Engaging Immigrant Religious Organizations in HIV/AIDS Education: The Role of Social Networks

Abstract

The higher rates of religious affiliation among immigrants and the expansive role of religious organizations in community life point to immigrant religious organizations' potential as an influential site for HIV/AIDS education. Using data from a study of Chinese immigrant religious organizations in New York City, this paper examines if specific forms of social capital are associated with an organization's likelihood of being involved in HIV/AIDS activities. We use survey and social network data to analyze social engagement orientation, bonding social capital and bridging social capital among church and temple members. We find religious organizations whose members value civic engagement in health issues and have more network contacts outside their immediate church or temple are more likely to engaging in non-religious issues such as HIV/AIDS. Our study highlights the importance of looking beyond religion type and religious leadership to social network structures to better assess organizational receptiveness to HIV/AIDS.