An African-American Family

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews various conflicting theories relating African-American families, such as the cultural ethnocentric model and the works of Daniel Moynihan, E. Franklin Frazier, Jualynne Dodson, Melville Herskovits and Robert H. Hill. The five strengths inherent in the African-American family as presented by Herskovits, which are kinship bonds, work orientation, adaptability of family roles, achievement orientation and religious orientation, serve as the organization for this analysis of the life of interviewee Kerry Pratt. The paper concludes that Kerry's family definitely fits the model of the strong African-American family that Hill purported.

From the Paper:

"When asked about how the family roles in regards to housework were Kerry shared that Henry has to do just as many chores as she and Sheila but he hates washing dishes. The division of the housework seems to be very similar to other families. Dad does the outside stuff and fixing things, Mom does more of the cooking and cleaning. Dad will not do dishes; cook, vacuum, or do laundry and Mom couldn't fix the car if she tried. Everyone does do their share but there are just some things that are strictly woman's work."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rhodes, Henry A., The African-American Family in Crisis, web page2005 http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1990/4/90.04.06.x.html
• Being A Good Parent http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/Being%20A%20Good%20Parent.htm
• Burton, Linda M., Dilworth-Anderson, Peggye, The Role of Extended Family Members in Minority Families, The Intergenerational Familie Roles of Aged Black Americans.". Marriage and Family Review 3;4 16: 1991 pgs 311-330 http://www2.duq.edu/familyinstitute/index.cfm?action=research

More papers on An African-American Family:

• Argumentative Essay # 98675 : "African-American Families (AFFs)"
• Essay # 34969 : "African American Family Structure"
• Essay # 89066 : "The African-American Family"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: