Dr. Zack Simoni’s recent research paper exploring social class disparities in Alzheimer’s care has been accepted for publication in Sociological Spectrum. Photo by Angela Foster.
Dr. Zack Simoni, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is exploring how social class shapes the experiences of family members caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
His recent research paper, “Social class and informal caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s disease: the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital,” has been accepted for publication in Sociological Spectrum—the official journal of the Mid-South Sociological Association. The article delves into the disparities between wealthier and less affluent caregivers, highlighting the significant role that economic resources and social networks play in managing the burdens of caregiving.
Simoni said the study’s findings have significant implications for the future of Alzheimer’s care, particularly as the American population continues to age and the number of people living with the disease increases.
“The biggest takeaway from my research is the need for more support for caregivers,” Simoni explained. “Whether it’s through access to home health aides, better communication with health care providers, or simply more information about available resources, there’s a clear need for a more equitable approach to caregiving.
“The number of people caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s is likely to increase. Thus, the need for equitable approaches towards long-term care for Alzheimer’s disease patients is paramount.”
Specializing in the sociology of health and illness, Simoni said his work is focused on how cultural and social structural issues impact health outcomes and access to health care. His latest study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, involved gathering data from a diverse group of caregivers ranging in age from 18 to 78.
Simoni explained that he collected both qualitative stories and quantitative data on factors such as social class, race and other demographics. The approach allowed him to capture a broad spectrum of caregiving experiences, providing a comprehensive view of how social class influences the challenges and strategies employed by caregivers.
“Wealthier caregivers had more resources at their disposal,” said Simoni, who joined the UTC faculty in 2019 after holding academic positions at the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Northern Illinois University.
“They were able to draw on their economic resources, which makes a lot of sense, but they also seem to have higher amounts of what we call ‘cultural health capital’—the knowledge and experience in terms of navigating the health care system.”
He said this allowed them to navigate medical environments with greater ease, fostering stronger relationships with doctors and health care providers. These caregivers were more adept at understanding medical terminology, asking pertinent questions and advocating for the needs of their loved ones.
“In the literature, the term is ‘habitus,’” Simoni said. “It’s the idea that certain social classes develop a way of being, or a set of habits and dispositions, that are valuable within specific fields, like health care. The upper-class caregivers in my study had this habitus—they knew the language to use, they knew how to get what their family members needed, and they felt more at ease in these settings.”
However, Simoni said the study also highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of lower-income caregivers who faced significantly more challenges in accessing resources.
Lacking the financial means to easily navigate the health care system, these caregivers turned to their social networks for support. Friends, family and community members played a critical role in helping them manage the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving, providing emotional support, practical assistance and financial aid when necessary.
“Lower-income caregivers didn’t have the same level of economic resources, but they were incredibly resourceful,” Simoni explained. “They used their social capital—relationships within their communities—to get the help they needed. This was in contrast to wealthier caregivers, who didn’t rely as much on these social networks.”
Simoni’s research also uncovered a significant disconnect between lower-income caregivers and the health care system. Many of these caregivers reported feeling uncomfortable and even disrespected during interactions with medical professionals. This discomfort often stemmed from a lack of familiarity with medical environments—as well as negative past experiences.
“I was surprised by the level of distrust and discomfort that lower-income caregivers expressed,” Simoni said. “Many of them felt that their concerns weren’t taken seriously by doctors and specialists. They just felt like they were disrespected.”
Simoni’s interest in this field is both professional and personal. While earning his master’s degree, he spent his summers as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), providing care in both private homes and nursing facilities. His firsthand experience with caregiving, particularly within the context of social class disparities, fueled his passion for researching these issues.
“I’ve seen the impact of social class on health care from the ground up,” Simoni said. “That experience drives my research and reinforces the importance of understanding these dynamics as our society ages and the number of Alzheimer’s caregivers increases.”
Learn more
Dr. Zack Simoni teaches his Sociology of Mental Disorder class on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.
