Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Committee Chair

F. Carson Mencken.

Committee Co-Chair

Christopher Plein

Committee Member

Ronald Althouse

Abstract

This analysis examines the sensitivity of state intergovernmental aid, per capita, to measures of resources, infrastructure, social services, social problems and demographics in Northern and Southern local governments in 1982 and 1992. Time-periods chosen are based on the potential for domestic policies born through new federalism to harm local governments through lesser amounts of available state aid. North and South are compared to account for possible regional differences. Regardless of region and time however, redistribution efforts to local governments with higher levels of need and lower levels of resources are not particularly good. Redistribution tendencies present in 1982 declined by 1992 in both the North and South. Southern local governments in 1982 and 1992 did not show more willingness, or ability, to target state aid to areas with high need and low resources. Redistribution efforts being weak in both the North and South contradicts the frostbelt/sunbelt distinction.

Share

COinS