Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-2014

School/College

College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (COLABS)

Degree Name

MA in Sociology

First Advisor

PROFESSOR E. DIANNE MOSELY

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the life of noncustodial parents. To do so, the personal impact of predetermined child support payments, the relationship with the custodial parent, and the relationship with the child were examined. This study explores whether child support is a salient factor in the daily life decisions of the noncustodial parent. By using William Edward Burghardt DuBois's concept of the veil as a theoretical framework, this study investigates whether the noncustodial parent's child support commitment results in an adverse effect on how that parent views himself or herself in different areas of life, versus how other members of society view them. A survey of 25 noncustodial parents was conducted. The survey included open and closed-ended questions. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze responses to the survey. This data was used to design cross tabulation charts. Then, the information was analyzed to answer the research questions.

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