A Differential Analysis of Factors that Contribute to Kin Support among Employed African Americans

The study is an analysis of factors that contribute to kin support and family bonds among a sample of employed African Americans (N=188). The secondary analysis examined differential levels of kin support for female and male respondents, and assessed the comparative influence of other variables, including income level, education level, religious bonds, and family bonds. Findings pointed out that there was a clear contrast between genders in relation to strength of kin support. Female respondents demonstrated higher levels of support for close relatives (m=1.58, SD=.62), as well as stronger family bonds (F(4,153)=4.080, p<.005, R [squared] of .096), based on frequency of contact, proximity of relatives, and so forth. Implications are discussed in relation to social work family intervention in an era of widespread public reductions in income maintenance programs such as Temporary Aid to Needy Families.