Surviving the downturn: The role of social capital in the financial crisis

Economic crises do not affect all groups similarly. As such, it is important to discern how the intersection of race, class and gender condition the experience and response of social groups to economic crises. Drawing on social capital theory, and utilizing data from a semi-quota sample of a major metropolitan city, this research explores the responses of different groups to the American economic downturn that began in 2007. This investigation found that certain respondents of color and those with fewer economic resources were more likely to either seek new or additional work, or reach out to friends and family, for cash or in-kind support.