Theories of social exchange have generally ignored the effect of neighborhood contexts on the ways in which help is informally given and received among individuals. This paper examines the relative influence of racial composition and socio-economic disadvantage of neighborhoods on reciprocity within non-kin networks. Using data from the National (US) Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), the findings refute hypotheses that predict neighborhood racial composition has an effect on practical helping among unrelated individuals. Neighborhood deprivation is found to exacerbate the exclusion of poorer individuals from informal helping; it also makes it harder for residents to reciprocate when they do participate in helping activities. The face-to-face nature of practical helping adds a layer of vulnerability to neighborhood conditions for enacting support.
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