Guardianship in Texas: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Communities

• In Event: Advancing the Routine Activity Approach by Examining Guardianship Across Contexts

Abstract

Previous research has examined guardianship in action in The Netherlands (e.g., Reynald, 2009; 2011) and the northeastern United States (e.g., Hollis and Welsh, 2013), and beyond. The current paper compares findings from a rural and small town area of Texas (Waco and surrounding rural communities) with a major urban center in Texas (Austin). The results indicate that guardianship in action continues to apply in these contexts. Differences in the way guardianship operates in these divergent situational contingencies are explored and explained. Theoretical and research implications are discussed.

Authors

• Shannon Hankhouse, Tarleton State University

• Meghan Elizabeth Hollis, Texas State University