Browsing by Author "Schmalzbauer, Leah"

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Disruptions, Dislocations, and Inequalities: Latino Families Surviving the Global Economy
(2010-06) Schmalzbauer, Leah
This Article draws on field research with Honduran and Mexican transnational families and the transnational family literature to explore how global inequality is influencing gender and class relations within poor migrant families. This Article begins with an overview of the relationship between globalization, Latinola migration, and transnational family formation. The Article then details and analyzes the intersections of transnational care arrangements and the gendered and classed experiences of individual transnational family members. This Article argues that global inequality, specifically the wage gap between the Global North and the Global South, has direct implications for inequalities within Latinola families. Finally, this Article suggests that transnational families are resilient, and yet gender expectations and the economic crisis have spawned new gender, generational, and class inequalities that could potentially threaten family well-being.
Socio-Cultural and Economic Implications of EWB-MSU Development Projects In Khwisero, Kenya
(2013-03) Barta, Jonah; Schmalzbauer, Leah; Mahoney, Nancy
This paper explores the borehole implemented by Engineers Without Borders at Montana State University at Emwaniro Public Primary School in Khwisero, Kenya. During my six weeks in Khwisero I was interested in determining any unforeseen implications this project may be having on its recipients. This paper draws on twelve interviews that focused on the social, economic, and cultural benefits and drawbacks of this project. Specifically, I wanted to know if the social lives of women who used to carry water have changed by altering their water source; and I wanted to explore the changes in traditions, culture, customs, and economy the borehole project is having on individual households. After analyzing my results I found that there was little change in the social lives of women. The borehole has, however, altered traditional customs causing a shift in gender roles and a significant minority of the population did report a negative economic impact. This paper responds to certain global factors that may be contributing to this issue. An additional finding was that school children now spend more time in school than they used to and are healthier. Potable water at the school has eliminated the need for children to carry water to school hence freeing up time to spend in the classroom. Also, children can now wash their hands after using the latrine contributing to a decrease in disease. Overall, the borehole seems to be having a positive impact on the lives of its recipients. However, the fact that many are having a problem with affording the fee for water should not be over looked. This paper suggests that this segment of the population may increase in the near future.
Studying Abroad In South America: Ethnographic Images and Short Films
(2013-03) Gall, Edward; Schmalzbauer, Leah
In returning from my adventure to South America, my research did not go as smoothly as I had anticipated. Culture and language shock and the lack of a formal institution to support me led to produce far less media than I initially anticipated. Producing non-fiction documentaries is hard enough in and of itself, let alone attempting to produce them alone in a foreign country or large metropolis such as Buenos Aires. In the end I found myself capturing more still images than moving images, and although my results do not 100% reflect my hypothesis, I am confident that my still images and select short films do. I have learned a great deal from my time in Argentina and Chile and I now understand that some sort of institution, partner or mentor is necessary if I seek to create a large media project again in the near future.