Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

A Pilot Study on The Divine Link: Considering the Relationship Between the Church and Economic Outcomes in African Americans

Version 1 : Received: 3 May 2023 / Approved: 4 May 2023 / Online: 4 May 2023 (05:45:31 CEST)

How to cite: Lawton, C. D. A Pilot Study on The Divine Link: Considering the Relationship Between the Church and Economic Outcomes in African Americans. Preprints 2023, 2023050201. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.0201.v1 Lawton, C. D. A Pilot Study on The Divine Link: Considering the Relationship Between the Church and Economic Outcomes in African Americans. Preprints 2023, 2023050201. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.0201.v1

Abstract

The closure of Black churches raises concerns about the socioeconomic impact on African American communities. This pilot study uses Social Capital theory to highlight the relationship between the Black church and socioeconomic outcomes within the community. Based on survey responses from approximately 60% of African American participants, it was revealed that religious communities have a positive impact on their socioeconomic status. These findings have reinforced the strong connection between faith and success, noting that active involvement in religious services or activities could lead to higher annual incomes. Individuals who earned a higher income also reported more frequent participation in weekly religious services and activities. Furthermore, a chi-square test of independence showed a significant relationship between the frequency of religious participation and the likelihood of receiving a scholarship or grant funding from religious organizations. Therefore, the study provides evidence highlighting the church's critical role in fostering positive economic outcomes and social networks within African American communities. These findings provide a framework for additional research in this field to explore further the impact of religious communities on various aspects of African American life.

Keywords

church closures; gentrification; socioeconomic outcomes; social capital theory; faith and African Americans; poverty gap; scholarship and grant funding

Subject

Social Sciences, Religion

Comments (0)

Comment 1
Received: 14 June 2023
Commenter: Vladimir Vertus
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: I have some questions about the article ?

1. Do you think if African American church take more responsibility on teach how to manage your wealth do you think more of the African American will be wealthy?

2. Do you think if the church community united more there will be a better us in from the white premises?

3. What do you think church community African American should to help more?
+ Respond to this comment

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