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Taylor RJ, Chatters LM, Cross CJ, Mouzon DM. Fictive Kin Networks among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2022; 43:20-46. [PMID: 35422538 PMCID: PMC9004625 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x21993188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we investigated the social and demographic correlates of fictive kin network involvement among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino Whites. Specifically, we examined the factors shaping whether respondents have fictive kin, the number of fictive present kin in their networks, and the frequency with which they received support from fictive kin. Eighty-seven percent of respondents had a fictive kin relationship, the average network size was 7.5, and 61% of participants routinely received fictive kin support. Affective closeness and contact with family, friends, and church members were positively associated with fictive kin relations. Age, region, income and marital and parental status were related to fictive kin network involvement, though these associations varied by race/ethnicity. Collectively, findings indicate that fictive kin ties extend beyond marginalized communities, and they operate as a means to strengthen family bonds, rather than substitute for family deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Christina J Cross
- Department of Sociology, Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University
| | - Dawne M Mouzon
- Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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Furstenberg FF, Harris LE, Pesando LM, Reed MN. Kinship Practices Among Alternative Family Forms in Western Industrialized Societies. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2020; 82:1403-1430. [PMID: 34305172 PMCID: PMC8294648 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper discusses how kinship is construed and enacted in diverse forms of the family that are now part of the culturally pluralistic family system of Western societies. BACKGROUND The study is the second in a pair documenting changes over the past century in the meaning and practice of kinship in the family system of Western societies with industrialized economies. While the first paper reviewed the history of kinship studies, this companion piece shifts the focus to research explorations of kinship in alternative family forms, those that depart from the standard nuclear family structure. METHOD The review was conducted running multiple searches on Google Scholar and Web of Science directly targeting non-standard family forms, using search terms as "cohabitation and kinship," "same-sex family and kinship," and "Artificial Reproductive Technology and kinship," among others. About 70 percent of studies focused on the United States, while the remaining 30 percent focused on other industrialized Western societies. RESULTS We identified three general processes by which alternative family forms are created and discussed how kinship practices work in each of them. The first cluster of alternative family forms comes about through variations of formal marriage or its absence, including sequential marriages, plural marriages, consensual unions, single parenthood, and same-sex marriages and partnerships. The second cluster is formed as a result of alterations in the reproduction process, when a child is not the product of sexual intercourse between two people. The third cluster results from the formation of voluntary bonds that are deemed to be kinship-like, in which affiliation rests on neither biological nor legal bases. CONCLUSION Findings from this study point to a broad cultural acceptance of an inclusive approach to incorporating potential kin in "family relationships." It is largely left to individuals to decide whether they recognize or experience the diffuse sense of emotional connectedness and perceived obligation that characterizes the bond of kinship. Also, family scripts and kinship terms often borrow from the vocabulary and parenting practices observed in the standard family form in the West. Concurrently, the cultural importance of biology remains strong. IMPLICATIONS The study concludes by identifying important gaps in the kinship literature and laying out a research agenda for the future, including building a demography of kinship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank F. Furstenberg
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Luca Maria Pesando
- Department of Sociology and Centre on Population Dynamics, McGill University
| | - Megan N. Reed
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania
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Kapadia MR, Veenstra CM, Davis RE, Hawley ST, Morris AM. Unmet Emotional Support Needs Among Diverse Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Am Surg 2020; 86:695-702. [PMID: 32683961 DOI: 10.1177/0003134820923318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support, which is partly emotional support, is associated with adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, quality of life, and survival. We hypothesized that the needs, sources, and availability of emotional support would vary by race and income among CRC patients and sought to quantify the emotional support and the perceived adequacy of support reported by patients. METHODS We surveyed CRC patients from Detroit and Georgia Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries about the quantity and quality of emotional support received from different sources. We tested differences using the chi-square test, t-tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS There were 1909 patients who met inclusion criteria and 1301 (68%) completed surveys. Among respondents, 68% were white, 25% black, and 7% other. Black patients were more likely to be female and younger and reported lower annual income and education. Patients reported high support from several sources. Among those with a spouse/partner (58%), 95% reported high levels of support; however, older, black, female, or lower income patients were less likely to have spouses/partners (P < .001). Patients also endorsed high support from family (88.6%), important others (82.9%), and clinicians (71.3%). Black patients were less likely than white patients to report support that was "just right" (P < .001). DISCUSSION Most patients reported high emotional support from at least 1 source. Black patients were most at risk for low support or unmet support needs. Spouse/partner support was important but only available to 58% of respondents. Patients at risk for unmet emotional support needs may benefit from additional support resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneera R Kapadia
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christine M Veenstra
- 1259 Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachel E Davis
- 2629 Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- 1259 Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arden M Morris
- 6429 S-SPIRE Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
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Neergheen VL, Topel M, Van Dyke ME, Sullivan S, Pemu PE, Gibbons GH, Vaccarino V, Quyyumi AA, Lewis TT. Neighborhood social cohesion is associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in African American women. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 76:28-36. [PMID: 30686334 PMCID: PMC6370481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social cohesion is a positive neighborhood characteristic defined by feelings of connectedness and solidarity within a community. Studies have found significant associations between social cohesion and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes. Inflammation is one potential physiological pathway linking social cohesion to CVD development, but few studies have evaluated the relationship between social cohesion and inflammatory biomarkers. Prior research has also established that race and gender can modify the effects of neighborhood features, including social cohesion, on CVD risk factors and outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between social cohesion and the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a cohort of African American and White women and men. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the Morehouse and Emory Team Up to Eliminate Health Disparities (META-Health) Study were used to assess the association between social cohesion and inflammation among African American (n = 203) and White (n = 176) adults from the Atlanta metropolitan area. Social cohesion was measured using the social cohesion subscale from the Neighborhood Health Questionnaire. Inflammatory biomarkers were measured from plasma frozen at -70 °C. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted, controlling for demographic, clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial factors sequentially. Interaction by race and gender was also examined. RESULTS In models adjusted for age, race, gender, and education, social cohesion was significantly associated with lower levels of IL-6 (β = -0.06, p = 0.03). There was a significant race × social cohesion interaction (p = 0.04), and a marginally significant gender × race × social cohesion interaction (p = 0.09). In race-stratified models controlling for age, gender, and education, social cohesion was associated with lower IL-6 levels in African Americans (β = -0.11, p = 0.01), but not Whites (β = 0.01, p = 0.91). In fully adjusted race- and gender-stratified models, social cohesion was associated with lower levels of IL-6 in African American women only (β = -0.15, p = 0.003). CRP was not associated with social cohesion in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSION The association between social cohesion and lower levels of IL-6 is modified by gender and race, with the strongest association emerging for African American women. Although the pathways through which social cohesion impacts inflammation remain unclear, it is possible that for African American women social cohesion manifests through neighborhood networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L Neergheen
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthew Topel
- Division of Cardiology, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Miriam E Van Dyke
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Samaah Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Gary H Gibbons
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Division of Cardiology, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Arshed A Quyyumi
- Division of Cardiology, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Hank K, Cavrini G, Di Gessa G, Tomassini C. What do we know about grandparents? Insights from current quantitative data and identification of future data needs. Eur J Ageing 2018; 15:225-235. [PMID: 30310370 PMCID: PMC6156728 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-018-0468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Against the background of a 'new wave' of empirical studies investigating various aspects of grandparenthood across a broad range of regional contexts, this article aims to take stock of what has been achieved so far and which lessons we can learn from this for the future. Our focus is on the measurement of grandparenthood and grandparenting in quantitative social surveys and the implications this has for the substantive questions we can ask and the answers we can get out of such data. For several broader questions-who is a grandparent and when does this transition happen; what does it mean to be a grandparent; and what are the implications of grandparenthood for families?-we review previous questionnaire items from a variety of surveys as well as studies in which they were used. We identify relevant issues related to these questions which cannot be adequately addressed with currently available data, but should be considered in new or ongoing survey projects. The answers provided by recent studies as well as the many still open questions identified here indicate excellent prospects for scholarship on grandparents in the years to come.
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Abstract
Demographic and social trends lead to a variety of micro-level and internal structural contexts that influence caregiving in families with older members. The results of macro-level changes have received little focused attention in the aging literature, where much of the caregiving research has addressed issues within the context of traditional family structure. Yet the conventional nuclear family model is increasingly uncommon as new, pluralistic models of family life are emerging in contemporary society. The majority of elder care is provided by relatives, albeit with varying patterns of involvement and responsibility across family structures. Both conventional and pluralistic families face challenges in meeting the care needs of their oldest members, leaving some older adults at risk of having unmet needs. Additional research on family risk and resilience related to the care of older relatives is warranted, particularly with respect to pluralistic models of family life.
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Abstract
Objective: This study expands upon existing narrative data concerning health care preparation by developing a multi-theme framework of plans for future care needs. Method: Inductive content analysis was conducted on 185 interviews with European American and African American older women. Results: An explanatory framework emerged of five themes, describing varied approaches to planning for future care needs: (a) Autonomous Care Planners, (b) Externally Reliant Planners, (c) Aware of Preference, (d) Wishful Thinkers, and (e) Avoidant. A distinct group included women performing only end-of-life planning. Barriers to planning included low-perceived vulnerability, financial constraints, being uninformed of needed actions, and fear of burdening. Discussion: Although the majority undertook active steps to prepare for future care needs, many missed key steps or achievement of planning goals recommended by experts. Findings may be applied to long-term care planning research by providing added, rich detail on how aging women construct their options, make choices, and address this important area for future well-being.
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Ralston PA, Cohen NL, Wickrama K(KAS, Kwag K. Social Support and Dietary Quality in Older African American Public Housing Residents. Res Aging 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/0164027511410548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the role of social support in influencing dietary quality in older African American public housing residents, specifically investigating individual (age, education, gender, marital status, and living arrangement), social support (help with meals, social network size, frequency of contact, and proximity or distance from network), and dietary factors (number of meals consumed daily, dietary quality). A random sample ( n = 80) of public housing residents age 55+ living in a Northeastern community was interviewed. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Given the limited sample size, a SEM path model was developed based on observed associations in correlation and regression analyses. Results show that number of meals, frequency of contact, and proximity significantly influenced dietary quality. However, dietary quality was indirectly influenced by education, marital status, having a housemate, and help with meals, highlighting influence of both individual and social factors.
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De La Cova C. Cultural patterns of trauma among 19th-century-born males in cadaver collections. AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2010; 112:589-606. [PMID: 21132946 DOI: 10.1111/j.1548-1433.2010.01278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Comprehending violence among bioarchaeological and historical groups is a topic of recent interest among biological anthropologists. This research examines trauma among African American and Euro-American males of low socioeconomic status born between 1825 and 1877. A total of 651 male skeletons from the Cobb, Terry, and Hamann-Todd anatomical collections were macroscopically evaluated for skeletal trauma, based on the presence of fractures and weapon-related wounds, and statistically analyzed according to ancestry, birth (Antebellum, Civil War, Reconstruction), combined ancestry - birth, and collection cohorts. Results indicated that African Americans and Euro-Americans expressed ethnic differences in regard to interpersonal violence. To interpret these disparities, documentary data were used to reconstruct the socioeconomic and cultural environment of these individuals. This research emphasizes the importance of evaluating skeletal data within the context of class, culture, and environment so that behavioral patterns observed in the skeleton can be better understood.
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Jordan-Marsh M, Harden JT. Fictive Kin: Friends as Family Supporting Older Adults as They Age. J Gerontol Nurs 2005; 31:24-31; quiz 58-9. [PMID: 15756983 DOI: 10.3928/0098-9134-20050201-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Assessing social support or social capital is receiving renewed attention in health care. A search of the nursing literature revealed limited attention to a potential resource in the care of older adults--fictive kin. Transdisciplinary searches indicated that "fictive kin" or "chosen kin" are increasingly important as family size shrinks and older adults live longer lives. Fictive kin are common across cultural groups and some have designated special names for these quasi-family members. The purpose of this article is to advance the concept of fictive kin as a resource for older adults and to provide strategies to promote engagement of fictive kin in health care planning by nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryalice Jordan-Marsh
- University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
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Chang HJ, Mehta PS, Rosenberg A, Scrimshaw SC. Concerns of patients actively contemplating total knee replacement: differences by race and gender. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 51:117-23. [PMID: 14872464 DOI: 10.1002/art.20073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine differences by race/ethnicity and gender in patients' concerns regarding total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS Focus groups of patients actively considering TKR were conducted. Discussion included patients' questions and concerns regarding TKR. The software ATLAS.ti was used to tabulate themes by race/ethnicity and gender. Concerns raised by focus group participants were compared with thematic content from patient joint replacement information materials. This comparison used patient literature from 3 high-volume academic TKR centers, the Arthritis Foundation, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. RESULTS All groups shared similar concerns. However, some issues were more prevalent among certain gender and racial groups. For instance, concerns regarding anesthesia were more important to white Americans and concerns regarding recovery were more important to women. Some of these concerns were not addressed in the available patient literature. CONCLUSIONS Different gender and racial subgroups focus on different concerns when considering TKR. These differences may contribute to gender and race/ethnicity disparity seen in TKR use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan J Chang
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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