Andrew A. Zekeri

LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF FOOD-INSECURE POOR, FEMALE-HEADED FAMILIES IN RURAL ALABAMA

Previous studies suggest that households headed by single women in general, and particularly those by African-American females, are at greater risk for food insecurity and hunger. However, questions remain about how single mothers cope with food insecurity. This study examined how food-insecure, poor single mothers get food for themselves and their children. 100 African-American single mothers from rural Alabama were recruited and interviewed about their livelihood strategies up to two times during a 1-yr. period. The findings show that most of the mothers used numerous strategies to make sure that there was an adequate amount of food for the family. These strategies included work, government assistance such as food stamps, cash assistance from relatives and friends, food from food banks and churches, cohabiting, coresiding with a friend or relative, eating at a Senior Meal Program, and eating less. Psychological aspects of food insecurity included feeling depressed, feeling sad, feeling lonely, having trouble sleeping, and having trouble concentrating. These results suggest that preventive measures to reduce food insecurity among single mothers should remain a priority, and referrals to psychological counseling might help assist them in coping during this difficult time in their lives.

Community-ness of a major economic development effort in a biracial community of Alabama

Abstract This paper uses case study data from a rural biracial community in Alabama to examine the community-ness of a major economic development effort and selected aspect of the ‘growth machine’ hypothesis. Results of the study suggest that the major economic development effort in the community was not a community-related action. In general, the findings provide support for some of the contentions of the growth machine model. Indeed, community can be an arena of action rather than a cohesive acting unit as posited by the ‘growth machine’ hypothesis and political economy models of community power put forth in the last two decades. The local elites utilized the community as a tool for the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of a majority of local residents. Capitalist development is divisive and the community, as (Molotch (1976) American Journal of Sociology 82(2), 309–332, 10) says, can be a ‘growth machine’ serving not the common good but the interests of those who manipulate that machine for profit. The implications of the findings for the future of biracial rural communities are discussed.

Conspiracy Beliefs about HIV/AIDS among HIV-Positive African-American Patients in Rural Alabama

This is apparently the first survey examining endorsement of HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and their relations to educational attainment among 205 HIV-positive African-American patients receiving care at an AIDS Outreach Organization in Alabama. 31% somewhat or strongly believed that, “AIDS is a form of genocide against African Americans,” 29% strongly agreed that “AIDS was created by the government to control the black population,” 56.1% agreed that the government is withholding a cure for AIDS, and 69.8% agreed that the government is withholding information about the disease from the public. 52% agreed that “HIV is a manmade virus,” and 43.1% that “AIDS was produced in the governments laboratory.” Respondents with high school or college education were less likely to endorse conspiracy beliefs. Being open and sensitive to questions about conspiracy beliefs plus understanding the historical roots and social context from which such questions arise in African-American communities is needed to counter such beliefs.

Suicide and rurality in Alabama communities

Empirical research findings suggest that suicide increases with rurality, but research on rural suicide leaves many questions unanswered. This study specifies problems of community organization as a reason for expecting a positive effect of rurality on the suicide rate. A multiple regression analysis of county data shows that rurality has a substantial positive effect and is, in fact, the best predictor of the suicide rate among several variables selected from the previous literature. Additional research is needed to test the interpretation that rurality contributes to an incomplete, fragmented form of community organization which influences the suicide rate by disrupting primary relationships.

Community action in Alabama's Black Belt Timber-Dependent communities

The current decline in the economic well-being of the residents of the Alabamas Black Belt communities is well documented. High poverty rates, limited job growth, falling real per capita income, and increased out-migration are signs of current economic problems. With the resurgence of interest in promulgating self-help and community action mechanism at the local, state, and national levels, the purpose of this research is to examine collective community action by local officials in the Black Belt Timber Dependent communities to meet the social and economic well-beings of local residents. Data from the case study research indicate that race is the primary factor in actions with a collective dimension in Forestville. Inequality based on race suppresses interaction among the residents whose lives and well-being are in fact tied together ecologically; and, without interaction, collective local action cannot exist. The community has not been hospitable to African Americans because they are viewed or seen as social inferiors and this view is expressed by many whites who grew up in the community. The white leadership discouraged collective action in order to maintain its hegemony in the community. The African Americans with political power have no resources and great exertion is needed to change established community relationships. In Forestville, racial and ethnic cleavages makes collective community actions to levelop local business and industry and human services impossible. Implications of the research findings are discussed.

COMMENT ON BRIDGES AND KUNSELMAN (2005)

A case is made that a clear understanding of premature mortality of Status Indians due to suicide, homicide, and motor vehicle accidents must begin with a clear idea of what the indicator, potential years of life lost before age 75 (PYLL), is, and how it was measured or calculated.