The Impact of Extended Family Variables Upon the Upward Mobility of Black Families, Final Report / Harriette Pipes McAdoo.

The internal factors found to be supportive of family stability and mobility in 178 black middle income families in urban and suburban mid-Atlantic areas were examined in this study. The following variables were studied: (1) mobility patterns over three generations, (2) family structure, (3) kinship help network, (4) decision making patterns in the family, (5) the level of satisfaction with present family situation, and (6) preferred family support programs. To test the impact of these family factors during mobility, parents who were already middle income were selected as the target group. Parents were selected from a mid-Atlantic metropolitan center. One half was from the District of Columbia. The other half was from the nearby suburban town of Columbia. To obtain the data on 178 family units, 305 parents were interviewed, 174 mothers and 131 fathers. The measurement instrument used provided data on basic background information, extended family and kin help, educational and occupational mobility over four generations, family structure, and parental decision making. As a result of this study, four mobility patterns based on education were found over three generations. Parents valued education highly, were protective of children, had egalitarian relationships, and were actively maintaining their ethnic identity. Parents who were under moderate stress, felt impacted by discrimination and indicated a strong need for counseling and supportive services sensitive to their unique needs. (Author/AM)

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