African-American Families (AFFs)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that a fundamental difference between African- American and Euro-American families is that the African-American family (AFF) exists as a unit within a larger extended family, which emphasizes interdependence and communal cooperation; whereas, Euro-American families function more as an individualistic unit, isolated from other kin. The author points out that some of the inherent strengths of AFFs are deeply embedded religious and spiritual values, a willingness to absorb others into the family environment, household elasticity, internalized traditional cultural values and a strong sense of self, pride and self esteem. The paper stress that intervention programs for AFFs require more qualitative investigations of the rich diversity of the AFF way of life and more cultural competency demonstrated by therapists working with AFFs.

From the Paper:

"An issue of importance in the study of AFFs is the examination of structural and cultural explanations for the lack of African American fathers in the inner city. Canton (2005) explained how structural economic forces like globalization and de-industrialization decreased the availability of high paying manufacturing jobs, which has contributed to the experience of poverty among black males. This has led to the internalization of negative, racist stereotypes among African American males, and ultimately has resulted in these men seeing marriage and fatherhood as burdens."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bean, R.A. (2002). Developing culturally competent marriage and family therapists: treatment guidelines for non-African-American therapists working with African-American families. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 28(2), 153-64.
• Canton, D.A. (2005). Black fathers in contemporary American society: strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for change. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 52(2), 715-6.
• Dunlap, E. (2006). The severely-distressed African American family in the crack era: empowerment is not enough. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 33(1), 115-40.
• Harrison, S. (1995). Our winning ways: 10 strengths we sisters have that can help us succeed - African American women. Essence, September 1995.
• Littlejohn-Blake, S.M., Anderson Darling, C. (1993). Understanding the strengths of African American families. Journal of Black Studies, 23(4), 460-71.

More papers on African-American Families (AFFs):

• Research Paper # 4507 : "The Resiliency of African-American Families"
• Analytical Essay # 116959 : "An African-American Family"
• Essay # 18963 : "African-American Families"

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