Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Left Behind: The Gender Gap in Human Capital Investment among Arctic Adolescents  (Left Behind: The Gender Gap in Human Capital Investment among Arctic Adolescents)

Outline
Circumpolar regions are undergoing economic and social dislocations which, in many regions, are leaving men behind. The Northern Studies Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is engaged in a series of studies of this gender gap, particularly in higher education, which affects both Alaska Native and non-Native young men. We are writing proposals to several federal and state agencies and foundations to obtain funding to study these problems. One current proposal, submitted in 2005 to the National Science Foundation, asks these questions: 1. How do male and female adolescents in Alaska, especially Native adolescents, make decisions about investing in education, employment and special program opportunities designed to increase the life chances of underrepresented youth and how do these patterns of investment affect their life chances? 2. What influences investment decisions in human capital formation as adolescents mature? Specifically, what are the effects of the ways these decisions are presented or "framed," role models, the types of incentives offered, and the ways in which male and females adolescents discount the future? 3. What are the effects of an action-presearch project, designed by a steering committee composed of indigenous and indigenous experts to increase the well-being and life chances of Alaska adolescents, especially Native and non-Native males? We are proposing longitudinal, interdisciplinary, comparative and participatory research.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project advances our understanding of gender issues and educational issues in the circumpolar north.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We are collaborating with British researchers who have identified schools and educational strategies which increase the achievement of boys without disadvantage to girls.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The geographical location is Alaska and specifically the communities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Alakanuk, Nenana, and the boarding school of Mt. Edgecumbe.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 09/0006----09/0009            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No special facilities. Will be using the Northern Studies offices at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will leave human infrastructure, knowledge of the gender gap, its causes and consequences, among indigenous educators, school districts, and the general public.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Other sources of support

University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Anchorage facilties

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not at this point

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Expansion

The Northern Studies Program is already engaged in studies of the gender gap in the Arctic, for example, an analysis of gender patterns of educational success at the University of Alaska . We have invited the British researchers who have identified schools especially successful in raising male achievement to give presentations at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage in the spring of 2005

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organized and managed by the principal investigator, Judith Kleinfeld, Director of Northern Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is working in collaboration with Lance Howe, Assistant Professor of Ecnomics at the University of Alaska anchorage.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Our results will be widely disseminated to educators and communiites through on-site meetings, public discussions, and workshops involving organizations of educators, particularly regional Native organizations in Alaska. We have already organized such outreach for the spring of 2005.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
THe data will be stored and managed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in accordance with IRB protocols. We will be pleased to make the data available to other researchers and organizations at the earliest possible opportunities.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are preparing a proposal for the Arctic Social Sciences Program, Office of Polar We are preparing a proposal for the Arctic Social Sciences Program, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation. We will seek funding from other state and federal agencies and foundations. A proposal is currently pending with the Alaska School Research Fund.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Judith Kleinfeld
Northern Studies Program
College of Liberal Arts
University of Alaska Fairbank
99775
USA

Tel: 907-474-5266
Mobile: no
Fax: 907-457-1978
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation