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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Network dilemmas. Supplements when income doesn’t cover family expenses

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AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore how families with low income experience network supplements when income does not cover the daily expenses, and to discuss how people look at this supply. The article is based on qualitative data from the Norwegian ‘Children’s level of living – study’. One child and one parent in 26 low income families were interviewed individually about their daily life. This article is based on interviews with the parents, and the analyses are inspired by grounded theory. Results: Despite a universal welfare system, people firstly turn to family and social network when they are in need. This is, however, an ambiguous experience and the informants are concerned about being able to reciprocate the help, although this can be a challenge when you are the weak part in a relation. The results are discussed in the light of social exchange theory and social capital.