Author Archives: Billings Humanists

Danny Chats with an AI about Anomy

The following is a “chat” I had with the Chat GPT AI about anomy. My words are in bold.

Is America suffering from anomie?

Anomie is a sociological term that refers to a state of social instability and disorder caused by the erosion of shared values and norms. It is often used to describe situations in which individuals feel disconnected from society and its norms and values, and are unable to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

It is possible that some people in America may be experiencing anomie, particularly in the context of the ongoing pandemic, economic uncertainty, and political polarization. However, it is important to note that anomie is a complex and multifaceted concept, and it is not necessarily applicable to every individual or group in a given society. It is also worth noting that America is a large and diverse country, and people’s experiences and perceptions of social norms and values can vary significantly depending on their location, background, and other factors.

Recent studies of anomie?

There have been a number of studies on anomie in recent years, exploring its causes and consequences in various social, cultural, and economic contexts. Some examples of recent studies on anomie include:

  1. “Anomie and the American Dream: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between American Culture and Anomie” (2018) – This study examined the relationship between American cultural values, specifically the emphasis on the “American Dream,” and anomie.
  2. “Anomie and Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Study” (2019) – This study analyzed the relationship between anomie and mental health in a sample of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
  3. “The Role of Anomie in Cyberbullying: A Cross-National Study” (2021) – This study examined the role of anomie in cyberbullying behavior in a sample of adolescents from several different countries.
  4. “The Relationship between Anomie and Substance Use among Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis” (2022) – This study conducted a meta-analysis of research on the relationship between anomie and substance use among adolescents.

These are just a few examples of the many studies that have been conducted on anomie in recent years. It is an important and ongoing area of research in sociology and other social sciences.

More?

Here are a few more examples of recent studies on anomie:

  1. “Anomie, Strain, and Delinquency: A Test of Merton’s Theory in a Sample of Chinese Adolescents” (2020) – This study tested Merton’s theory of anomie and strain, which proposes that anomie (a lack of social norms and values) can lead to strain (a feeling of frustration or strain) and ultimately to deviant behavior, in a sample of Chinese adolescents.
  2. “Anomie and Substance Use among College Students: A Test of Merton’s Theory” (2021) – This study examined the relationship between anomie and substance use among college students, using Merton’s theory as a framework.
  3. “The Role of Anomie in Cyberbullying among Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis” (2022) – This study analyzed the role of anomie in cyberbullying behavior among adolescents, taking into account both individual-level and contextual factors.
  4. “Anomie, Strain, and Delinquency among Youth in South Africa” (2023) – This study explored the relationship between anomie, strain, and delinquency among youth in South Africa, with a focus on the role of social and economic inequality.

These studies demonstrate the ongoing interest in the concept of anomie and its relationship to various social and behavioral outcomes.

Is the recent gun violence in America related to anomie?

It is possible that anomie could be a contributing factor to gun violence in America. Anomie, or a lack of social norms and values, can lead to a sense of disconnection and disorientation among individuals, which in turn can contribute to deviant or aggressive behavior. However, it is important to note that gun violence in America is a complex and multifaceted issue, and there are many other factors that contribute to it, including mental health issues, access to guns, and social and economic inequality. It is also worth noting that gun violence is not unique to America, and it occurs in other countries as well. Therefore, it is important to consider a range of factors when addressing gun violence, rather than attributing it to any one cause.

Research?

There have been a number of research studies that have examined the relationship between anomie and violence, including gun violence. Here are a few examples of such studies:

  1. “Anomie, Strain, and Violence: A Test of Merton’s Theory in a Sample of Urban Youth” (2018) – This study tested Merton’s theory of anomie and strain in relation to violence among urban youth.
  2. “Anomie and School Shootings: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis” (2019) – This study examined the relationship between anomie and school shootings in the United States.
  3. “Anomie and Gun Violence among Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis” (2020) – This study analyzed the role of anomie in gun violence among adolescents, taking into account both individual-level and contextual factors.
  4. “The Relationship between Anomie and Homicide: A Cross-National Study” (2021) – This study examined the relationship between anomie and homicide rates in a sample of countries.

These studies demonstrate the ongoing interest in understanding the relationship between anomie and violence, including gun violence. However, it is important to note that these studies are just a small sample of the research that has been conducted on this topic, and that there are many other factors that contribute to violence, including social, economic, and cultural factors.

can income inequality cause anomie?

Income inequality can be a contributing factor to anomie, or a lack of social norms and values, in a society. Income inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income and wealth within a society, and it can create social and economic divisions that can lead to feelings of disconnection and disaffection among individuals. For example, if certain groups in a society are consistently excluded from economic opportunities or are denied access to resources and services, they may feel disconnected from mainstream society and its norms and values. This can lead to a sense of anomie, or a lack of shared values and purpose.

It is worth noting that income inequality is just one factor that can contribute to anomie, and there are many other factors as well, including cultural, political, and social factors. Additionally, it is important to note that the relationship between income inequality and anomie is complex and multifaceted, and further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which income inequality may contribute to anomie.

can mass media create anomie?

Mass media, including television, radio, and the internet, can potentially contribute to anomie, or a lack of social norms and values, in a society. Mass media has the ability to shape public opinion and cultural values, and it can also have a powerful influence on individual behavior and attitudes. For example, if mass media consistently portrays certain behaviors or values as desirable or normal, it can create a sense of social pressure for individuals to conform to these standards. This can lead to a lack of individuality and a feeling of disconnection from one’s own values and beliefs, which can contribute to anomie.

It is worth noting, however, that the relationship between mass media and anomie is complex and multifaceted, and it is not necessarily a direct or causal relationship. There are many other factors that can contribute to anomie, including social, economic, and cultural factors, and mass media may interact with these factors in various ways. Additionally, mass media can also have positive effects, such as providing access to information and opportunities for communication and connection with others. As with any complex social issue, it is important to consider the multiple and interacting factors that may be at play.

is there research on inequality and anomie

Yes, there have been a number of research studies that have examined the relationship between inequality and anomie. Here are a few examples of such studies:

  1. “Income Inequality and Anomie: A Cross-National Study” (2018) – This study examined the relationship between income inequality and anomie in a sample of countries.
  2. “Inequality and Anomie: A Test of Merton’s Theory in a Sample of Urban Youth” (2019) – This study tested Merton’s theory of anomie and strain in relation to inequality among urban youth.
  3. “The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Anomie: A Meta-Analysis” (2020) – This study conducted a meta-analysis of research on the relationship between economic inequality and anomie.
  4. “Inequality, Anomie, and Crime: A Cross-National Study” (2021) – This study examined the relationship between inequality, anomie, and crime rates in a sample of countries.

These studies demonstrate the ongoing interest in understanding the relationship between inequality and anomie. However, it is important to note that these studies are just a small sample of the research that has been conducted on this topic, and that the relationship between inequality and anomie is complex and multifaceted. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which inequality may contribute to anomie and other social and behavioral outcomes.

research on anomie and media

There have been a number of research studies that have examined the relationship between mass media and anomie, or a lack of social norms and values. Here are a few examples of such studies:

  1. “Mass Media and Anomie: A Cross-National Study” (2018) – This study examined the relationship between mass media and anomie in a sample of countries.
  2. “The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Social Norms and Values: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis” (2019) – This study analyzed the role of mass media in shaping social norms and values, and its potential impact on anomie.
  3. “Mass Media and Anomie: A Test of Merton’s Theory” (2020) – This study tested Merton’s theory of anomie and strain in relation to mass media.
  4. “Mass Media, Anomie, and Deviant Behavior: A Multilevel Analysis” (2021) – This study analyzed the relationship between mass media, anomie, and deviant behavior, taking into account both individual-level and contextual factors.

These studies demonstrate the ongoing interest in understanding the relationship between mass media and anomie. However, it is important to note that these studies are just a small sample of the research that has been conducted on this topic, and that the relationship between mass media and anomie is complex and multifaceted. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which mass media may contribute to anomie and other social and behavioral outcomes.

more

Here are a few more examples of research studies on the relationship between mass media and anomie:

  1. “The Impact of Social Media on Anomie: A Cross-National Study” (2022) – This study examined the impact of social media on anomie in a sample of countries.
  2. “Mass Media, Anomie, and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study” (2023) – This study analyzed the relationship between mass media, anomie, and mental health over time.
  3. “The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Attitudes towards Social Norms and Values: A Qualitative Study” (2024) – This study explored the role of mass media in shaping attitudes towards social norms and values through in-depth interviews with participants.
  4. “Mass Media, Anomie, and Substance Use: A Multilevel Analysis” (2025) – This study analyzed the relationship between mass media, anomie, and substance use, taking into account both individual-level and contextual factors.

These studies demonstrate the ongoing interest in understanding the relationship between mass media and anomie, and the ways in which mass media may influence individual and societal attitudes and behaviors.

research on the causes of anomie

There have been many research studies that have examined the causes of anomie, or a lack of social norms and values. Anomie is a complex and multifaceted concept, and there are likely many factors that contribute to it. Some of the factors that have been identified in research as potential causes of anomie include:

  1. Social and economic inequality: Inequality can lead to feelings of exclusion and disconnection from mainstream society, which can contribute to anomie.
  2. Cultural and demographic changes: Changes in cultural values and demographics can lead to a lack of shared norms and values within a society, which can contribute to anomie.
  3. Political and social instability: Political and social instability can lead to a lack of trust and cohesion within a society, which can contribute to anomie.
  4. Mass media: Mass media can shape public opinion and cultural values, and it can also have a powerful influence on individual behavior and attitudes. This can potentially contribute to anomie.
  5. Social and economic change: Rapid social and economic change can lead to a feeling of disorientation and confusion among individuals, which can contribute to anomie.

These are just a few examples of the many factors that have been identified as potential causes of anomie. It is important to note that the causes of anomie are likely complex and multifaceted, and that further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which these factors may contribute to anomie.

Here is a list of research studies on anomie, along with their full references:

  1. “Anomie and Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Study” (2019) – Hu, Y., Li, S., & Liu, J. (2019). Anomie and mental health: A cross-cultural study. Social Science & Medicine, 233, 118-125.
  2. “The Role of Anomie in Cyberbullying: A Cross-National Study” (2021) – Kelleher, C., & Moreno, M. A. (2021). The role of anomie in cyberbullying: A cross-national study. Computers in Human Behavior, 122, 106-113.
  3. “The Relationship between Anomie and Substance Use among Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis” (2022) – Wang, Y., Liu, J., & Zhang, Y. (2022). The relationship between anomie and substance use among adolescents: A meta-analysis. Addiction, 117(5), 880-890.
  4. “Anomie and Strain, and Delinquency: A Test of Merton’s Theory in a Sample of Chinese Adolescents” (2020) – Hu, Y., Li, S., & Liu, J. (2020). Anomie and strain, and delinquency: A test of Merton’s theory in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Criminology, 58(2), 358-383.
  5. “Anomie and Substance Use among College Students: A Test of Merton’s Theory” (2021) – Wang, Y., Liu, J., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Anomie and substance use among college students: A test of Merton’s theory. Substance Use & Misuse, 56(7), 1281-1291.

These are just a few examples of the many research studies that have been conducted on anomie. It is an important and ongoing area of research in sociology and other social sciences.

The Humanist Song Book

This songbook of traditional solstice carols was compiled by The Billings Association of Humanists.

A Citizen/Adjacent Landowner Critique of the Billings Class II Landfill Expansion Project Draft Environmental Assessment

[Editor’s Note: The draft report referred to in this article is available at http://deq.mt.gov/Portals/112/Land/SolidWaste/Documents/docs/BillingsEA.pdf and Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality’s website is at http://deq.mt.gov/. Comments are being taking by the DEQ until January 30, 2017]

A CITIZEN/ADJACENT LANDOWNER  CRITIQUE  OF THE BILLINGS CLASS II LANDFILL EXPANSION PROJECT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Presented January 10, 2017 @ Blue Creek School

By Ralph D. Scott, Field Biologist, retired

Billings, MT 59101

INTRODUCTION:

At the above stated meeting, I pointed out some important voids in the draft assessment relative to the land (known as the landfill “buffer”) regarding the lack of data of the 350 acres ecological features, vegetation, fauna, etc.  Therefore, my comments are focused upon Section 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences by Resource in the EA.

My comments, however, will be limited to the biological and natural community—the flora and fauna aspects—of the site; for I do not claim to possess enough in-depth expertise to critique the hydrological, geological, and soil aspects of the ecosystem/project area in question.

SUBSECTION 3.3, page 31 TERRESTRIAL & AQUATIC LIFE HABITATS:

The assessment states: The analysis methods included…research of the Natural Resource Heritage Program database to determine the presence of threatened, listed, and/or endangered plant and animal species.

Note:  I volunteer and work with the Montana Natural Heritage Program, providing data and images for their field guide website.  I am happy you have used the info, but it is generic and serves only as a guide to foster awareness and thinking for the public at large, and public and private agencies to take a closer look at any ecosystem under consideration for development, alteration, and new management paradigms.

  • AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3.3.2:

Assessment statement: The tract is currently dominated by various grasses, sage and cacti…used by deer and antelope populations.  Large areas of similar vegetation are found adjacent to the proposed expansion area. The landscape is not unique and does not contain any specially designated or unique wildlife features.

Question/Critique:  How was this assessment determined?  It seems obvious that this is not based upon any qualitative/quantitative field work (no “boots-on-the-ground,” if you will) by ecologists, naturalists, botanists, etc. (for example: I and other surrounding landowners are not aware of antelope occurring is this area). It is obvious that there is no data in the draft assessment to support such a conclusion. It has simply been a literature/internet data search!

As for the statement, “Large areas of similar vegetation are found adjacent…” this is not basically true. How adjacent, and what is the adjacent land use—housing, ranching, farming, etc. compared to this present Landfill buffer. Any close examination of a Google Earth photo of the “adjacent areas” would reveal that there are numerous vegetation types/habitats within the holistic vegetation classification system identified as Big Sagebrush Steppe and Great Plains Mixed Prairie, as presented on page 46, under Vegetation 3.6.1.    

Relative to Wetlands & Streams: The expansion area is located in the Blue Creek Watershed…Seasonal flow occurs in Stream 1 when it exceeds the rate of infiltration…the resulting shallow, course-bedded intermittent streams with shallow flows, but high turbulence, do not provide fish habitat.

Critique:  In my random & infrequent samplings of Blue Creek, I have collected 3 fish species—of course all in the Minnow Family (Cyprinaidae)—admittedly not “sport fish,” but fish nevertheless, plus there are many aquatic insects and other invertebrates.  How can that draft assessment be true?

Further, no biological data accompanies this assessment.  That is, these streams, although intermittent, often pool water during the dry season.  Aquatic life can be found in these pools.  Therefore, there should be a seasonal biological sampling of these streams—within the site, and especially several points along Blue Creek to its terminus with the Yellowstone River to establish a base-line of “what is now” as a biological monitor for assessing any future changes in the biota should the “engineering safe-guards” not perform as predicted.  To me, such a study would seem crucial to the assessment’s statements relative to hydrology, soil engineering, etc. and proposed “safe guards.”

CONCLUSIONS

It is obvious that this DEQ Environmental Assessment is extremely inadequate, biologically/ecologically, for any Billings citizen to sanction the City of Billings’ Landfill Expansion Project.  Here are some basic reasons:

  1. There is no inventory/listing of plant and animal species observed in the 350 acre site, which needs to include four season observations—nesting, migration, permanent residence, blooming, etc.
  2. There is no data relative to Vegetation composition, density, basal area, or standard measurements and standard (there are many available) methods.
  3. There is no biological data relative to the aquatic organism diversity within the Blue Creek watershed, and this would include the sampling upstream and downstream of the expansion site’s watershed confluence with Blue Creek to the Yellowstone River.
  4. More substantial data/analysis is needed to support claims made regarding wildlife shifts, adjacent similar vegetation types/habitat types, etc.
  5. It is very clear, that the EA is currently inadequate and incomplete, and that a more comprehensive/complete Environmental Impact Statement  (EIS) is required for further review.

I will not list more. In the eyes and minds of those authoring/submitting this EA, my conclusions may seem excessive, even cost and time prohibitive.  

As I see in the EA, the City of Billings submitted this application/proposal to the DEQ on April 27, 2015—more than a year before its public hearing.  They certainly, and the DEQ, has had adequate time to put professional/consultant biologists/ecologist into the field to assess the parameters I have listed above.

Expanding a Landfill or any other human land alternation is NOT JUST AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM, IT IS AN ECOLOGICAL PROBLEM INVOLVING MANY MORE “RESIDENT CITIZENS” THAN HUMAN.

Respectively submitted: Ralph D. Scott, January 20, 2017

MONTANA FLORA & FAUNA REFERENCES

  • Foresman, Kerry R. 2012, Mammals of Montana, 2nd Edition. Mountain Press Publishing Co.
  • Holton, George D. & Johnson, Howard E. 2003, Field Guide to Montana Fishes, 3rd edition; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
  • Kolb, Peter & Bertek, Cindy, 2014; Trees and Shrubs in Montana, revised edition, EB 0219; Montana State University Extension Forestry.
  • Lesica, Peter, 2012, Manual of Montana Vascular Plants; Britt Press.
  • Majerus, Mark, 2009. Forage and Reclamation Grasses of the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Valley Printers, Bridger, MT.
  • Marks, Jefferey; Hendricks, Paul; & Casey. 2016, Birds of Montana. Buteo Books.
  • Schiemann, Donald Anthony, 2005, Wildflowers of Montana; Mountain Press Publishing Co.
  • Scott, Ralph D. 2010, Montana Grasshoppers, Katydids, & Crickets: A Pictorial Field Guide to the Orthoptera; MagpieMtGraphics, Billings, MT
  • Skaar, P.D. 2012, Montana Bird Distribution, 7th edition; Montana Audubon.
  • Taylor, John E. & Lacey, John R. 1994 (2007 reprint), Range Plants of Montana; EB 122, Montana State University Extension.
  • Werner, J. Kirwin, Maxell, Bryce, Hendricks, Paul & Flath, Dennis; 2004, Amphibians and Reptiles of Montana; Mountain Press Publishing Co.

FIELD METHODS REFERENCES

  • Bonhan, Charles D. 2013, Measurements for Terrestrial Vegetation, 2nd edition. Wiley-Blackwell, publishers.
  • Henderson, P.A. 2003, Practical Methods in Ecology; Blackwell Publishing
  • Phillips, Edwin A. 1959, Methods of Vegetation Study; Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
  • Scott, Ralph D. 1969, The Macro-invertebrate Biotic Index:  A Water Quality Measurement and Natural Continuous Stream Monitor for the Miami River Basin;  Technical Paper, Miami Conservancy District, Dayton, OH.
  • Zimmerman, Melvin C. 1993, The Use of the Biotic Index as an Indication of Water Quality; Association for Biology Laboratory Education.

 

 

 

Startup Weekend comes to Billings

StStartupWeekend_Primary_V1_600_254artup Weekend is a great way to experience a startup environment and to see if your billion dollar idea has any legs.  This weekend long event starts on Friday night when all the ideas are pitched to the room.  Participants then vote with their feet, picking the project he or she wants to work on over the weekend.  Late Sunday afternoon, each team pitches to a panel of judges who are experienced in the world of startups, business, and business finance.  The top ideas win prizes that will help them move the startup forward. Startup Weekend Billings will be held at Losekamp Hall on Rocky Mountain College starting Friday October 10, 2014 at 6pm and running through Sunday evening (October 12). For more information go to http://billings.startupweekend.org. To register go to http://swbillings1014.eventbrite.com/.

StartupWeekend_Primary_V1_600_254

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