2018 Volume 22 Issue 1

Guest Editors: Sheila Mammen & Yoshie Sano

This special issue of the Family Science Review is a compilation of five papers representing 20 years of an accumulated body of knowledge on the lives of rural, low-income families. The papers focus on various aspects of their everyday experiences including economic security, family well-being, food insecurity, and health issues, as well as on rural diversity with special emphasis on Latina families.

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Sheila Mammen, Ann A. Berry, Carolyn Bird and Kelly D. Chandler

ABSTRACT: Rural, low-income families face a multitude of challenges in their quest for economic security. This paper presents the major findings from two studies, Rural Families Speak and Rural Families Speak about Health, that highlight factors that contribute to the economic well-being of these families. These factors included employment challenges as well as the role of various types of support, such as public assistance programs, social and family networks, resource management skills, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Policymakers should pay special attention to income needs of vulnerable families in the context of unique challenges of living in rural areas. Economically secure rural families are better prepared to play important roles in the viability and vitality of their communities. Policy implications and recommendations to improve families’ economic well-being are provided with this perspective in mind.

Yoshie Sano, Sheila Mammen and Brittney Oliver

ABSTRACT:

Compared to the general population, the rate of food insecurity is much higher among rural, low-income families. This paper summarizes 20 years of research findings on the food insecurity of marginalized rural families in three specific areas: (a) family food practice and management, (b) food insecurity and health outcomes, and (c) formal and informal supports and food insecurity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the causes and consequences of food insecurity are complex and are embedded in various contextual factors that rural families face. This paper discusses the importance of building multi-disciplinary, multi level programs (i.e., individual, family, and community) and policies to reduce food insecurity. These programs and policies would ultimately promote the health and well-being of rural low-income families.

Lenna L. Ontai, Melissa A. Barnett, Suzanne Smith, Joe D. Wilmoth and Loriena Yancura

ABSTRACT: Family well-being is a multifaceted construct that includes family health, self-sufficiency and resiliency. It is, however, vulnerable to various social constraints that include poverty. Rural low-income families face considerable risks when trying to achieve and maintain family well-being. Based on findings from the Rural Families Speak (RFS) and Rural Families Speak about Health (RFSH) studies, this paper presents factors that promote and/or hinder family well-being in the areas of work-family balance, informal childcare support, family relationship, social support, and family routines and rituals. Overall, the findings point to the importance of programs and policies that recognize and strengthen multigenerational and extended family networks, as well as mothers’ sense of parenting efficacy as critical elements for family well-being.

Patricia H. Dyk, Heidi Radunovich and Yoshie Sano

ABSTRACT: In order to address rural health disparities, the Rural Families Speak (RFS) and Rural Families Speak about Health (RFSH) projects examined the health challenges faced by rural, low-income families. This article highlights findings about their physical health, mental health, health communication, and access to healthcare. Results reveal that families face physical and mental health challenges that reflect the more general trends present in rural, low income communities. The many stressors associated with being poor and living in a rural location contribute to greater vulnerability to physical and mental health issues such as obesity and, in particular, depressive symptoms. Accessing health care is more challenging, and available resources that can serve in a protective role, such as employment options and transportation, are harder to obtain in rural areas. Recommendations are provided to inform the health policy context and guide practitioners seeking to address health challenges faced by low-income rural families.

Doris I. Cancel-Tirado, Kimberly Greder and Bradford B. Wiles

ABSTRACT: The face of rural America is rapidly changing as rural communities become home to growing numbers of racial and ethnic minorities, especially Latina/o families. While Latinas/os are important to the vitality and productivity of rural communities, they experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, and additional challenges such as lack of proficiency in English, documentation status, and discrimination, compared to the general population. This paper presents 20 years of findings on the well-being of Latina/o families in rural America from the multi-state USDA Hatch funded projects, Rural Families Speak (NC 223/NC 1011) and Rural Families Speak about Health (NC 1171). Findings are organized by an adapted Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model that includes inner (e.g., individual, family) and outer layer systems (e.g., access to public assistance and healthcare, culture, social support, working conditions). There is discussion of implications for policies and programs affecting Latina/o families.