Document Type
Dissertation - University Access Only
Award Date
2005
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Sociology and Rural Studies
Abstract
This study examined resilience of rural, low-income American Indian families to provide a basis for comparison with other rural low-income families. A protocol used in the Rural Families Speak project was employed. Three research questions were investigated: (a) What are the risk factors experienced by rural low-income American Indian families? (b) What are the protective factors experienced by rural low-income American Indian families? (c) What structural, functional or systemic factors distinguish more resilient American Indian families from less resilient American Indian families? Interviews were conducted with a sample of 23 American Indian families in a rural Midwestern reservation community. Fourteen risk factors were identified; two of them were found to be distinct of rural low-income American Indian families: impact of drugs and alcohol, and stigma and discrimination. Eleven protective factors were identified; two of them were distinctive to rural low-income American Indian families: tribal assistance, and cultural pride and traditions. Five different types of solidarity were explored: (a) structural, (b) associational, (c) supportive, (d) normative, and (e) economic. Structural solidarity was found to have the greatest impact on perceived family resiliency, explaining 30% of variation.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Indians of North America -- Social conditions
Indians of North America -- Psychology
Rural families -- Social conditions
Rural poor -- Social conditions
Resilience (Personality trait)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
168
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Wek-Visker, Tricia, "Rural American Indian Families and Resiliency" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1226.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1226