Problem‐solving, resource utilization, and community involvement in a black and a white community

This study examines differences in use of resource networks and experience of community life as a function of racial composition of community and individuals" roles in the formal service system. Interviews were conducted with service providers and civically active and inactive residents (n = 102). Members of the black community reportedfewer community strengths, more service-related community deficits, and a greater reliance on informal resource networks than members of the white community. However, there were no significant differences between members of the towns in community satisfaction. Service providers and civically active citizens reported more community strengths, deficits, problem-solving alternatives, and satisfaction than did civically inactive citizens. A positive relationship between problem-solving style, access to resource networks, and experience