Relationship between the social networks and the family dynamics of low-income working women

Abstract

This article presents the results of research conducted on social networks and family dynamics of poor women in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. The social networks that develop among working women living in the city's poor neighborhoods are identified within a survival-needs perspective. Additionally, the relationships that develop from such family dynamics are also analyzed. The study was conducted within a single-group ex post facto design, with 200 families of working women from impoverished neighborhoods. These families were studied using structured interviews, that allowed for descriptive analysis of the collected data to identify the social networks and the family dynamics. The relationships that were found between these two variables are discussed. The research findings clearly suggest the usefulness of social networks as an alternative means for social exchange, and within family interactions such as parent–child communication, the exercise of parental authority, affective relationship, and dealing with family conflicts. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.