Date of Award

12-1-2012

Degree Type

Dissertation

University or Center

Clark Atlanta University(CAU)

School

School of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Dr. William H. Boone,

Second Advisor

Dr. Glenn S. Johnson

Third Advisor

Dr. Leora S. Waldner

Abstract

The creation and implementation of public policy is a crucial governmental function of the United States, which operate under a centralized political system with a single government that is capable of implementing uniform policies throughout the country. Existing within this political system is a decentralized governmental system that disperses power among its state and local governments where the power of policy implementation also exists. The intrinsic value of this U.S. governmental structure allows for policy creation on the federal, state, and local levels. Pertinent to this research, policies originating from state, federal, and local governments will be observed. Studies conducted by environmental scholars have shown that there exists a positive correlation between persons living in close proximity to toxic waste facilities and the negative impact of environmental health hazards, one of which is asthma. Moreover, research supports that there has been an epidemic increase in asthma among minorities. To research this phenomenon from a public policy viewpoint, this study concentrates upon an analysis of public policies implemented to address asthma disparities and disproportionate occurrences among minority youth residing in the state of Georgia. As a foundational premise, the findings of existing studies that speak to a correlative significance of minority youths’ spatial location to hazardous waste sites will be incorporated and utilized as a paradigm for the policy analyses.

Additional Files
Signature Location_Supplemental file.pdf (45 kB)
Notice to Users, Transmittal and Statement of Understanding
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