E ight of the women were employed in organizations created by North Slope governmental services or private village and regional corporations that had offices in Anchorage. Others worked in a variety of administrative support and social services or earned mo ney in craft production. The focus of the research was on households and everyday life to illuminate issues related to gender and culture. One rich and complex aspect of urban Inupiaq life is sharing. It is founded on a distinctive concept of the self and social relations which is fundamental to their definitions of what it means to be Inupiat.
Women are more involved in sharing or mutual aid networks in the city than men.
Those who have children or are older are most active, with households being the center. However, a few men are involved in mut ual aid for child care and various repair skills. Women who are in professional and managerial positions are less likely to sustain active networks than those in craft, administrative support and social service occupations. A network of three people is too small since the intensity can be burdensome with so few. It is usually too large if there are a dozen.