Metamorphosis Research Brief: Belonging Communities

While we are all familiar with the saying "it takes a village to raise a child," researchers at USC's Metamorphosis Project want to know exactly how that works. A recently released research brief, How a Belonging Community Nurtures Families and Children, explores how a tightly knit community can positively impact parenting practices.

The brief draws a correlation between communities whose residents report a strong interconnectedness with each other, local television news, newspapers, and community organizations and parenting practices of residents in the community. In essence, the closer you are to your neighbors and local media, the better parent you are.

Taken from the L.A. County Child Health Survey, the parenting practices measured included the following: child read to on a daily basis; television (age appropriate viewing for children age 5 and younger); easy to find someone to discuss child rearing advice; easy to find child care when needed; safe park or playground that is easily accessible.    

"Parents need all the support they can get to deal with the daily challenges of raising a child, and the places in which they live can make a big difference, positive or negative," said Sandra Ball-Rokeach, professor at the USC's Annenberg School of Communications and founder of the Metamorphosis Project.

To learn more about the Metamorphosis project contact Matthew D. Matsaganis, postdoctoral research associate at (213) 740-1260 or go to http://www.metamorph.org. Click below to download the brief.

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