Race, Social Relations and the Life Course

Alwin, Duane F.; Thomas, Jason R.; Sherman-Wilkins, Kyler J.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-71544-5_14

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 44 publications

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“…Additionally, black and Latinx adults were found to have fewer discussion partners than whites. Smaller network sizes may be particularly damaging for the health and emotional well-being of racial/ethnic older adults due to contemporary racial inequalities that constrain social participation throughout the life course ( Alwin et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Social Isolation and Network Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Gauthier

Smith

García

et al. 2020

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

129

107

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Objectives The disruption and contraction of older adults’ social networks are among the less-discussed consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective is to provide an evidence-based commentary on racial/ethnic disparities in social network resources and draw attention to the ways in which disasters differentially impact social networks, with meaningful insight for the ongoing pandemic. Methods We draw upon prior research on social networks and past natural disasters to identify major areas of network inequality. Attention is given to how pre-pandemic racial/ethnic network disparities are exacerbated during the current crisis, with implications for physical and mental health outcomes. Results Evidence from the literature shows a robust association between strong social networks and physical and mental health outcomes. During times of crisis, access to social networks for older adults are disrupted, particularly for marginalized groups. We document pre-pandemic disparities in social networks resources and offer insight for examining the impact of COVID-19 on disrupting social networks among older adults. Discussion Importantly, racial/ethnic disparities in social networks both prior to and as a result of the pandemic intensify existing inequalities and demonstrate the necessity of better understanding social network inequalities for marginalized older adults, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis.

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Section: Social Isolation and Network Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Gauthier

Smith

García

et al. 2020

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

129

107

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 experiences predict perceived social support and social media engagement among college students in the U.S.

Watkins

Dubar

2022

Journal of American College Health

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Friendships and Emotional Well-Being in the Context of Race and Age

Fingerman

Birditt

2023

The Gerontologist

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Background and Objectives Research suggests that friendships are associated with better emotional outcomes. Still, little is known about the implications of daily friend encounters on emotional well-being in the context of race and age. Guided by the integrative conceptual framework for friendship research, this study considers racism and cultural beliefs associated with racial groups and different social and emotional goals associated with age and investigates whether frequency of friend encounters and the link between friend encounters and emotional well-being in everyday life would vary by race and age. Research Design and Methods Black (n = 80; Mage = 53.62) and White American adults (n = 89, Mage = 52.01) from the Stress and Well-being in Everyday Life study provided background and social network information, followed by ecological momentary assessment surveys in which they reported their social encounters and mood every three hours for four consecutive days. Results Multilevel linear models revealed no significant differences by race or age in the frequency of friend encounters. At times when individuals were with friends, their positive mood was elevated compared to when they were not (within-person association). Yet, this association was observed only among White adults and among Black individuals who were aged 41 or younger. Discussion and Implications This work contributes to the conceptual framework for friendship research by considering how individuals’ race and age are linked to friendship patterns. Findings highlight the importance of everyday contact with friends for enhancing momentary emotional well-being, particularly among White individuals and younger Black adults.

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Race, Social Relations and the Life Course

Cited by 4 publications

References 44 publications

Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 experiences predict perceived social support and social media engagement among college students in the U.S.

Friendships and Emotional Well-Being in the Context of Race and Age

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