Sandra L. Barnes

DETERMINANTS OF INDIVIDUAL NEIGHBORHOOD TIES AND SOCIAL RESOURCES IN POOR URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS

Studies on life in poor urban neighborhoods suggest the importance of kin and non-kin ties for support. Research also notes the dearth of certain ties that are important to locate economic and social resources. This research evaluates the determinants of certain types of social resources for residents in poor urban neighborhoods. Specifically, I consider the relationship between five types of neighborhood ties for residents--religious, kin, friendship, neighbor, and informal jobs--as well as race/ethnicity, and neighborhood poverty and social resources. Using the Urban Poverty & Family Life Survey and OLS and logistic regression analyses, results show religious and friendship ties are important predictors of individual social resources and support. Also, neighborhood poverty is insignificant in most of the analyses and when it is important, residents in more impoverished areas are more likely to seek out social resources than their counterparts in non-poor and moderately poor areas. These findings support variants of Compression and Composition theories as possibleexemplars for explaining ways in which residents secure social resources in poor urban neighborhoods.

Stressors and Strengths: A Theoretical and Practical Examination of Nuclear, Single-Parent, and Augmented African American Families

Much of the academic attention on the African American family has focused on pathologies. Less information has been obtained using cultural equivalent or emergent models to recognize positive, adaptive features. In this research, a survey study of 114 African American families is used to assess (1) similarities between experiences and existing theoretical exemplars; (2) stressors and strengths and whether they are family-type specific; (3) religiosity; and (4) family success measures for nuclear, single-parent, and augmented families. The results suggest that the experiences of the study families reflect a fusion of various social and cultural theories.

Is Motherhood Important? Imprisoned Women’s Maternal Experiences Before and During Confinement and Their Postrelease Expectations

In recent years, sharp increases in the female prison population have landed more mothers behind bars. While the experiences of imprisoned women may differ substantially from free mothers, studies suggest that motherhood is important for many imprisoned mothers. The current study uses a sample of 210 imprisoned mothers and multivariate modeling to investigate how familial relationships before and during imprisonment and mothers’ postrelease expectations influence the salience of maternal identity. Findings suggest that regardless of demographic factors, close mother–caregiver relationships, contact with family during imprisonment, and expecting to have custody of children upon release positively impacts imprisoned women’s mothering identities.

ENTER INTO HIS GATES: AN ANALYSIS OF BLACK CHURCH PARTICIPATION PATTERNS

This study examines contemporary trends in Black Church adult participation and whether and how patterns are influenced by factors such as denomination, location, church and clergy profile, church environment, and programmatic efforts. Bivariate and ordered logit results based on Faith Factor 2000 Project data across seven denominations suggest minimal denominational influence; however, church environment, including worship features and sermonic emphasis, as well as varied programs, positively influence participation. Additionally, participation decline is apparent among rural congregations. Results help illumine profiles of Black churches most likely to experience high or low levels of participation.

Achievement or Ascription Ideology? An Analysis of Attitudes about Future Success for Residents in Poor Urban Neighborhoods

Abstract Literature on the urban experience suggests that, in response to poverty and other structural constraints, residents in poor urban neighborhoods often develop oppositional cultures and exhibit attitudes and behavior that differ drastically from those found in the larger society. This project examines the attitudes of a sample of poor and near-poor urbanites regarding what is needed to get ahead in life. If their attitudes reflect an oppositional culture, respondents would be expected to associate success with ascription variables such as race/ethnicity, sex, and family economics rather than achievement variables such as hard work and education. Bivariate and multivariate results indicate that regardless of race/ethnicity, sex, household economics, or neighborhood poverty, respondents embrace an achievement ideology that acknowledges the importance of education and hard work. These findings help dispel oppositional culture theories as exemplars of the attitudes of residents in poor urban neighborhoods.

To Welcome or Affirm: Black Clergy Views About Homosexuality, Inclusivity, and Church Leadership

When the subject of the Black Church and homosexuality is broached, research often focuses on homophobia and correlates with HIV/AIDS. Fewer studies examine other problematic issues germane to gay and lesbian involvement in Black congregations. In this analysis, Black clergy dialogue during focus groups about inclusivity and church leadership by gays and lesbians. Informed by Cultural Theory, of equal interest is whether discourses are influenced by Black Church cultural tools, as well as cultural dynamics, from the broader Black community. As anticipated, findings suggest the tendency for clergy to promote welcoming church spaces, but to be reticent about affirming homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle. Furthermore, although clergy are generally supportive of involvement by closeted gays and lesbians as lay leaders, most do not support their involvement in the clergy, particularly as pastors. However, views vary based on denomination and gender, and are informed by Black Church cultural components such as scripture and the call-and-response tradition.

Competition, Race, and the Measurement of Female Labor Activity*

Not all groups compete equally in the labor market. Here, we focus on women’s competition with men for jobs. This competition assumes that women’s employment is affected by men’s, and vice versa. We use two statistics—female labor force participation and share—to uncover this competition. 1990 U.S. census data on 281 metropolitan statistical areas were analyzed using weighted least squares regression. Supply-side explanations of female labor activity (education, children, household headship, and government assistance) receive more support than demand-side explanations (poverty, industrial mix, and region). Evidence of competition along gender and race lines is found. Men’s employment is buttressed in metropolitan areas by higher wages, less poverty, and more women with children. Welfare benefits (AFDC) and deindustrialization lower black women’s employment, while only white women benefit from advanced education and a “feminized” occupational structure. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.

The “American Dream” in Poor Urban Neighborhoods: An Analysis of Home Ownership Attitudes and Behavior and Financial Saving Behavior

Abstract The desire for home ownership and saving to accumulate wealth are two hallmarks of the “American Dream” that are typically associated with middle class values. Much urban research has suggested that continual exposure to neighborhood poverty has produced attitudes and behavior that differ dramatically from these values. In this study, we examined whether residents in poor urban areas embraced these tenets of the American Dream. Based on the Urban Poverty and Family Life Survey of Chicago, logistic and multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship of neighborhood poverty, race/ethnicity, household economics, and social variables to attitudes and behavior about home ownership and saving. The effects of “ghetto poverty” and neighborhood poverty “tipping points” were evaluated. Findings showed varying effects of race / ethnicity, neighborhood poverty, and social indicators depending on whether attitudes or behavior were under consideration. We also found that household economic status consistently was better in explaining participation in these tenets of the American Dream than variables that directly measure neighborhood poverty.

A Case Study of the Working Poor Single Mother Experience: An Analysis of the Structure versus Agency Discourse

ABSTRACT Working poor single mothers must often make difficult choices as they negotiate structural forces such as the employment and legal arenas and social service agencies and address domestic duties to sustain their families. The structure versus agency discourse is used here as a theoretical backdrop to chronicle the experiences of one such family. Results from a case study analysis of a White, working poor, single mother of three identify specific structural constraints and corresponding decisions as well as ways in which strategically positioned social services and community organizations may assist such families in experiencing upward mobility.

The Ebonics Enigma: An analysis of attitudes on an urban college campus

The debate regarding the use of Ebonics is a controversial one. Much of what is known about the topic is limited to theoretical discussions within academic circles. Limited research has been performed to assess public views. In this study current theories on black language forms are used to examine the opinions of a diverse sample of college students from an urban university in the South regarding Ebonics; the focus is on the meaning attached to Ebonics as a valid communicative form and teaching tool. Data are from surveys of 389 college students. Three dimensions of Ebonics opinions, identified through factor analysis, are used to suggest a typology of student orientations toward Ebonics, and multiple regression analysis identifies variables that predict these orientations. Findings show that respondents vary in their opinions about Ebonics and a considerable number of them associate Ebonics with socioeconomic constraints. However, political orientation, age, and the media influence their views most.