A Qualitative Study on the Role of Friends and Extended Family Networks in the Lives of Married African American, African Immigrant and Caribbean Immigrant Couples

Background and Purpose

Social network ties have frequently been attributed to the resiliency among single mothers and their children. For single Black mothers, social network members actively participate in childrearing, providing support to both mother and children. It is possible that social networks provide similar support to Black married couples. However, less is known about the role of social networks in the lives of Black married couples. While quantitative analysis reveals that social networks impact Black marriages, little detailed information is available assessing how married couples characterize/describe their relationships with their friend and family networks and how these relationships may differ among Black ethnic groups.

This study seeks to elucidate quantitative findings by providing insight into the role of social networks in the lives of Black married couples, detail differences in relationships with friends versus family networks, and explore Black ethnic variations.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 47 couples who identified as Black and whose marriages had endured at least five years. At least one spouse in each couple was between the ages of 30 and 40 and all resided in the same metropolitan area. Of these couples, 20 were native Black (Born in the U.S.A.), 13 were African immigrants, and 14 Caribbean immigrant. Native Black couples were recruited from the Beginning School Study (BSS) which sought to follow lower to middle income Black and White urban children. African immigrant and Caribbean immigrant couples were recruited through a variety of methods with the majority recruited through a local Craigslist site.  A series of 60-90 minute semi-structured interviews were conducted with the couples in their homes. A semi-structured interview guide was used which highlighted many topics pertaining to marriage. Interviews were transcribed and profiles of each couple were created. A thematic analysis of the profiles were conducted using the steps suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Findings

Overall, the couples described three patterns in their relationships with friends: 1) difficulty in maintaining friendships while married, 2) friendships with single people lead to “drama” in a marriage, and 3) friendships with individuals of the same ethnic group helps to maintain morals and values within marriage and family life. With regard to family networks, four themes emerged: cohabitation (couples needing to cohabitate with family and/or vice versa), childcare, exchange of advice/emotional support, and the impact of inter-familial conflict on marriage. Ethnic differences were observed among most themes.

Conclusions and Implications

Social networks are complex and have varying impacts on marriages. While social networks comes with its share of stressors, social networks offer many benefits to married couples by helping them balance multiple role expectations, meet the demands of day-to-day life, instill moral and values, and provide emotional and social support. Therefore, it is necessary that helping professionals assist couples in learning how to reap the benefits of their social networks and minimize stressors.