Abstract
The many stressors brought on by poverty, as described in the chapters of this book, require coping mechanisms. The literature on coping is very large, and makes many distinctions-between passive and active coping; between blunting and monitoring; and between structural and functional social support. Social support supplies one of the broadest categories of coping options. Friends, family, and other sources of support can provide tangible resources, comforting emotional presence, and a feeling of “safety in numbers.” This chapter describes sources of support from entities external to the social network and within it-but also describes social relationships that can become additional sources of stress and pain when those relationships are dysfunctional. Some participants also described social isolation, to avoid danger or as a reaction to trauma and grief. Women, in addition to needing social support, are substantial suppliers of it-for their children, partners, friends, and other family. The receipt of additional support, from participation in clubs, churches, and after-school care for children, was perceived as a virtual lifesaver. Events like neighborhood cookouts were seen as enhancing community cohesion. In addition to all of these complex facets of human relationships, the chapter ends by proposing policy solutions such as programs designed to bridge community organization, services focused on family strengthening, and programs focused on developing coping mechanisms.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Poverty in the United States |
Subtitle of host publication | Women's Voices |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 113-132 |
Number of pages | 20 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783319438337 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783319438313 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences
- General Medicine