Academics

Research interests include heterosexism, political activism, welfare reform and racial attitudes. Of his 33 journal articles, Swank in has recently addressed the intersections of race and gender variables in the political activism of sexual minorities (Sex Roles), the antecedents of gay and lesbian rights among heterosexuals (Journal of Homosexuality), and the political participation of social work students (Journal of Social Work Education). Other newer studies have explored urban-rural differences in the extent of hetorsexist experiences for sexual minorities(Psychology & Sexuality), sexual prejudice in rural settings (Journal of Homosexuality), and Homophobia among social work students (Affilia). Older studies have addressed rape myths among Appalachians (Violence & Victims), the ways race and class inequalities influence female sexuality (Archives of Sexual Behavior), faculty involvement in unions (Sociological Inquiry), citizen preferences on welfare spending (Journal of Poverty), student receptiveness to a multicultural education (Research in Higher Education), and protests against the Gulf War of 1991 (Research in Social Movements, Conflict, and Change). Many of these papers were written with former students and he always looks forward to collaborating with students after they finish his data analysis class. In 2008, Swank received a fellowship for sexuality studies at the University of Michigan."