Dr. Carol Schultz's Revolutionary Research
Comprehensive academic study demonstrating how Christian Church leaders and faithful citizens can serve as agents of socialization to address youth marginalization in western societies.
Seven Key Research Findings
Each finding represents rigorous academic research with direct applications for Church leaders and faithful citizens working to transform western societies.
Absence of Common Core Values
Research Finding:
This research identifies that Australia has no set of common core values to frame how its citizens will conduct themselves.
Practical Application:
The Church can provide the moral foundation and common values framework that research shows is essential for societal cohesion and youth development.
Societal Contradictions Identified
Research Finding:
Prolific contradictions are evident in Australia's sense of community, culture, care, education and its capacity to be resilient to modern pressures.
Practical Application:
Churches can address these contradictions by providing consistent, values-based approaches to community building and youth socialization.
Government Responsibility and Distraction
Research Finding:
The research identifies that the citizens of a country are ultimately responsible for the socialization processes of its citizens, that the Australian government is elected to support this. The Australian government, today is distracted, preferring to invest resources in economic gain at the expense of investment in human capital.
Practical Application:
The Church can step into this leadership vacuum, prioritizing human development and character formation over purely economic considerations.
Adult Distraction by Modern Pressures
Research Finding:
Australian adults are also distracted, largely by the media, and are increasingly succumbing to modern pressures (particularly materialism and individualism).
Practical Application:
Church communities can provide counter-cultural values and support systems that help adults resist these destructive modern pressures.
Family Cohesion Under Pressure
Research Finding:
Family cohesion is under pressure and in some families is now non-existent.
Practical Application:
Churches can strengthen family units through biblical principles, support programs, and intergenerational community connections.
Parental Responsibility Abandonment
Research Finding:
Parents are forgoing their responsibilities for the moral guidance of children and leaving the responsibility to schools.
Practical Application:
Churches can equip and encourage parents to reclaim their God-given role in moral guidance while supporting them with resources and community.
Schools Overburdened with Social Problems
Research Finding:
The government is also diverting its moral leadership obligations for its future citizens to schools. Schools are increasingly directed by the government to "fix" Australia's social problems.
Practical Application:
Churches can partner with schools while taking primary responsibility for character formation and moral development in their communities.
Academic Excellence & Credibility
Dr. Schultz's research represents rigorous doctoral-level scholarship with practical validation through real-world implementation and comprehensive case study analysis.
Doctor of Professional Studies - University of Southern Queensland
Comprehensive doctoral research completed in 2018 after 6.5 years of intensive study. Principal Supervisor: Dr Glen Postle, Associate Supervisor: Dr Luke Van der Laan.
Rigorous Research Methodology
Qualitative Research Design utilizing Heuristic Inquiry and Activity Theory frameworks with multi-method approach combining interviews, surveys, and comprehensive case study analysis.
Evidence-Based Case Studies
MADYACA Inc. real-world implementation and Toowoomba Flexi-School comprehensive case study demonstrating measurable outcomes in alternative education and community engagement.
Proven Research Outputs
Two Evidence-Based Models (Human Flourishing Model and Education Continuum Model) developed and validated through MADYACA programs and community partnerships.
"Professional Context: MADYACA Inc."
Research conducted within formal charitable organization framework (MADYACA Inc.) with collaboration between established educational institutions and community programs, integrating academic rigor with practical community implementation and measurable outcomes.
Action Research Design & Mixed Methods Approach
Dr. Schultz's research utilized rigorous Action Research methodology encouraging participants to reflect on current practices while developing unique solutions for individual communities.
Qualitative Research Component
In-depth interviews investigating human behavior and decision-making reasons governing youth socialization. Document analysis of Toowoomba Flexi-School key documents, reports, observations, funding submissions, and Community Capacity Building Book.
Quantitative Research Component
Likert Scale survey investigating attitudes and beliefs of teachers and mentors at Toowoomba Flexi-School about the socialization process for marginalized young people.
Literature Review Project
Comprehensive examination of influencing pressures that have shaped/are shaping the socialization processes for marginalized youth in Regional Australia.
MADYACA Analysis & Case Study
Critical analysis of MADYACA Inc. organization and strategies, plus comprehensive Toowoomba Flexi-School case study examining Inter-Generational Program outcomes.