Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Miller, Gabe

Committee Member

Hagerman, Margaret

Committee Member

Kelly, Kimberly C.

Date of Degree

8-9-2022

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Sociology

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Sociology

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the meanings and perceptions of social support and analyzes support received during and after pregnancy among Black women early parents in Mississippi. Ten online and ten in person, in-depth interviews were conducted with Black early parents in Mississippi who either had support from outside organizations like Baby University or who had not. These interviews questioned the participants' understanding and ideas about support and how they perceived their own support to evaluate how having support impacts the livelihood of Black early mothers in Mississippi and their children. Findings demonstrated that there are not real differences in outcomes among Black early parents who either received support from outside organizations or those who have not. This study highlights the empirical and theoretical importance of using social support and intersectional theories when studying outcomes of early parenting among Black women in Mississippi.

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