Family Structure

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Family Structure

• EDCI 331
• September 1, 2003

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Todays objectives

• Definition of family
• Responsibilities of families
• Changes in families
• Our role in working with and supporting families

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What is a family?

• US Bureau of Census (2000)
• 2 or more persons related by birth, marriage, or
  adoption who reside in the same household.

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What is the purpose of the family?

• Protect children from danger
• Prepare children for society

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What is a typical family?

• Thomas (1992)
• any group of people who are related legally or
  by blood, or who are perceived to be family by an
  individual (p. 36).

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What is a typical family?

• How have families changed over the last 50 years?

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Changes in families

• Spendable income
• Ethnic, racial, and cultural background
• Structure
• Individual familial differences

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Spendable income

• 21 of US children live in poverty
• What are some of the implications for us as
  professionals?

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Ethnic, racial, and cultural background

• Demographics of teachers
• 31 of US children are of color
• Changing immigration patterns

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Ethnic, racial, and cultural background

• Increased cultural diversity
• Increased religious diversity
• Implications for us???

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Structure

• Married parents
• Unmarried parents
• Blended families
• Gay/lesbian parents
• Increasing age of parents

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What are some risk factors for families?

• Many children
• Close spacing of children
• Divorce/remarriage
• Single parents
• Very young parents
• Geographical isolation

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What are some risk factors for families?

• Health problems
• Poverty
• Family violence
• Substance abuse
• Disabilities

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What are some risk factors for families?

• What about cultural diversity?
• When would cultural diversity become a risk
  factor?

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How do the changes in family structure impact
teachers?
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Activity

• On a post-it write down two questions or concerns
  you have about working with diverse families.
• Share your concerns with your partner.

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Assignment 5 points

• Define culture, race, ethnic, diversity
• Find the statistics for SC
• Children living in poverty
• Racial/ethnic make-up
• Be ready to discuss