The Power of Giving: Social Deficits in Interracial Resource Exchange

• In Event: 519 - Section on Race, Class and Gender Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 01. Institutions at the Intersections

Abstract

Abstract: Over the past few decades, scholars have studied the impacts of multiracial congregations on social behavior, but we still lack a clear understanding of how they influence systematic racial stratification. Although the primary purpose of religious organizations is to encourage spiritual growth and develop community bonds, attendees also exchange information about jobs, personal advice, and financial support. Social exchange scholars argue that these non-sacred exchanges are embedded in organizations and are influenced by multiple social institutions. Values developed in families, schools, workplaces, and churches define the expectations of exchange relationships. Consequently, in this paper I explain how resource exchanges within a racially diverse religious organization create differential expectations of obligations and reciprocity across racial lines. I argue that people of color gave social and material resources with greater magnitude and frequency than their white counterparts and, thus experienced social deficits in resource exchange.

Author

• Christopher Munn, The Ohio State University