Ethnic and Social Class Differences in Role Strain and Mechanisms of Adjustment

Adrian, Patricia Wood

Dissertation comparing the ways in which working- and lower-class Franco American and Italian American women deal with social and psychological stresses. Comparisons of the interpersonal behaviors of "housewives" within each social group, measured in data collected through survey and personal interview. The effects on individuals of changes in social environment. Brief historical background of the two Rhode Island cities from which data was collected, as well as of the two immigrant, ethnic communities in question. Pays close attention to how differing social status, economic class distinction, educational achievement, family size, religious affiliation, etc., factor into personal behaviors. Contains a brief overview of literature on the sociology of mental health and the influences of class and culture on one's orientation toward communicating stress or mental illness. From the author: "This study is concerned with the mental health of selected subgroups, namely ethnic and social class....This study is specifically interested in the amount and kinds of role strain reportedly felt by the members of these two subgroups..." (3).

Washington, D.C.

1970

en

Thesis

61751321;6635333

1970; Providence and Woonsocket, Rhode Island