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Department

Sociology

Disciplines

Sociology

Abstract

The effects of socioeconomic change on individuals is a central theme of sociology. In order to understand how society functions the impacts of social change on individuals must be examined. In extreme cases, where a community’s economy is dependent on a single resource, change can hit hard and fast. Most research on these communities is quantitative and has been successful in identifying social problems associated with resource dependence, but people react in the context of local history and value systems. Most studies have been limited in their examination of this context. This has been recognized by researchers who have argued that “coping strategies” need to be studied in order to determine how social change can impact individuals, communities, regions and nations (Force and Machalis 2000; Christensen and Donoghue 2001). This study uses ethnomethodology to describe how some citizens of Kamiah (KAM-ee-eye), Idaho are coping after the community’s largest sawmill, Three Rivers Timber, Inc., ceased operations in the fall of 2008. Those with whom I spoke told me of events taking place after 90 well-paid mill workers lost their jobs and benefits.

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Faculty Mentor

Dr. Martin Orr