Initial Validation of the Family Cultural Wealth Survey: Relation with Racial Discrimination and Well-being for Black Families

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to empirically validate the Family Cultural Wealth Survey (FCWS) by centering Black families with young children by (1) understanding the factor structure of the FCWS; (2) examining differences by income, family structure, and parental education; and (3) exploring the validity of the tool by examining its association with parental experiences of racial discrimination and parent and child well-being. 117 socioeconomically diverse Black families with young children with an average age of 36 years were surveyed: 46% were 200% below the federal poverty level (FPL) and 21% above the 400% FPL, 47% had a B.A. degree or higher, and 75% were in two-parent households. Exploratory factor analyses, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed and confirmed five factors: knowledge and access to resources, supportive network and optimism for challenges, culturally sustaining traditions and practices, spiritual promoting practices, and diverse communication and connection channels. While some differences were found based on income and parental education, there were no differences by family structure. Validation analyses indicated that family cultural wealth was associated with parental experiences of discrimination and parent emotional distress but not child behavioral problems. These findings suggest that the FCWS has adequate psychometrics, making it a potential tool for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers as they ensure that programs and strategies leverage the assets of racially marginalized families.