Social Isolation: The Quieter Side of Violence
This study examines a specific aspect of structural violence: the role of poor neighborhoods in creating social isolation, and its relationship to substance abuse. Neighborhoods indirectly shape one's social resources because place of residence is the potential source of an informal network of people who provide everyday life-sustaining products and services. Poor residents, more so than non-poor people, rely on their neighborhoods for its material as well as social resources (Logan & Molotch, 1987). Lacking social resources can worsen one's life conditions and increase stress. Having limited and often depleted social networks leaves one further isolated and disconnected economically and socially. Recent welfare changes may also prompt residential instability including eviction and homelessness increasing social isolation. The ramifications of social isolation are severe and may precipitate drug use and perpetuate drug abuse. In this study, we found that individuals from poor neighborhoods belonged to one of the following type of socially isolating networks: (a) absent networks (having no or 1 member for support); (b) depleted networks (few effective members); and (c) illicit networks (social contact through criminal activities such as drug dealing and prostitution). These networks were associated with different aspects of substance use. Having absent and depleted networks were associated with more severe drug use, whereas having illicit networks were associated with continued drug use. The role of neighborhoods in fostering violence, isolation, and drug abuse are discussed within the context of welfare reform. Some policy recommendations will be offered.
See www.casaworks.orgLearning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will be able to describe the role of neighborhoods in creating social isolation, and the role of social isolation in fostering violence.
Keywords: Violence, Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.