Title: ‘The Strength of Weak Ties’: Social Networking and Health Promotion in Philadelphia’s Black Belt, 1900-1925.

Abstract: Sociologists employ social network analysis to understand the impact of social ties on the diffusion of information, mobility opportunities and community organization. Researchers agree that social support leads to positive health outcomes. The power of community support systems on health outcomes is revealed in this study of the Whittier Centre, an early 20th century civic association, which included black community residents, white philanthropists, physicians and nurses. This paper explores the structure, membership and activities of the Whittier Centre and argues that the strength of the organization may have been due to the differences between its members not the similarities.

The Bates Center Seminar Series features scholarly papers and presentations on the history of nursing and health care and welcomes all interested individuals.