professor, 社会学部, 助教授 (50278165)
HOSOI Yoko Toyo Unzversity, Sociology, Professor, 社会学部, 教授 (80073633)
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| Research Abstract |
Two cities were selected as research areas in the U.S. ; one was St.Louis, Missouri, and another was Missoula, Montana.
St.Louis comprised of two distinctive areas : the suburban area where majority of residents were upper-to middle class white, and the city area where majority of residents were African Americans, one third of residents were dependent on social welfare, and violent crimes were concentrated. Addressing needs of the different groups, a wide range of approaches were observed. In the suberban area, nonprofit organizations and informal groups were actively operating to discuss and resolve common issues among the upper-to middle-class residents. For example, Independent Center and Wellness Community, both of which were private nonprofit organizations, were providing support to those who were suffering from cancer or those who were physically or mentally challenged. The goal of their activities was to help the people live in the community while maintaining their independency.
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In the inner city area the economic development was the primary issue. Charitable organizations were taking crucial roles as well by delegating professionals and volunteers to provide support to residents in need.
Missoula was known as 'one of the most comfortable cities to live in' (Forbes). Primary residents were white who were decendents of European immigrants. The culture seems to be relatively homogeneous, while there were some indications of diversily ; preservation areas for native Americans were located around the Missoula area, as well as the increasing number of Vietnamese immigrants. Montana, University was serving as an anchor in comnmunity organization. The Community College Program organized by Montana University was an example of its effort to reach out to native Americans. At the same time, the government assumed a leadership in strengthening neighborhood councils of all over the city area while residents and business sector were organizing charitable activities such as the Food Bank Program in order to respond to the increasing number of residents in need. In addition, private organizations were operating to improve the quality of life among residents, such as Aging Service which was providing support to the elderly and Family First which supported devorcees. Less
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