"""Sometimes I Give and Sometimes I Get"": Social Networks and Support Among Low -Income African-American Women"

This study examines the structure and dynamics of low-income African American women living in two severely impoverished communities in a large, urban city. It looks at how these networks function to assist women in their everyday lives. Using qualitative, in-depth interviews this study identified several important aspects of African American women's networks and a key dynamic. Findings revealed that the composition of social networks and the type of support supplied by networks are different according to women's life stage, self reliance is important to low-income African American women and that emotional support is as essential as tangible support. The key dynamic within social networks was reciprocity. These findings contribute to our substantive, theoretical and applied knowledge of social networks and social support for low-income African American women by elaborating upon the findings of previous studies, shedding light on network interactions and identifying specific practical applications that will help and support low-income African American women and their families.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human and Community Development

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Jefferson, Stephanie R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jarrett, Robin L.

• Sociology, Individual and Family Studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3223621

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87187