For migrant workers, community cooperation builds on individual strengths
UW Assistant Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Alfonso Morales has completed a study that focuses on community development and cooperation. The study used a framework that encouraged families to help each other with work that could contribute to health such as repairing screens, providing childcare or transportation. For each hour worked, an individual earned “social currency” that could be used for health-related expenses. The community would congregate every two weeks for dinner and to portion cash, which came from a $16,000 grant obtained by Morales.
Outcomes
The study ended before any concrete health benefits could be found. However, the families involved were able to pay off health-related debt and continued to meet six months after the study had ended. The social currency approach provides preventative measures against emergency room visits as well as increasing health-related expenditures.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Alfonso Morales
Assistant Professor
- Department/Unit
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning
- School or College
- College of Letters & Science