Steven Arxer

headshot

Professor

Department: 
Criminal Justice & Sociology
Office: 
Biography

Steven L. Arxer, Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Florida), is Professor of Sociology at the University of North Texas at Dallas.  My interests include social theory, qualitative research, identity, and minority populations. Recently completed projects include research focused on community-based research. I have researched community identity to develop programming interventions for immigrant older adult populations seeking cultural transition. This work has been published in Hispanic Studies Review and Journal of Latinos and Education, as well as in the book Aging in a Second Language.  This work focused on the transitional markers and resources available to immigrant older populations in their cultural linguistic transitions. 

Additionally, my work has examined the theoretical basis and day-to-day practice of community-based health care programs, and their potential as a transformative force in public health. Centering on concepts of self-determination, empowerment, and inclusiveness, the research details the roles of physicians, research, and residents in the transition to self-directed initiatives and greater community control. This research has been published in Community-Based Health Interventions in an Institutional Context and Dimensions of Community -Based Health Work.

Most recently, my research effort for the past few years has been focused on grant work with the VA North Texas Health Care System.  Veterans Administration Research and Development awarded $1.14 million to my study “Successful Transitions and Reintegration Tools for Veterans (START-VETS). Through this grant I partner with the Dallas VA and UT Southwestern researchers to explore intervention strategies to help veterans better transition from prison back to society. The VA wants to better understand the factors that impact veterans discharged from prison. This study will be used to develop a program focused on building the skills and resources that can help veterans reduce outcomes such as homelessness, unemployment, health effects, substance use disorders, mental illness, and re-incarceration. The grant funds a planned four-year, mixed-method study and pilot a transition rehabilitation program, and the assessment materials needed to serve this population.  I act as lead qualitative researcher on the grant. 

As Professor of Sociology, I have developed a qualitative analytical focus on vulnerable populations’ navigation of personal and institutional resources to create platforms for social services.

Complete List of Published Work in MyBibliography