Celebration of Scholars
Political Engagement Among College Students Desirae Murphy, 2013
Major: Social Work Hometown: Savage, Minn. Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Geary
Often, college students are labeled as unmotivated and disinterested in American politics. However, the record voter turnout among young voters in the 2008 Presidential election questioned the political engagement of college students. The voter turnout of 2008 showed that younger generations are more involved in political activity than initially believed. As the 2012 presidential election is approaching, the intention of this study is to better understand college students’ political engagement. Examining the role of technology, popular media and social media outlets, the anticipated outcome is a deeper understanding of how students receive information regarding politics. Ultimately, this understanding will enable methods of how best to engage students in the political conversation.
Sexual Risk Taking and Emotional Well-Being in Adolescents Natalie Murray, 2013
Major: Criminal Justice/Sociology Hometown: Aurora, Ill. Faculty Sponsor: Wayne Thompson
What factors determine levels of risk for sexual behavior in adolescents? This study uses Wisconsin At-Risk Youth Survey data to examine this question. Youth who have feelings of sadness and thoughts of suicide and depression are more likely to participate in sexual risk-taking behavior. Substance and alcohol usage contribute to risky sexual behavior. Additionally, those youth who feel negative about their future and do not have an encouraging support system are also more likely to participate in risky sexual behavior. Indicators of risky sex for this study include not using contraceptives when sexually active, earlier onset of sexual activity, using drugs or alcohol before sex, and having a high number of sexual partners. The association between risky sexual behavior and the diminished emotional well-being by youth is established and discussed in this analysis. Depressive symptoms and low selfesteem are associated with sexual risk taking. Socialization theory can be used to demonstrate the importance of values and standards placed upon adolescents in their family and peer contexts. By having expectations for their futures, youth are more likely to make safer choices and decisions. Adolescents who assign high priority to school, family, and peers may lower their levels of risk for sexual behaviors.
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A Helping Hand or Sympathetic Exploitation: An Analysis of CauseRelated Marketing Megan Neacy, 2013
Major: International Political Economy, Pre-law Hometown: Batavia, Ill. Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall and Mimi Yang
Natalie Tosti, 2013
Major: Business Management & Finance Hometown: Chicago, Ill. Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall and Mimi Yang
Katie Niemeyer, 2013
Major: International Political Economy / Economics Hometown: Chatfield, Minn. Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall and Mimi Yang
Cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns have emerged as popular marketing strategies among companies who are vested in the classical economic belief in “doing well by doing good.” Between 2005 and 2006, CRM grew to be a $1.4 billion industry and is still gaining ground with popular campaigns such as TOMS shoes and Product RED. This development in the social responsibilities of corporations is believed to be partially attributed to the general public’s growing concern for global welfare. Companies such as TOMS shoes and Product RED create a mutually beneficial relationship between for-profit businesses and charitable organizations by creating “one-for-one” programs or donating proceeds to a specific cause. However, recent discussions suggest that CRM in developed countries exploits the causes it claims to help by utilizing commodity racism and creating another outlet for neocolonial practices within developing nations. Additionally, academic discourse evaluates the true ethics and morality behind CRM. Through research and bottom-up analysis, we expect to find reasons for the rise of trans-global cause-related campaigns as an emerging niche market. Additionally, we expect to explore the costs and benefits of these campaigns for all parties directly and indirectly involved in the market transaction.