No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Tourism has emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors in many countries; as one outcome, it has generated widespread hope that this particular industry can bring prosperity to numerous developing nations. Conversely, there is substantial suspicion of its capacity to bring equitable benefits to the poor. A recent proposition is to strengthen the tourism-poverty nexus by placing tourism at the heart of poverty reduction strategies. This thesis explores the application of this new and relatively untested approach. It does so by conducting a case study of the impact of heritage tourism, a community-based and poverty-focused tourism initiative, implemented in Anse La Raye, the most impoverished rural community in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Obviously a single case study cannot justify sweeping generalizations, but it can perhaps serve at least to raise a number of useful policy questions that might also have some broader application.The findings reveal that poverty-focused tourism development initiatives can positively impact the lives of the rural poor, under certain circumstances. Some observable effects included the creation of useful community infrastructure, linkages of direct and indirect employment benefits and consequent income generation. Notwithstanding these successes, this limited research piece suggests that, despite their nearly exclusive and commendable focus on the livelihood of the poor, pro-poor approaches to tourism also have limitations [for example, seasonal and part-time employment, and leakages] and certainly cannot be regarded as a panacea for reducing poverty in any poverty stricken region. Nonetheless, it is believed that St. Lucia, at least, can learn from the experiences of Anse La Raye as it further refines its tourism development policies in quest of further development targets.

The purpose of this study was to describe the literacy-related characteristics of the family and home environment that contribute to the development of siblings who are good readers from rural, low income status families.The case study research method was used in order to gather comprehensive and in-depth information about each informant that reflected the reality of the literacy influences. The case study further aided in the investigation of the complex social unit of the family, which consisted of multiple characteristics that influenced literacy attainment. Each case was analyzed in and of itself, and then a cross case analysis was conducted.Five family-related characteristics that influenced the literacy acquisition and attainment of the siblings emerged from the data analysis. The family value for books and literacy materials, evident through the abundance of materials placed in prominent places within the homes and through the careful storage of literacy materials, was evident in each family. Both families were characterized by an enjoyment for reading and writing, evidenced by the number of books each sibling read, trips to the library, reading aloud in the home, and child created written products. Family literacy practices such as discussions about books, a homework routine, regular trips to the library, and members of the family reading to each other were characteristics present in each of the case studies. Another characteristic evident in each of the families was their value for education. Parents expected the siblings to attend college. The siblings also expected that their graduation from college would improve their socioeconomic status. Each case study was also characterized by the presence of support systems that aided in the literacy attainment of the siblings.The siblings all had a love for books and literacy materials, as well as being persistent, responsible, and accountable in their efforts to attain literacy success. The children were intrinsically motivated to be successful, not only in school, but in life. Support and encouragement for literacy development through the home and school contexts were provided by the parents. Family support systems were also fundamental to the literacy attainment of the siblings. / Department of Elementary Education

Poverty, specifically child poverty, has been an area of great concern impacting the United States for decades (Chen & Corak, 2008; Douglas-Hall & Chau, 2008; Fajth & Holland, 2007; Germany, 2007; Raphael, 2005; Wight, Chau & Aratani, 2010; Wilson, 2010). This paper explores the differing views, experiences and perceptions of poverty through interviews with three impoverished families: one child and mother each located in an (1) urban (2) suburban and (3) rural community. By looking at children and parents living in impoverished homes in diverse neighborhoods I sought to investigate the societal, social, and emotional perceptions and experiences of children and parents living in urban, suburban, and rural poverty. Children between the ages of 6 and 7 years old were interviewed, as were their mothers, utilizing a qualitative, case study methodology. Research found parental themes of overall concern regarding child well-being due to past personal and peer experiences, a fear of the future, and the differences in variations of family, community, and financial support. Child themes included an awareness of the financial burdens of their families, knowledge of crime and violence and perceptions of wealth and home. / Department of Elementary Education

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Western Australia, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Flinders University, Faculty of Social Sciences. / Typescript (bound). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257 - 275). Also available online.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, School of Education and Human Development, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.(Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Abstract in English. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 222-241).

Thesis (M.Env.Dev.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Thesis (M.A.)(Information Science)--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Title from opening screen (viewed 10 March, 2005). Summaries in Afrikaans and English. Includes bibliographical references.