Biracial or Bi-cultural Families

Paper Summary:

This paper investigates the inherent problems that exist in families characterized by parents and stepparents of a biracial union or of a union that is characterized by diversity in terms of ethnic, cultural or religious differences. It also looks at diverse households headed by lesbian or gay parents. The paper analyzes the socio-cultural theories of Roland Tharp and the 'Spheres of Influence' as proposed in the work of Dr. Joyce Epstein.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Literature Review
Intervention
Outcomes
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It is clear that it is not possible to just 'ignore' the differences that exist in hopes that they become illusory or nonexistent because these differences are real and are dynamic in the lives of these children. What has been noted in this study to be of great importance is the active participation of the parents and stepparents in the daily activities and events that take place at school because as these parents integrate themselves more fully into the community they effectively place safezones into effect for their children and at the same time present a model for other parents and other children as to the appropriate behavior in the face of the differences that exist. It is not possible that these differences will merely go away but what is possible is that the community at large will become used to the differences thereby enabling the children to fully participate in the school and community events without having a brand upon them due to these differences in racial or culture."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Whitehead, Sandra (2002) Bicultural Families: Meeting the Challenges of Raising Children with Two Cultures United Parenting Publications, November 2002. Parenthood Online available at: http://topics-az.parenthood.com/articles.html?article_id=3366
• 'Culture' (2007) Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Available online at: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/culture.
• Trumbull, E. and Pacheco, M. (nd) Leading with Diversity: Cultural Competencies for Teacher Preparation and Professional Development. Part II: Culture
• Strengthening the Family: Implications for International Development (nd) The family from a child development perspective date unknown online available at: http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu13se/uu13se06.htm
• Same-Sex Parenting: Results of Some Studies (1998) Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Online available at: http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_pare2.htm.

More papers on Biracial or Bi-cultural Families:

• Term Paper # 74752 : "Bilingual and Bi-Cultural Students"
• Research Paper # 147258 : "Classifying Native American Tribes in Cultural Families"
• Analytical Essay # 133020 : "Cultural Rights Vs. Gender Equality Rights"

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