Social Networks and Support: A Comparison of African Americans, Asian Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics

Abstract

Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households (1988), this study examines cultural variations in social networks and support. The responses of African American (n=2,391), Asian (n=127), Caucasian (n=9,403), and Hispanic (n= 1,004) adults were compared, controlling for education. Multivariate analysis of covariance and logistic analysis indicated few cultural differences. However, the three ethnic minority groups were more likely to rely on parents or children for support as compared to Caucasians; African Americans were more likely to participate in religious organizations; Asian Americans were more likely to be involved in occupational and nationality groups; and Asian Americans and Caucasians were more likely to participate in recreational groups. These findings suggest different strategies for using networks as resources and paths of intervention across cultures.

Role of Social Support in Examining Acculturative Stress and Psychological Distress Among Asian American Immigrants and Three Sub-groups: Results from NLAAS

“…Friends and family members may provide important resources, such as, assistance in finding employment, help accessing legal and economic support, and may influence individual's engagement with health protective behaviors (e.g. vaccinations or preventive screening) that impacts overall health [37,38]. However, not all social connections are beneficial.…”

“…However, not all social connections are beneficial. Research shows that negative interactions, such as family conflict, competition for limited resources can adversely affect psychological well-being [38]. Since many Asian immigrants posses a collective cultural orientation, social support may have a unique influence on their mental health [39,40].…”

Parenting and Preschool Child Development: Examination of Three Low-Income U.S. Cultural Groups

“…This often means shared parenting and the expansion of households to include kin and other adults. While reliance on an extended social network is also related to poverty, economic instability and femaleheaded households (Wilkinson 1993), structural differences have been seen after controlling for these factors (Kim and McKenry 1998). This shared parenting may impact the study of children's social development in these families by missing parenting experiences provided by others and emphasizing too much the parenting role of the biological parent.…”

“…First, cultural influences in family structure and co-parenting expectations likely results in differences in the parenting role of the mother. For example, the social organization of African American families has historically included kinship and extended family (Kim and McKenry 1998). Compared to low-income European American families, African American families more often consist of extended family and others in parenting and family helping roles (McDermott 2001).…”

Psychological Needs of Japanese American Elders: Implications for Culturally Competent Interventions

“…However, few empirical studies have examined the psychological needs and characteristics of this population. Prior research primarily considers Asian American elders as one homogenous category and often does not examine variations within Asian ethnic communities (e.g., Elo 1996;Kim and McKenry 1998;Moon et al 1998;Tanjasiri et al 1995). The purpose of this qualitative, interviewbased study is to explore the variations in psychological needs among Nikkei elders that may shape their social service and health treatment seeking behaviors.…”