Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Leadership Studies
Committee Chair
Dr. Paula Lichiello
Committee Member
Dr. Owen Cardwell
Committee Member
Dr. Andrew Bruce
Abstract
Various family structures within the African-American community can have lasting effects on childhood experiences and adult socio-economic outcomes. Research has shown that African-American children from two-parent households usually have access to greater educational and financial resources. This study aimed to discover a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of African-American adults. A phenomenological study was used to determine the relationship between family structures and African-American adult decision making in the city of Lynchburg, VA.
Based on a review of the literature on the relationship between single-parent households and two-parent households, focus groups were conducted to discover the perception of academic success, financial stability, and marital status for African-American adults. The findings suggest that continuous parental involvement was associated with positive socio-economic outcomes for children maturing into adulthood. Definite recommendations were made for future studies that could benefit the African-American community moving forward.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Dee, "Measuring the Impact of Family Structure on African-American Adults" (2023). Graduate Dissertations and Theses. 56.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/etd/56