Abstract This paper reviews, discusses and analyzes the impact that incarceration has on a prisoner's family and community. According to the paper, the majority of the incarcerated population are men, most of whom are fathers with families. The paper takes a look at how the families of prison inmates are left behind to pick up the pieces.
From the Paper "Mass incarceration places a tremendous strain on the extended networks of friends and family that have traditionally sustained poor African American families in difficult times, thereby weakening the communities' ability to cope and survive economic and social hardships (Roberts 2004). Although loss of family contact may be seen by many as simply part of the offender's deserved punishment, there are damaging consequences to families, social networks, and communities. According to Roberts, the "injury to social networks is also a counterbalance to claims that removing criminals may benefit their relatives by relieving the families of problems caused by the offender's antisocial behavior" (Roberts 2004). However, the type of offender has changed due to the new sentencing reforms that impose harsh prison terms for relatively minor drug offense, thereby increasing incarceration of first-time, nonviolent offenders, who most likely have valuable ties to the community networks and institutions, which means that the loss to communities is greater today in terms of the quality as well as quantity of inmates (Roberts 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses and reviews Valerie Wiener's book, "Winning the War Against Gangs: A Guide for Teens, Families, and Communities." The paper discusses Wiener's points and the ways that she presents her points in the book. It discusses the positive and negative aspects of her arguments and the presentation of her points and concludes that the problem of gangs need a better guide.
From the Paper "Gangs have serious drawbacks. Gangs often require brutal initiation rituals. They often involve young people in crime. They are pushing youngsters into violence. To a young person who feels that he (or she) has nothing and has no place in the world, however, a gang is often attractive compared to the alternative, nihilistic emptiness. Wiener does not yet have the compelling answers that she would like to provide. The teens, families, and communities seeking to deal with the problem of gangs need a better guide."
Abstract The paper provides a literature review on the effect that family and community support has on the outcomes of drug abuse treatment programs and then presents a proposal that will study the impact of family and social support on prison inmates who are attempting to successfully complete drug treatment programs. The paper explains the design of the study that will be both qualitative and quantitative in nature and will be conducted through the instrument of a survey/questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sampling of female inmates in the prison system. A survey that will be utilized in the study is included with the paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Data and Methods
From the Paper "An evaluation funded by the National Institute of Justice entitled: "An Outcome Evaluation of the Forever Free Substance Abuse Treatment Program: One-Year Post-Release Outcomes" states that women who are drug-dependent "pose a serious problem for criminal justice authorities for several reasons" as the rate of women imprisoned has grown at a rate much faster than that of men and the needs of female prisoners are different and more diverse that that of male prisoners. This is problematic because jurisdictions generally do not have treatment programs that are specifically appropriate for and designed for females in prison with drug abuse and dependence problems. Because of relapses in use of drugs the rate of women turning around and heading right back to prison are extremely high. Previous research findings suggest that drug abuse treatment in combination with family and social support is more successful than treatment in the absence of such support."
A review of two books: "The Way We Really Are: Coming to Terms with America's Changing Families" by Stephanie Coontz and "All Our Kin: Strategies for Survival in a Black Community" by Carol Stack which emphasize the position of the family in today's world
Abstract The first book "The Way We Really Are: Coming to Terms with America's Changing Families" by Stephanie Coontz presents an effective summary of the history of the family and of the state of the modern family compared to the 'traditional family' - working father, housewife mother as the norm. It discusses the breakdown of family values caused by women needing to work because of economical changes in society. The second book "All Our Kin: Strategies for Survival in a Black Community" by Carol Stack describes in detail the family units and social support systems within the community of the African-American ghetto and compares the importance of family in the ghetto with that in other communities.
From the Paper "Coontz looks at the family from a historical perspective and argues against the common notion that the modern family is in trouble. Instead, Coontz argues that it is the media that has made us expect things of families that may never have been achievable. By looking at the history of the modern family and relating this to modern life, Coontz shows that it is not the family that is in trouble, but that society has not been able to accept and support what the family really means. Coontz argues that society must accept the reality of the modern family, rather than place unachievable expectations on it."
Abstract The writer examines in personal details her views and opinions on gender and communication. The writer explores family relationships as well as the marked differences in intimate communications between friends and family members and the ins and outs of communicating via the internet. The writer of this paper finds that in researching this particular topic, nearly all gender communications bibliographic information was found to be issue specific, resulting in the writer using her own personal experiences as a main source of reference.
Topics covered in this paper include:
Introduction and Thesis
Communications Within the Family Background and Family Structure
Areas of Communications Between Genders
The Mechanics of Intimate Gender Communications Intimate Communications and Friendship
The Internet Trap
Conclusions on Intimate Communication Bibliography
From the Paper "Another area where both genders get into difficulties on the Internet using the World Wide Web are in the "romance or love or lifestyles" sections of many of the major search engines. Here they can categorize themselves as to whatever it is they are looking for and through instant messaging, e-mail or chat-rooms can actually converse with a party on the other end ostensibly searching for the same as you. Be very wary of what information one gives if the urge is overwhelming to use this form of communication for intimacy.
There have been rapes; murders, serial killings and stalking of every manner one can imagine connected with these areas."
Tags: relationship, personal, communication, family
Abstract This paper identifies the basic problem factors found in step-families as maladjustment problems for children, a lack of adequate communication, a lack of a sense of unity within the step-family, and negative cultural paradigms regarding the step-family. The author points out the Cinderella syndrome appears to be embedded in the cultural consciousness to the extent that it is harmful to the well-being of step-families, especially the children; this negative cultural paradigm can only be remedied by education. The paper stresses that communication can remedy almost all of the associated problems; children should be encouraged to communicate openly about their concerns and problems as experienced both inside and out of the home.
Table of Contents
Adjustment to Step-families The Step-family Situation
Coping Resources and Adjustment Methods
The Role of Society
Cooperation: The Perception of the Family from Within
The Role of the Parent
Conclusion
From the Paper "The first adjustment is when the original family structure changes. Unless the child is extremely young, it will be necessary to some extent to ensure that he or she has adjusted fully to the first change before imposing a new one. A child who lost a biological parent to either divorce or death should be granted a chance to mourn this loss before having to adjust to yet another new situation. Furthermore, the new family should be sensitive to adjustment and self-esteem issues that the stepchild may harbor."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that separation among military families is acknowledged as a source of stress for both the deployed family member and those members who stay at home. The writer notes that advances in communications have the ability to promote increased communication between the deployed member and their family. It is hypothesized that improved accessibility in communications is believed to reduce the stresses associated with deployment.
Abstract This paper discusses strategies that schools can use to open up the lines of communication between families and schools. The first strategy relates that schools must strive to create a common community of shared values while showing respect for each family's culture. The second strategy addresses the need to create personal connections with families through involvement strategies and the third strategy deals with the need to solve purely logistical problems, such as difficulties with transportation and the English skills of the parents. The fourth strategy suggested is that parents can be helpful in creating school-business partnerships, for example, by funding school events.
Outline:
Step 1: Create a Common Culture but Show Respect for Family's Culture
Step 2: Create Personal Connections With Families Through Involvement Strategies
Step 3: Address Logistical Concerns
Step 4: Involve the Community
From the Paper "According to Chris Ferguson of the National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools, past reviews of research studies designed to assess the needs of schools and families suggest that schools must adopt a two-pronged strategy in opening up the lines of communication between families and schools (Ferguson 2005:1 ). Schools must strive to create a common community of shared values. But schools must also incorporate the different types of input provided by administrators, parents, and teachers in defining the school's mission. Staff members must become fluent in communicating with individuals of different cultures to communicate the school's own, core message of academic community and advancement."
Abstract This paper discusses parenting guidelines for the Hispanic community in the United States. The paper explains that the success of any set of parenting guidelines for a particular ethnic group hinges on the author's ability to take on an ethnic-sensitive approach that incorporates the group's specific traditions, culture, religion, and experiences with the new and daunting culture. This paper then attempts to prove that a setting down of concrete parenting techniques (communication, conflict resolution, and the like) must take into account the specific experiences of the Hispanic community in the United States. The paper explains that, in order to prove the validity of this assertion, it is necessary to point to and elaborate on the conflicts that characterize this community. The paper also points out that these conflicts include the traumas of immigration and racism, the unique structure and role of the Hispanic family, and the Hispanic family's role in the acculturation process. The paper then reviews the relevant literature on the topic. In conclusion the paper shows that the ultimate goal of this research is to enlighten both immigrants and American born individuals to the real and perceived experiences those from other countries go through, as they attempt to raise their families in a sometimes stressful and uncomfortable climate. A revised outline for the paper is included with this document.
Outline:
Introduction: Summary of Purpose and Thesis
Racism and the Trauma of Immigration
Acculturation
The Structure and Function of the Hispanic Family Conclusion
From the Paper "The United States, with its fondness for the oft-quoted "bootstrap mentality," often discourages immigrants from dwelling on troubled pasts or inherited traumas. It is hardly shocking to read that immigrant groups (particularly those from non-European countries) encounter racism upon arrival in the United States, but Hispanics, with the large number of the immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries, experience discrimination of considerable magnitude. In their Latinos and Education, Darder, Torres, and Gutierrez argue that Hispanic students, before they even enter their first American classrooms, internalize the racism that seems to blossom in highly industrial countries."
A look at how interpersonal communication skills can be used to address the challenge of maintaining family structure that is supportive to family members.
Abstract This paper relates that the greatest challenge to familycommunication in American in this day and age is maintaining a family structure that provides sufficient support and stability for individual family members.
The paper further relates that healthy conflict free interaction maintains the family structure and provides the most effective support and stability to individuals within the family. The paper then
demonstrates a three part clinical resolution technique for interpersonal conflict that involves first drawing direct attention to the conflict, simulating role reversal and experiencing empathy, and then offering an apology.
From the Paper "Another technique is role reversal and empathy (Blatner, 2002). This is also an essential process for the committed family members: it requires imagining what it is like to be in the other person's shoes. The empathy reaction is a direct alternative to the conflict causing reaction of repeating one's own opinion or attacking the other person's position within the interpersonal conflict. Thinking about the others feelings will remove that whole level of obstacle. "
Abstract This in-depth literature review focuses on familycommunication and its consequences. The literature review provides information on research pertaining to the following areas: parent-infant communication, parent and early and middle age children communication, parent and adolescent communication, and elderly parents and children/grandchildren communication.
From the Paper "Family communication represents the way that parents and children exchange verbal and non-verbal information. Healthy family communication leads to positive family dynamics and promotes the development of ..."
This paper examines the ability of African-American families to exhibit resiliency can be understood through a consideration of their historical circumstances
Abstract This paper examines African-American history and the values that this community has, despite their history of slavery, discrimination and poverty. It examines the community's strong commitment to education, a strong work orientation, and sense of responsibility. This paper also includes a study of African-American resiliency that was developed by the author in order to find out what adversities African-Americans faced in the pursuit of their education. The results of this study were then analyzed, and compared to the findings of prior research done on the subject. The survey included questions about age; experiences of racism, or discrimination; family structure during childhood and who helped raise them; and motivating factor for staying in school.
From the paper:
"As slaves, black children were informally adopted and raised by other people in their immediate community rather than nuclear family arrangements. These extended family arrangements are still a prominent feature of contemporary African-American families and may be considered a major survival tool. The most important service provided by black kinship networks is support to single mothers, especially teen mothers. Hill's research has revealed that kin provide a wide range of support to young single mothers, often enabling them to complete their education or to obtain a job. Finally, the religious beliefs and behavior are strengths that exist among African-American families. In his research, Hill found that 82 percent of black adults said that religion was very important in their lives."
Abstract Structural Family Therapy is seen to be effective in treating dysfunctional and non-functional families by assessing their performance in relation to societal and/or community structures; that is, larger structures within which the family must function successfully. This paper explains how it is a particularly effective type of therapy in dealing with youth with drug problems, but can be used in any context. The writer tells how therapists using the structural paradigm approach families, often in familiar or household settings, as groups and groups-within-groups, and they encourage enacting and balance in structural paradigms that are based on power, joining/opposing, and roles and effective communications strategies. It points out that the model is generally attributed to Salvador Minuchin, who was most active in the mid-20th century.
From the Paper "Structural Family Therapy is most commonly associated with the innovative impact and methods of the Argentine Salvador Minuchin, who practiced as a family therapist in the mid-twentieth century and was renowned for his clinical acumen and ability to get families under his tutelage and moderation to make effective and lasting changes. Minuchin ?discovered two patterns common to troubled families: some are ?enmeshed,? chaotic and tightly interconnected, while others are ?disengaged,? isolated and seemingly unrelated? (Salvador, 1998). His method of assessing and contributing to functional families varied with the situation, and in Families and Family Therapy, the therapist set down what were to become the fundamentals of Structural Family Therapy."
Abstract This paper examines Bowen's Family-Systems Theory, also known as Bowen Theory and Bowen Natural Systems Theory, the name given to an approach to behavioral psychology for its principal theoretician, Murray Bowen. It analyzes how Bowen's theory shows that the proper way of identifying systems is in terms not of hierarchy structures but rather of networks and interpenetration, with multiple influences and cues informing individual experiences and responses. It discusses its approach to the analysis and clinical treatment of family systems, how it may be distinguished from other family theories and how it can be successfully used in a community setting by a community.
From the Paper "Bowen's approach to family systems can be distinguished from the Freudian conception of family in terms of the tension between archetypes (ego, id, superego) and the symbolic character of Oedipal dynamics in personal psychology as a proxy for the relationship of the individual's ego and id, which are always in tension, to the superego of civilization, with which both are in tension. Indeed, tension and balance of the three archetypal tendencies in human experience are always in the background of Freud's discourse."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of sociology and the family. Specifically, it discusses the potential issues facing a family that has a homosexual son. The paper discusses social issues for the family, such as condemnation from the religious and political communities, possible sanctions from the school district after complaints from parents, issues with the younger children from schoolmates and teachers and many other issues related to the community and support.
From the Paper "In conclusion, in a perfect world, the sexual orientation of a prominent person's child should not matter in the overall scheme of things. However, in our world, which is far from perfect, it is an important sociological matter to some people. If the parents are loving and supportive, their own unit will probably remain intact and even grow stronger. Outside forces could create many sociological impacts on the family, from censure to even loss of careers. In addition, the altering of values inside the family may pave the way for sociological change in the family members in the future. As sociologist Noble states, "Today most people continue to spend most of their lifetime in nuclear family relationships though they undergo continuing changes in their aspirations and expectations as the structural and demographic circumstances of their lives change" (Noble, 1998). Thus, the two young children in the family may create families of their own that differ from the makeup of their own family, and recognize the diversity of society and family members. The sociological implications of the problem are many, and the family will have to weather them to stay together and nurture each other."
