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OCR for page 105
A SUMMARY OF A STUDY OF SOME PERSONALITY FACTORS
IN BLOCK LEADERS IN LOW INCOME GROUPS *
This study was made in Detroit, with the assistance of graduate students
in the School of Public Affairs arid Social Work at Wayne University, and
the cooperation of the Detroit Victory Aid Council. The material was
analyzed by Mrs. Eva Shippee of the Committee on Food Habits.
The study alas undertaken for the Committee on Food Habits to discover
some of the personality factors which influence the success of the block
leader, on whom the success of the nutrition program depends, and to evalu-
ate some of the problems which confront her. Sixty-one block leaders were
interviewed and classified, on the basis of the methods they used, into: ~ ~ the
"good" group, who distributed and explained the materials, enjoyed the in-
terpersonal relationships of their work, and secured the maximum coopera-
tion of their neighbors; 2) the "medium" group, who only distributed the
material, and were discouraged by the obstacles, using them as excuses for
not doing more; 3) the "poor" group, who had no personal contacts with
their neighbors in their work but left the leaflets on door-steps or in mail-
boxes, or hired children to distribute them in this manner; 4) the "O"
group, who had not participated in ally campaign. It is especially significant
that the difficulties are practically the since for each group, whereas attitudes
vary from optimism and acceptance of the challenge, to complete discourage-
ment and immediate seizure upon any difficulty as excuse for doing nothing
further.
More of those in the "good" group than in any other volunteered for the
work, had attended training meetings, were active in other organizations, en-
joyed personal contacts with their neighbors, and had pleasant relationships
with them. A positive relationship between self-confidence and an outgoing
attitude was observed.
On the basis of these findings, the need for an effective administrative
organization was stressed. It was recommended: ~) that duplication in as-
signment be avoided because of both its obvious inefficiency and its dis-
couraging effect on the workers; ~ ~ that publicity be given block leaders
to insure their favorable reception; and 3) that not too much material be given
the worker at one time.
If possible, only those who volunteer for the work should be used; the
program and the activities should be carefully explained beforehand; the age
of the volunteer's children, attitude toward work and people, motives for be-
coming a block leader, and personality traits should be considered; and an
attempt made to use only women who fit into their neighborhoods from the
* See "Publications of the Committee on Food Habits" on page ~73 of this report.
Boa
OCR for page 106
o6
The Problem of Changing Food Habits
point of view of social class and background. In the training, the need for
personal contacts should be made clear, and expected difficulties and ob-
stacles with recommendations for treatment should be discussed. The block
leaders should know what their function is, understand its interpersonal char-
acter, and share experiences in the training group. Each campaign should be
planned in advance to fit the particular needs of the community and here
block leaders should be encouraged to contribute suggestions.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
personal contacts
