Family and Friends: A Supportive Network for Low-Income Amertcan Black Families

Abstract

Two particularly important categories of these potential allies of the low-income black family are relatives residing outside the home, and friends. Data presented here regarding these components of the social network were gathered from a probability sample of 111 low-income black women. Unlike most research on low-income black Americans, this study focuses on persons residing outside of Northern metropolitan areas. Contact with family and friends is frequent, and the perceived potential helpfulness of these persons in the resolution of major problems is high. However, a majority of respondents, including those heading attenuated families, report that they seldom or never request such help. Thus, in many instances these components of the social network appear more important for interaction and emotional support than for actual assistance in major problem resolution. This may be due to major problem usually being handled within the household, the hesitance to involve others whose resources also may be limited, a desire to retain autonomy, and the rarity of occurrence of events subjectively perceived as being major problems.