A comparison of social support and social networks of black parents and white parents with chronically ill children

Characteristics of social networks and provision of support were examined for two groups of parents of chronically ill children, one group black and one group white. Black and white parents both reported similarities in the experience of parenting a child with a chronic illness. Both sets of parents relied primarily on family networks to provide much needed support. White networks were twice as large as black networks, although black parents perceived the individuals in their networks as being more supportive. For both groups, the networks were of long duration. Network members were geographically closer to blacks. White parents discussed support mostly in terms of affect. Black parents described support as instrumental actions. Differences in income levels between blacks and whites might account for differing descriptions of support. The experience of having a chronically ill child appears to override racism in the health care system. Black parents did not perceive any problems, based on race, that affected receiving medical care for their children.