Race, Kin Networks, and Assistance to Mother-Headed Families

This research, using data from a nationally representative sample of black and white American mothers who are single or currently married in 1984, investigates issues relating to kin networks, childcare, and financial support to families. The analysis confirms that black mothers have better access to and are more likely than white mothers to reside with kin; their childcare more often is provided by kinfolk and is free; and more often they receive at least one-half of their income from individuals other than their husbands. The persistent advantage blacks have in support networks, taking into account their marriage and fertility histories, is due to the greater likelihood that young mothers reside with adult kin and use free childcare rather than to advantages in financial support. Almost one-third of single black mothers were not involved in support networks, however, and the network support provided insufficient access to childcare for many mothers who were involved.