Mutual Aid Networks as Catalysts for Social Change in Post-Industrial Pittsburgh
Open Access
Author:
Simon, Mallory
Area of Honors:
Anthropology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Jacob Holland-Lulewicz, Thesis Supervisor Laurel Nichole Pearson, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
social welfare anthropology social support
Abstract:
This thesis explores the nature of social welfare, focusing on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a microcosm of broader post-industrial challenges and transformations. While informal social welfare networks served as a prominent means of community assistance for most of human history, modern post-industrial societies now rely almost entirely on government welfare structures. This research investigates how these formalized social support mechanisms have evolved in response to industrialization, urbanization, and societal changes. It assesses the consequences of formalized welfare systems, exploring how they have disrupted traditional communal bonds and perpetuated societal disparities. Pittsburgh's historical and contemporary struggles, particularly in neighborhoods like the Hill District, exemplify the persistent inequalities our social welfare systems fail to resolve, and even perpetuate. Drawing on anthropological insights and spatial analysis, this thesis advocates for a reinvigorated approach to social welfare—one that champions community-centered care, mutual aid, and systemic reforms aimed at tackling the underlying causes of socioeconomic disparities. By uncovering the limitations of traditional welfare models and proposing adaptive strategies rooted in principles of equity, autonomy, and collective well-being, this research contributes to academic discourse and offers practical pathways for reimagining social support in post-industrial societies.
