4 minute read
Sociology, Anthropology & Criminology
On the Frequency of Cannibalism in History
Lainie Bell Megan Moore, faculty mentor
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The current scientific standard for determining cannibalism in historic remains is limiting. A wider focus needs to be taken in order to understand ritual cannibalistic practices of the past. The purpose of this research is to merge efforts of osteologists and archaeologists by comparing skeletal trauma analyses from sites of proposed cannibalism in the Americas and Africa with archaeological and historical data. The goal is to identify and relate patterns of culture and bone trauma that are indicative of ritualistic cannibalism.
Oral / Q&A Session A
Explanation of Paranormal Phenomenon through Skeletal Analysis
Haley Dye Megan Moore, faculty mentor
Paranormal phenomenon can be explained through science. This review explores archaeological human remains from around the world, focusing on burial context to better understand accusations of witchcraft, ritualistic violence, and possible underlying medical condition. We hope to demonstrate that the burial treatment was associated with an underlying medical condition. The skeletal remains of those buried irreverently or violently are compared to other burials within the same site. The results show that some of those likely accused of practicing witchcraft or having been possessed by spirits had an illness or another factor that led to diminished health, proved by abnormal skeletal remains.
Poster / Q&A Session 3
Neoliberal Alienation: How the Capitalist Machine has Created A Culture of Despair in America
Colton Ray Ronald Westrum, faculty mentor
Drawing from socialist theories of alienation, observations of American politics and propaganda, and studies conducted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and Center of Disease Control on youth death rates, I make the case for restructuring socio-economic and political systems in the United States. By reinforcing notions of human nature as being driven mostly by selfish reasons, the ideology of capitalism has convinced Americans that being unmotivated, inauthentic, consumerist, and mentally ill is solely a result of personal choice or genetics, rather than byproducts of a system where its institutions don’t value human labor, and social relations are turned into business schemes.
Oral / Q&A Session C
The Legend of the Green Children of Woolpit: What Made Them Green?
Trent Sheibels Megan Moore, faculty mentor
In the 12th Century, a mysterious pair of green-skinned children appeared in the town of Woolpit, England. For years, scholars have argued over what could have caused this strange skin discoloration. The main focus of this project and purpose of researching the legend was to compile research on nutrient deficiencies and diseases, as well as cultural factors that could have caused their unprecedented discoloration. As a result of the historical evidence and differential diagnosis, one likely conclusion is that the children suffered from the X-linked trait of favism caused by the G6PD genetic disorder.
Oral / Q&A Session D
The Effects of Mental Health on Recidivism in the Juvenile Justice System
Jacklyn C. Staffeld Rita Shah, faculty mentor
This literature review examines the effects of mental health on juvenile recidivism. Recidivism affects not only the United States justice systems but the lives of many individuals and their families. Studies find that without the proper resources for mental health, the risk of returning to the juvenile justice system may increase. In order to resolve this issue, the United States must implement and prioritize mental health services for its youth. This literature review seeks to show the lack of priority in regards to mental health, how this may relate to juvenile recidivism, and distinguish the possible solutions that may promote positive outcomes for juveniles upon release.
Poster / Q&A Session 3
Birth Doulas and the Associated Benefits for Birthing Outcomes and Experiences in the US
Emmylee Zang Megan Moore, faculty mentor
The United States has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates of all developed countries. This presentation examines existing literature and concludes that the use of a birth doula is associated with better health outcomes and birth experiences for both mothers and infants. This is especially true for historically marginalized populations including mothers of color, low socioeconomic status, and of young age. Seeing as doulas are associated with better health outcomes, consideration must be given to how doulas can be made more accessible, especially to the populations who stand to benefit the most from doula care.
Oral / Live Session C / 2:30 p.m.
Using CT Scans to Measure the Skeletal Morphology of Transgender and Non-Binary Participants
Emmylee Zang Megan Moore, faculty mentor
There are approximately 1.4 million transgender individuals living in the US and this community constitutes an alarming number of homicide victims each year. This research examines the skeletal morphological measurements of transgender and non-binary individuals through the analyzing of CT scans from 12 participants. Skeletal measurements that generally exhibit a strong degree of sexual dimorphism are taken from these CT scans and are compared to the standard measurements of the natal sex. These skeletal measurements are compiled into a database so that deceased transgender and non-binary individuals may be more consistently identified by professionals in forensic cases.
Oral / Live Session D / 3:20 p.m.
New Religious Movements in Europe
Reece Zielinski Ronald Rich, faculty mentor
In recent decades, there have been a number of contemporary Neopagan, Native Faith, and religious revitalization movements started all across Europe. This paper does a literature review on these contemporary Neopagan and Native Faith movements, also known as New Religious Movements (NRMs). It applies and defines certain concepts that relate to this field, and attempts to apply the theories and concepts found in the literature to real life (i.e. ethnographic examples in the world today). It is found that many of these NRMs are responses to globalization, colonialism, and nationalistic processes found commonly in today’s world, with an intense focus on constructing “authentic” identities.
