SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS OF DISPLACED HOMEMAKERS

by

Karen A. Myers Bernier

An Abstract

Of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Anthropology in the University of South Florida

August, 1983

Major Professor: Alvin W. Wolfe

During the first quarter of 1980 I did my internship, as an applied anthropology intern with the Women's Survival Center of Tampa, Florida. This internship studied the social support networks of Women's Survival Center clients. These clients are displaced homemakers. In doing this internship I had the expectation that I might be able to recommend to the center some ways of improving their programming relevant to such support.

Research used the subjective social network model and conversations with key informants. Clients gave information about themselves by completing a social support network assessment instrument which I designed.

This research supported the idea that the social support networks of the displaced homemaker do change after the dissolution of her marital ties. A second finding was that this change is a negative one.

My internship and the research involved enabled me to make several recommendations to the Women's Survival Center. Recommendations fall into two distinct categories, research and interpersonal resources.

It is recommended that research be ongoing and continuous and a research network developed. Network research should be done in conjunction with psychological research and uninterrupted.

Twenty-three of the twenty-six clients perceived some deficiency in one or more types of interpersonal resources to meet their needs. To help alleviate this deficiency it is recommended that emotional support be given to clients while introducing them to other programs and groups concerned with the plight of the displaced homemaker. The center should institute barter, trade and exchange between clients as well as investigating the start of a food co-op. Small group social activities of an unusual or exciting nature should be initiated. It is further recommended that as long range goals the Women's Survival Center should devise social support networks and help encourage community participation through informational and skill training programs.