DIVERSE FAMILY According to Understanding Family Diversity (1999), “Some factors that make families different from one another include ethnicity, race, culture, economics, gender roles, religiosity, and geographic regionalism.” This means that families are different from one another, but there can also be differences within the same family. Family has changed over the years, the nuclear family, consisting of father, mother, and biological children, has now changed to include step-members, half-siblings, cohabitating parents, same-sex parents, single parents, extended families living in the same house, or even ethnically or culturally different members, such as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie brood. My blood-related family and in-laws are just some examples of a diverse family. My Korean-Mexican-American family is ethnically and culturally different but still included father, mother, and biological children. Although my husband’s family is different ethnically including Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh ancestors, his family also includes two step-parents, and his brother has extended family living in one house. As I reflect on it, I consider my future children lucky to have three sets of grandparents, (four grandparents if I include my brother in-law’s in-laws, whom I am close to), and ethnically diverse since they will be Korean, Mexican, Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh.
MODEL MINORITY “Model Minority” is the stereotype that suggests that Asian Americans more successful academically, financially, and socially than other racial minority groups (Yoo, 2011). While this seems as a positive stereotype at first, both Yoo and Le (2011) dispute the stereotype. Yoo explains that while “Asian American students generally fare better than other racial minority groups in respect to grade point averages, standardized test scores, or even numbers of high school, bachelor, and advanced degrees obtained compared to other racial minorities, the model minority myth ignores the different Asian American groups who have different levels of success.” It also ignores history’s selective immigration of Asian Americans, and the complex representation of Asian Americans in the education system. Le (2011) says that statistics point to how well Asian Americans have been doing in society that they’ve overcome past instances of prejudice and discrimination and have overcome barriers to achieve the “American dream.” However, the article goes on to say that Model Minority is just a myth.
1- What is a "Diverse Family"? Please provide supporting evidence to justify your answer.
MONA:
I think that a diverse family is one that is not the “norm” of the family with one mom, one dad, and their biological children. A diverse family could include families that have many different mixes of races and ethnicities within them, because of adopted children of different ethnicities/races or because the parents are from different ethnicities/races and backgrounds. I think it could also include families with step-parents and step-children, or it could be that there is only one parent, or unmarried parents, or gay/lesbian parents. Anything that does not qualify as the “typical American family” of the 1950s I think would be considered diverse. Eeden-Moorefield & Demo, 2007, stated that: “Family diversity refers to variations along structural or demographic dimensions (e.g., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status), as well as in family processes (e.g., communication and parenting behaviors).”
Family Diversity (2005). (n.d.). The Sloan Work and Family Research Network. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/encyclopedia_entry.php?id=113
Sociology > Family Diversity. (n.d.). Sixth Sense Resources Introduction. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from http://sixthsense.osfc.ac.uk/sociology/research/family_diversity.asp
Harris, S. R. (2008). What Is Family Diversity?: Objective and Interpretive Approaches. Journal of Family Issues, 29(11), 1407-1425. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. VENUS:
My family could be seen as a diverse family since my mother is a little Asian woman from Taiwan and my dad is a tall Caucasian man from Missouri of Scottish descent. I look more like my dad while my brother took all the Asian genes after our mother. He married a woman of Mexican and Bolivian ethnic backgrounds, so their children look completely diverse. The oldest looks completely Caucasian, the second looks Bolivian, and the youngest looks like a mix of them all. My mother raised my brother and me to speak Mandarin-Chinese, while my sister-in-law raised her children to understand Spanish. A diverse family is one with culturally and linguistically diverse children who face challenges in “language, education, religion, ethnicity, family structure, occupation, geographical location, belief systems, and values” (Zhang, et al. 2003).
Zhang, C., & Bennett, T. (2003). Facilitation in meaningful participation of culturally and linguistically diverse families in the IFSP and IEP process. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18(1), 51-59. NATALIE:
A diverse family is any type of family that does not fit into the typical model of a traditional American Family. The traditional American family model is consisted of two white biological and married parents with children. The majority of American families today do not fit the classic American model of what a mainstream family should look like. An example of a diverse family would be one composed of mixed ethnic backgrounds that speak two different languages. Another example of a diverse family would be one that includes stepchildren from a previous relationship, or adopted children. Most families today, do not fit in this “traditional” family model and vary in race, ethnic origin, gender roles, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, religion, and cultural origin. The number of single-parent families, same-sex couples, and children born out of wedlock are at an increase in America. However, there is no one form of family that is superior in general.
Bengtson, V. L. (2001). Beyond the nuclear family: The increasing importance of multigenerational bonds. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 63(1): 1-16. MARLA: According to Understanding Family Diversity (1999), “Some factors that make families different from one another include ethnicity, race, culture, economics, gender roles, religiosity, and geographic regionalism.” This means that families are different from one another, but there can also be differences within the same family. Family has changed over the years, the nuclear family, consisting of father, mother, and biological children, has now changed to include step-members, half-siblings, cohabitating parents, same-sex parents, single parents, extended families living in the same house, or even ethnically or culturally different members, such as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie brood. My blood-related family and in-laws are just some examples of a diverse family. My Korean-Mexican-American family is ethnically and culturally different but still included father, mother, and biological children. Although my husband’s family is different ethnically including Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh ancestors, his family also includes two step-parents, and his brother has extended family living in one house. As I reflect on it, I consider my future children lucky to have three sets of grandparents, (four grandparents if I include my brother in-law’s in-laws, whom I am close to), and ethnically diverse since they will be Korean, Mexican, Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh.
DEBBI: I believe it is a family that is made up of unique members with different characteristics, making them different than the typical “family unit”. It’s how we as individuals differ from one another within our family. It could be race, ethnicity, whether a member of the family is adopted or has parents of the same sexual orientation. “Providing an overview of American families today is a difficult task because of diversity, not only in race and ethnicity, but also in social, geographical, and cultural backgrounds” (Darling, C. A. 2005). Having physical or mental disabilities, different religious beliefs or political views, could also be defined as diverse.
Reference: Darling, C. A., (2007) Changes and Challenges: Families in a Diverse Culture. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences v97 n1 p8-13 2005
LARA:
A "diverse family" can be viewed as one with structure outside the traditional mother, father and children roles. Adoptive families, single parent households, blended families, immigrant families, families with stay at home fathers and families with grandparents in the home, are all part of a "diverse family" structure. This "diverse family" structure has developed over generations, and have become recognized and accepted as normal family structures in our American society. Today, it is essential for educators to understand and use strategies when working with students from diverse family structures in order for the students to be successful. Educators can learn to embrace family diversity by assessing the following: 1) Recognizing and Validating Diversity in the Classroom, 2) Reaching Out to Parents and Caregivers, 3) Emphasizing the Real Meaning of Family, 4) Building a School Climate that Embraces Family, and 5) Involving Family Members in Classroom Instruction. Lastly, effective teachers respect and celebrate "family" in all of its many forms. Reference: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. (2005). Diverse Family Structures. Retrieved from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/weeklytips.phtml/232
LAURYN:
To me a diverse family is a family that can consist of different cultural backgrounds, morals, and family lifestyles. Personally growing up I viewed myself as being diverse compared to my friends families because I saw my family not "fitting" in with theirs. When I was younger I had this view of a family having a mom and a dad and usually 2 children who all looked the same, now this view has completely changed. A family unit can have grandparents raising their grandchildren, a family with adoptive children, families with different races, and families that celebrate holidays differently. Being diverse you are able to bring different knowledge and your own input on situations compared to someone else and it can be a really great thing to share and celebrate what made you who you are today.
Heard, H. E. (2007). Fathers, mothers, and family structure: Family trajectories, parent gender, and adolescent schooling. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 435 – 450
KELLY:
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of the word diverse is “differing from one another” and/or “composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities”. Keeping this particular course in mind: "Multicultural children, adolescents and their families", I consider a diverse family to be a family who is comprised of individuals that differ culturally, ethnically, racially, and/or linguistically. Living in the United States I feel that diverse families are more common than not and are gaining more momentum each and every year. My own immediate family is comprised of individuals who are Mexican, Irish/English and a combination of all three. As I reflect on my extended family I uncover even more diversity. These differences in culture, ethnicity, race and linguistics are what help to shape us as individuals and influence how we operate with others in a family unit as well as larger society as a whole.
Sarah:
Now a day the idea of a traditional family structure has become less prominent over the recent years. Although the traditional father, mother, child structure still dominates, other family patterns are emerging. Those other family patterns are what have come to make up these diverse families. A Diverse Family is a family with different characteristics that can include race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and so on. As divorce rates and adopting rates are increasing many families are deviating form the traditional nuclear family to families that contain step-parents and half siblings.
Hanson, M. J., & Lynch, E. W. (1992). Family diversity: Implications for policy and practice. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 12(3), 283. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Alex
I see a diverse family as one containing members of all different races, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, social status, physical ability, household structure, and upbringing. In the past, family diversity was defined as variance from the traditional family model. This idea basically meant that a family who crossed traditional lines was not “normal,” and therefore, dysfunctional. I think that the modern definition of family diversity would coincide more with my definition than the latter. In fact, the traditional “nuclear” family model is now becoming less and less common. One figure estimates the percent of single parent households has risen from 3% to 12% since 1961.
Richardson, Hannah. Nuclear family ‘in decline,’ Figures show. July, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2011, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10487318
Other family patterns are emerging as the traditional family structure, consisting of a biological father, mother, and child still dominates the American society. These non-traditional family structures may include single parents, extended family, step families, and adoption. The diverse family does not necessarily reflect only on the different family structures and its dynamic, but on other factors, such as different ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and cultural experiences that make up certain families in America. It is important to understand the dynamic of the family structure and other elements to make up the individual family. This is vital in the school setting as we will come into contact with children from diverse cultures and family structures. One research suggested the following elements to be incorporated into the school-family partnership across all cultures: 1) approach the family with care and thoughtfulness through giving information and personal invitation, 2) establish positive communication with the family and know the communities where the students come from, 3) create a welcoming environment for the families where they feel safe, and 4) create a school-based support system to help educators and families collaborate and share decision making on family-school matters. Wegmann, K., Bowen, G. (2010). Strengthening Connections Between Schools and Diverse Families: A Cultural Capital Perspective. Prevention Researcher, 17 (3) 7-10. Denise:
Diverse families are distinctive from the traditional norm. These families can come from many different backgrounds and are single families from diverse cultural backgrounds and acculturation. The American standard is a husband, wife, and two children. The norm in the U.S is a husband, wife, and 2 children. Diverse families on the hand can come in many different forms. They can be a mixture of multiple families, transgender couples, and single parent households. Cultural beliefs and traditions can play a big role in the upbringing of child such as language, food , and customs. Another population in which can be classified as diverse are families in which parents are same sex. In addition, families can also come from mixed or blended families. An example of this can be stepparents, children from previous marriages, and families which have members are of mix races. Ono, H. and Sanders, J (2010). Diverse Family Types and Out-of-School Learning Time of Young School-Age Children.Family Relation,59 (5). p506-519,
2- Who are considered the "model minority" and why is this group called that?
MONA:
In the United States, the term “model-minority” tends to be commonly associated with Asian-Americans and Jewish-Americans. They are called that because they immigrate to the United States, and they are able to achieve a high degree of success, despite the limitations and adversities that minorities often face. I think that they are called model minorities because they contribute to society and the economy, not take away from it. They have higher education rates and lower poverty rates in comparison to other minority groups. I think that this can be any minority group that was able to come to the United States from their home country and fulfill the idea of the “American Dream”.
Chao, M., Chiu, C., & Lee, J. S. (2010). Asians as the model minority: Implications for US Government's policies. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 13(1), 44-52. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Gao, F. (2010). A comparative analysis of the meaning of model minority among ethnic Koreans in China and the United States. Comparative Education, 46(2), 207-222. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Freedman, J. (2005). Transgressions of a Model Minority. Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, 23(4), 69-97. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
VENUS:
The stereotypical model minority that comes to mind is Asian Americans. Coming from Asian descent, I can see how Asian American families come to America and see only one path laid out for them: education. They pool their souls and existence into education to obtain the best career they can get and have stability and be able to give their own children the opportunities they never had. “Asian Americans are used as examples of the ‘model minority’ and America’s equal opportunities for success; Asian Americans are high achievers because they work hard” (Tran, et al. 2010).
Tran, N., & Birman, D. (2010). Questioning the model minority: Studies of Asian American academic performance. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 1(2), 106-118.
NATALIE:
Model minority is used to label one ethnic minority group whose members achieve a higher degree of success than other minority groups. In the U.S., the term is associated with Asian Americans, primarily Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Korean American. Some suggest the model minority gives a strong message to other minority groups. The first message is that members of other minority groups should learn from the model minority. Secondly, that Asian American academic achievement is primarily a product of elements Asian Americans have in common with White Americans. According to some researchers, within in the model minority stereotype is the explicit message that the political structures of American society allow for success and the achievement of the American Dream. The stereotype asserts that Asian Americans are able to make it on their own without special assistance. Asian Americans are positioned as the model for other minorities to follow. This asserts that the “failure” of African Americans and other minorities is due to a lack of industry and values and not due to the fact that America may be a fundamentally racist society.Yu, T. (2006) believes “model minority” became a political instrument used to bash other minorities, African Americans in particular.
Ngo, B., & Lee, S. J. (2007). Complicating the image of model minority success: A review of southeast Asian American education. Review of Educational Research, 77(4), 415-453. doi:10.3102/0034654307309918 Pearce, R. R., & Lin, Z. (2007). Chinese American post-secondary achievement and attainment: A cultural and structural analysis. Educational Review, 59(1), 19-36. doi:10.1080/00131910600796827 Yu, T. (2006). Challenging the politics of the 'model minority' stereotype: A case for educational equality. Equity & Excellence in Education, 39(4), 325-333. doi:10.1080/10665680600932333
MARLA:
“Model Minority” is the stereotype that suggests that Asian Americans more successful academically, financially, and socially than other racial minority groups (Yoo, 2011). While this seems as a positive stereotype at first, both Yoo and Le (2011) dispute the stereotype. Yoo explains that while “Asian American students generally fare better than other racial minority groups in respect to grade point averages, standardized test scores, or even numbers of high school, bachelor, and advanced degrees obtained compared to other racial minorities, the model minority myth ignores the different Asian American groups who have different levels of success.” It also ignores history’s selective immigration of Asian Americans, and the complex representation of Asian Americans in the education system. Le (2011) says that statistics point to how well Asian Americans have been doing in society that they’ve overcome past instances of prejudice and discrimination and have overcome barriers to achieve the “American dream.” However, the article goes on to say that Model Minority is just a myth.
DEBBI: I believe a “model minority” is a minority group who has embraced a particular culture, other than their own, and advanced financially and socially beyond other minority groups. The term was coined during the U.S. civil rights movement in the 1960’s. Asian Americans were first characterized as the model minority because they wanted to remove institutional, legal, and social inequality between majority and minority groups and at the time the Asian Americans were considered an ideal example of worthiness, (Ishii-Kuntz et. Al, 2010). The research also showed that some minority groups hold pride in being labeled as “model minority”, but it creates great distress among the student members of the minority group. (Ishii-Kuntz et. Al, 2010).
Reference: Ishii-Kuntz, M., Gomel, J.N., Tinsley, B.J., Parke, R.D. (2010) Economic Hardship and Adaptation among Asian American Families. Journal of Family Issues v31 n3 p407-420 2010 LAURYN:
It seems to be that the "model minority" is considered to be Asian Americans but the term Asian-American is extraordinarily broad and it embraces many ethnic groups. There is a perception that they cluster in science, technology, engineering and math and do very well in each field. I believe by putting the label of a "model minority" to any group of people is not a fair representation of that race; whether it be good or bad. Alma R. Clayton Pederson said "the notion of lumping all people into a single category and assuming they have no needs is wrong". We should see that every ethnic group has positives and negatives and that it is important to recognize that there isn't a single minority that is superior to another.
Lewin, Tamar. "Report Takes Aim at ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype of Asian-American Students."The New York Times 10 June 2008. LARA: The stereotyping of a "model minority" is simply ridiculous. In the 1960's, Ji Hyun Lim wrote that William Peterson first coined the term “model minority” in an article he wrote in The New York Times Magazine in 1966 entitled “Success Story: Japanese American Style.” In it, Peterson portrays the Japanese as “better than any other group in our society.” (Petersen 1966:21). Since this article was published, Asian- Americans in particular, have been termed the "model minority", and other minority groups have been compared to the Asian culture as a way to represent a "good" or "model" in society. This term has been widely abused, and not all people from diverse family subgroups should be trying to live up to or modeling another society. Additionally, grouping all Asian groups into one is ignorant and undeniably poor judgment. Chinese, Japanese and Koreans would all agree that their work ethic is different than that of the other, and these are only three of the various Asian subgroups. All in all, labeling a group as a "model minority" is insensitive and tactless. What, should all minority groups try to be like the Asian population? This is what the term seems to insinuate. A diverse nation will not grow with the false "labeling" of any one group. Diversity equals acceptance, not creating a "model" to mold to.
The model minority stereotype refers to the Asian American Culture as being associated with a positive image in society. The term is used to praise the Asian American community for what is perceived as successful assimilation into mainstream American culture. According to The Asian American culture is perceived as hardworking, intelligent and reserved, it is believed that Asian Americans have high grades and test scores, are physically and mentally healthy, have lower incidents of criminal activity and almost no juvenile delinquency, and have a higher median income than other racial groups. Although this model is associated with a more positive image in society, there is still evidence for negative effects of this stereotype.
Kiang, L., & Thompson,T., (2010). The Model Minority Stereotype: Adolescent Experiences and Links with Adjustment. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 1,119-128.
Alex:
The term “model minority” in the United States generally refers to people of Asian decent. Although they are a cultural minority in the US, they are usually very successful and tend to get careers in highly skilled professional areas. The 2000 US census statistics showed that 42.9% of Asian Americans had received college degrees compared with 25.3%, 9.9% and 13.6% for Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks, respectively. The Asian culture highly emphasizes education and achieving professional success. This success is what makes them "model" citizens.
The term “model minority” was one that I had not been exposed to before. What attributes are sought after in the American culture and which minority has overall done best at achieving these attributes? After doing some research I found that “Asian Americans are the "model minority" -- a bright, shining example of hard work and patience whose example other minority groups should follow in a lot of ways”. “Asian Americans have done remarkably well in achieving "the American dream" of getting a good education, working at a good job, and earning a good living”.
Model minority is often used as a label to associate with Asian Americans. The perception is that Asian Americans are hard-working individuals who place strong values in family and education as they are the driving forces of the Asian American success. Although the model minority label was originally referred to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean immigrants in the 1880s, it later encompassed all Asian descents. The label reveals that despite the Asian Americans’ experience of discrimination and racism in America, Asian Americans rise above and succeed academically and economically. There are dangers in using this label as it often pits Asian Americans against other ethnic minority groups. For many Asian American students, it also can damage their self-image as they may struggle to live up to this stereotype. The label also skewed the needs of the Asian American communities as there are over 50 different ethnic groups with distinct culture, language, and religion. For example, recent Asian American immigrants’ access to resources may be limited due to the perception that Asian Americans have little identified needs due to their success. For these reasons, we should not use the model minority label loosely to associate with Asian Americans.
Chow, G. (2011). The Model Minority Myth. Independent School, 70(2), 40-46
Wong, V. (2011) Getting It Right. Independent School, 70 (2), 24-30
Denise
The model minorities according to the research come from Asian descent. They are considered hard-working, successful, and intelligent individuals. These stereotypes can often create a false beliefs of this population and expect that everyone within the community to be at the same level. The glass ceiling affect can occur for many individuals that do not conform to these stereotypes. Asian-Americans are often the ones who are expected to conform to these standards. There are many deep held beliefs, which are often difficult to contradict. The model minorities is a fictional depiction of a specific ethnicity which does not take into account individual factors of each and every person.
Bassett, P. F. (2011). The Model Minority?. Independent School, 70(2), 9-12. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
DIVERSE FAMILY
According to Understanding Family Diversity (1999), “Some factors that make families different from one another include ethnicity, race, culture, economics, gender roles, religiosity, and geographic regionalism.” This means that families are different from one another, but there can also be differences within the same family. Family has changed over the years, the nuclear family, consisting of father, mother, and biological children, has now changed to include step-members, half-siblings, cohabitating parents, same-sex parents, single parents, extended families living in the same house, or even ethnically or culturally different members, such as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie brood. My blood-related family and in-laws are just some examples of a diverse family. My Korean-Mexican-American family is ethnically and culturally different but still included father, mother, and biological children. Although my husband’s family is different ethnically including Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh ancestors, his family also includes two step-parents, and his brother has extended family living in one house. As I reflect on it, I consider my future children lucky to have three sets of grandparents, (four grandparents if I include my brother in-law’s in-laws, whom I am close to), and ethnically diverse since they will be Korean, Mexican, Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh.
References
Author unknown. (1999). Chapter 2: Understanding Family Diversity. Retrieved from http://webtools.delmarlearning.com/sample_chapters/couchenour_ch02a.pdf 5March 2011.
MODEL MINORITY
“Model Minority” is the stereotype that suggests that Asian Americans more successful academically, financially, and socially than other racial minority groups (Yoo, 2011). While this seems as a positive stereotype at first, both Yoo and Le (2011) dispute the stereotype. Yoo explains that while “Asian American students generally fare better than other racial minority groups in respect to grade point averages, standardized test scores, or even numbers of high school, bachelor, and advanced degrees obtained compared to other racial minorities, the model minority myth ignores the different Asian American groups who have different levels of success.” It also ignores history’s selective immigration of Asian Americans, and the complex representation of Asian Americans in the education system. Le (2011) says that statistics point to how well Asian Americans have been doing in society that they’ve overcome past instances of prejudice and discrimination and have overcome barriers to achieve the “American dream.” However, the article goes on to say that Model Minority is just a myth.
References
Le, C.N. (2011). "The Model Minority Image" Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America. Retrieved 5 March 2011 from <http://www.asian-nation.org/model-minority.shtml>
Yoo, B. (2011). Unraveling the Model Minority Myth of Asian American Students. Retrieved 5 March 2011 from http://www.education.com/reference/article/unraveling-minority-myth-asian-students/
1- What is a "Diverse Family"? Please provide supporting evidence to justify your answer.
MONA:
I think that a diverse family is one that is not the “norm” of the family with one mom, one dad, and their biological children. A diverse family could include families that have many different mixes of races and ethnicities within them, because of adopted children of different ethnicities/races or because the parents are from different ethnicities/races and backgrounds. I think it could also include families with step-parents and step-children, or it could be that there is only one parent, or unmarried parents, or gay/lesbian parents. Anything that does not qualify as the “typical American family” of the 1950s I think would be considered diverse. Eeden-Moorefield & Demo, 2007, stated that: “Family diversity refers to variations along structural or demographic dimensions (e.g., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status), as well as in family processes (e.g., communication and parenting behaviors).”
Family Diversity (2005). (n.d.). The Sloan Work and Family Research Network. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/encyclopedia_entry.php?id=113
Sociology > Family Diversity. (n.d.). Sixth Sense Resources Introduction. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from http://sixthsense.osfc.ac.uk/sociology/research/family_diversity.asp
Harris, S. R. (2008). What Is Family Diversity?: Objective and Interpretive Approaches. Journal of Family Issues, 29(11), 1407-1425. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
VENUS:
My family could be seen as a diverse family since my mother is a little Asian woman from Taiwan and my dad is a tall Caucasian man from Missouri of Scottish descent. I look more like my dad while my brother took all the Asian genes after our mother. He married a woman of Mexican and Bolivian ethnic backgrounds, so their children look completely diverse. The oldest looks completely Caucasian, the second looks Bolivian, and the youngest looks like a mix of them all. My mother raised my brother and me to speak Mandarin-Chinese, while my sister-in-law raised her children to understand Spanish. A diverse family is one with culturally and linguistically diverse children who face challenges in “language, education, religion, ethnicity, family structure, occupation, geographical location, belief systems, and values” (Zhang, et al. 2003).
Zhang, C., & Bennett, T. (2003). Facilitation in meaningful participation of culturally and linguistically diverse families in the IFSP and IEP process. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18(1), 51-59.
NATALIE:
A diverse family is any type of family that does not fit into the typical model of a traditional American Family. The traditional American family model is consisted of two white biological and married parents with children. The majority of American families today do not fit the classic American model of what a mainstream family should look like. An example of a diverse family would be one composed of mixed ethnic backgrounds that speak two different languages. Another example of a diverse family would be one that includes stepchildren from a previous relationship, or adopted children. Most families today, do not fit in this “traditional” family model and vary in race, ethnic origin, gender roles, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, religion, and cultural origin. The number of single-parent families, same-sex couples, and children born out of wedlock are at an increase in America. However, there is no one form of family that is superior in general.
Bengtson, V. L. (2001). Beyond the nuclear family: The increasing importance of multigenerational bonds. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 63(1): 1-16.
MARLA:
According to Understanding Family Diversity (1999), “Some factors that make families different from one another include ethnicity, race, culture, economics, gender roles, religiosity, and geographic regionalism.” This means that families are different from one another, but there can also be differences within the same family. Family has changed over the years, the nuclear family, consisting of father, mother, and biological children, has now changed to include step-members, half-siblings, cohabitating parents, same-sex parents, single parents, extended families living in the same house, or even ethnically or culturally different members, such as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie brood. My blood-related family and in-laws are just some examples of a diverse family. My Korean-Mexican-American family is ethnically and culturally different but still included father, mother, and biological children. Although my husband’s family is different ethnically including Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh ancestors, his family also includes two step-parents, and his brother has extended family living in one house. As I reflect on it, I consider my future children lucky to have three sets of grandparents, (four grandparents if I include my brother in-law’s in-laws, whom I am close to), and ethnically diverse since they will be Korean, Mexican, Italian, Polish, English, and Welsh.
References:
Author unknown. (1999). Chapter 2: Understanding Family Diversity. Retrieved from http://webtools.delmarlearning.com/sample_chapters/couchenour_ch02a.pdf 5March 2011.
DEBBI:
I believe it is a family that is made up of unique members with different characteristics, making them different than the typical “family unit”. It’s how we as individuals differ from one another within our family. It could be race, ethnicity, whether a member of the family is adopted or has parents of the same sexual orientation. “Providing an overview of American families today is a difficult task because of diversity, not only in race and ethnicity, but also in social, geographical, and cultural backgrounds” (Darling, C. A. 2005). Having physical or mental disabilities, different religious beliefs or political views, could also be defined as diverse.
Reference:
Darling, C. A., (2007) Changes and Challenges: Families in a Diverse Culture. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences v97 n1 p8-13 2005
LARA:
A "diverse family" can be viewed as one with structure outside the traditional mother, father and children roles. Adoptive families, single parent households, blended families, immigrant families, families with stay at home fathers and families with grandparents in the home, are all part of a "diverse family" structure. This "diverse family" structure has developed over generations, and have become recognized and accepted as normal family structures in our American society. Today, it is essential for educators to understand and use strategies when working with students from diverse family structures in order for the students to be successful. Educators can learn to embrace family diversity by assessing the following: 1) Recognizing and Validating Diversity in the Classroom, 2) Reaching Out to Parents and Caregivers, 3) Emphasizing the Real Meaning of Family, 4) Building a School Climate that Embraces Family, and 5) Involving Family Members in Classroom Instruction. Lastly, effective teachers respect and celebrate "family" in all of its many forms.
Reference:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. (2005). Diverse Family Structures. Retrieved from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/weeklytips.phtml/232
LAURYN:
To me a diverse family is a family that can consist of different cultural backgrounds, morals, and family lifestyles. Personally growing up I viewed myself as being diverse compared to my friends families because I saw my family not "fitting" in with theirs. When I was younger I had this view of a family having a mom and a dad and usually 2 children who all looked the same, now this view has completely changed. A family unit can have grandparents raising their grandchildren, a family with adoptive children, families with different races, and families that celebrate holidays differently. Being diverse you are able to bring different knowledge and your own input on situations compared to someone else and it can be a really great thing to share and celebrate what made you who you are today.
Heard, H. E. (2007). Fathers, mothers, and family structure: Family trajectories, parent gender, and adolescent schooling. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 435 – 450
KELLY:
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of the word diverse is “differing from one another” and/or “composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities”. Keeping this particular course in mind: "Multicultural children, adolescents and their families", I consider a diverse family to be a family who is comprised of individuals that differ culturally, ethnically, racially, and/or linguistically. Living in the United States I feel that diverse families are more common than not and are gaining more momentum each and every year. My own immediate family is comprised of individuals who are Mexican, Irish/English and a combination of all three. As I reflect on my extended family I uncover even more diversity. These differences in culture, ethnicity, race and linguistics are what help to shape us as individuals and influence how we operate with others in a family unit as well as larger society as a whole.
Sarah:
Now a day the idea of a traditional family structure has become less prominent over the recent years. Although the traditional father, mother, child structure still dominates, other family patterns are emerging. Those other family patterns are what have come to make up these diverse families. A Diverse Family is a family with different characteristics that can include race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and so on. As divorce rates and adopting rates are increasing many families are deviating form the traditional nuclear family to families that contain step-parents and half siblings.Hanson, M. J., & Lynch, E. W. (1992). Family diversity: Implications for policy and practice. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 12(3), 283. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Alex
I see a diverse family as one containing members of all different races, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, social status, physical ability, household structure, and upbringing. In the past, family diversity was defined as variance from the traditional family model. This idea basically meant that a family who crossed traditional lines was not “normal,” and therefore, dysfunctional. I think that the modern definition of family diversity would coincide more with my definition than the latter. In fact, the traditional “nuclear” family model is now becoming less and less common. One figure estimates the percent of single parent households has risen from 3% to 12% since 1961.
Richardson, Hannah. Nuclear family ‘in decline,’ Figures show. July, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2011, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10487318
Van Eeden-Moorefield, B., & Demo, D.H. (2007). Family diversity. In G. Ritzer (Ed.), Blackwell encyclopedia of sociology. Blackwell Publishing. Blackwell Reference Online. Retrieved March 5, 2011, from http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/glossary_entry.php?term=Family%20Diversity,%20Definition(s)%20of&area=All
LANA
Other family patterns are emerging as the traditional family structure, consisting of a biological father, mother, and child still dominates the American society. These non-traditional family structures may include single parents, extended family, step families, and adoption. The diverse family does not necessarily reflect only on the different family structures and its dynamic, but on other factors, such as different ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and cultural experiences that make up certain families in America. It is important to understand the dynamic of the family structure and other elements to make up the individual family. This is vital in the school setting as we will come into contact with children from diverse cultures and family structures. One research suggested the following elements to be incorporated into the school-family partnership across all cultures: 1) approach the family with care and thoughtfulness through giving information and personal invitation, 2) establish positive communication with the family and know the communities where the students come from, 3) create a welcoming environment for the families where they feel safe, and 4) create a school-based support system to help educators and families collaborate and share decision making on family-school matters.
Wegmann, K., Bowen, G. (2010). Strengthening Connections Between Schools and Diverse Families: A Cultural Capital Perspective. Prevention Researcher, 17 (3) 7-10.
Denise:
Diverse families are distinctive from the traditional norm. These families can come from many different backgrounds and are single families from diverse cultural backgrounds and acculturation. The American standard is a husband, wife, and two children. The norm in the U.S is a husband, wife, and 2 children. Diverse families on the hand can come in many different forms. They can be a mixture of multiple families, transgender couples, and single parent households. Cultural beliefs and traditions can play a big role in the upbringing of child such as language, food , and customs. Another population in which can be classified as diverse are families in which parents are same sex. In addition, families can also come from mixed or blended families. An example of this can be stepparents, children from previous marriages, and families which have members are of mix races.
Ono, H. and Sanders, J (2010). Diverse Family Types and Out-of-School Learning
Time of Young School-Age Children.Family Relation, 59 (5). p506-519,
2- Who are considered the "model minority" and why is this group called that?
MONA:
In the United States, the term “model-minority” tends to be commonly associated with Asian-Americans and Jewish-Americans. They are called that because they immigrate to the United States, and they are able to achieve a high degree of success, despite the limitations and adversities that minorities often face. I think that they are called model minorities because they contribute to society and the economy, not take away from it. They have higher education rates and lower poverty rates in comparison to other minority groups. I think that this can be any minority group that was able to come to the United States from their home country and fulfill the idea of the “American Dream”.
Chao, M., Chiu, C., & Lee, J. S. (2010). Asians as the model minority: Implications for US Government's policies. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 13(1), 44-52. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Gao, F. (2010). A comparative analysis of the meaning of model minority among ethnic Koreans in China and the United States. Comparative Education, 46(2), 207-222. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Freedman, J. (2005). Transgressions of a Model Minority. Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, 23(4), 69-97. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
VENUS:
The stereotypical model minority that comes to mind is Asian Americans. Coming from Asian descent, I can see how Asian American families come to America and see only one path laid out for them: education. They pool their souls and existence into education to obtain the best career they can get and have stability and be able to give their own children the opportunities they never had. “Asian Americans are used as examples of the ‘model minority’ and America’s equal opportunities for success; Asian Americans are high achievers because they work hard” (Tran, et al. 2010).
Tran, N., & Birman, D. (2010). Questioning the model minority: Studies of Asian American academic performance. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 1(2), 106-118.
NATALIE:
Model minority is used to label one ethnic minority group whose members achieve a higher degree of success than other minority groups. In the U.S., the term is associated with Asian Americans, primarily Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Korean American. Some suggest the model minority gives a strong message to other minority groups. The first message is that members of other minority groups should learn from the model minority. Secondly, that Asian American academic achievement is primarily a product of elements Asian Americans have in common with White Americans. According to some researchers, within in the model minority stereotype is the explicit message that the political structures of American society allow for success and the achievement of the American Dream. The stereotype asserts that Asian Americans are able to make it on their own without special assistance. Asian Americans are positioned as the model for other minorities to follow. This asserts that the “failure” of African Americans and other minorities is due to a lack of industry and values and not due to the fact that America may be a fundamentally racist society. Yu, T. (2006) believes “model minority” became a political instrument used to bash other minorities, African Americans in particular.
Ngo, B., & Lee, S. J. (2007). Complicating the image of model minority success: A review of southeast Asian American education. Review of Educational Research, 77(4), 415-453. doi:10.3102/0034654307309918
Pearce, R. R., & Lin, Z. (2007). Chinese American post-secondary achievement and attainment: A cultural and structural analysis. Educational Review, 59(1), 19-36.
doi:10.1080/00131910600796827
Yu, T. (2006). Challenging the politics of the 'model minority' stereotype: A case for educational equality. Equity & Excellence in Education, 39(4), 325-333.
doi:10.1080/10665680600932333
MARLA:
“Model Minority” is the stereotype that suggests that Asian Americans more successful academically, financially, and socially than other racial minority groups (Yoo, 2011). While this seems as a positive stereotype at first, both Yoo and Le (2011) dispute the stereotype. Yoo explains that while “Asian American students generally fare better than other racial minority groups in respect to grade point averages, standardized test scores, or even numbers of high school, bachelor, and advanced degrees obtained compared to other racial minorities, the model minority myth ignores the different Asian American groups who have different levels of success.” It also ignores history’s selective immigration of Asian Americans, and the complex representation of Asian Americans in the education system. Le (2011) says that statistics point to how well Asian Americans have been doing in society that they’ve overcome past instances of prejudice and discrimination and have overcome barriers to achieve the “American dream.” However, the article goes on to say that Model Minority is just a myth.
References
Le, C.N. (2011). "The Model Minority Image" Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America. Retrieved 5 March 2011 from <http://www.asian-nation.org/model-minority.shtml>
Yoo, B. (2011). Unraveling the Model Minority Myth of Asian American Students. Retrieved 5 March 2011 from <http://www.education.com/reference/article/unraveling-minority-myth-asian-students/>
DEBBI:
I believe a “model minority” is a minority group who has embraced a particular culture, other than their own, and advanced financially and socially beyond other minority groups. The term was coined during the U.S. civil rights movement in the 1960’s. Asian Americans were first characterized as the model minority because they wanted to remove institutional, legal, and social inequality between majority and minority groups and at the time the Asian Americans were considered an ideal example of worthiness, (Ishii-Kuntz et. Al, 2010). The research also showed that some minority groups hold pride in being labeled as “model minority”, but it creates great distress among the student members of the minority group. (Ishii-Kuntz et. Al, 2010).
Reference:
Ishii-Kuntz, M., Gomel, J.N., Tinsley, B.J., Parke, R.D. (2010) Economic Hardship and Adaptation among Asian American Families. Journal of Family Issues v31 n3 p407-420 2010
LAURYN:
It seems to be that the "model minority" is considered to be Asian Americans but the term Asian-American is extraordinarily broad and it embraces many ethnic groups. There is a perception that they cluster in science, technology, engineering and math and do very well in each field. I believe by putting the label of a "model minority" to any group of people is not a fair representation of that race; whether it be good or bad. Alma R. Clayton Pederson said "the notion of lumping all people into a single category and assuming they have no needs is wrong". We should see that every ethnic group has positives and negatives and that it is important to recognize that there isn't a single minority that is superior to another.
Lewin, Tamar. "Report Takes Aim at ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype of Asian-American Students."The New York Times 10 June 2008.
LARA:
The stereotyping of a "model minority" is simply ridiculous. In the 1960's, Ji Hyun Lim wrote that William Peterson first coined the term “model minority” in an article he wrote in The New York Times Magazine in 1966 entitled “Success Story: Japanese American Style.” In it, Peterson portrays the Japanese as “better than any other group in our society.” (Petersen 1966:21). Since this article was published, Asian- Americans in particular, have been termed the "model minority", and other minority groups have been compared to the Asian culture as a way to represent a "good" or "model" in society. This term has been widely abused, and not all people from diverse family subgroups should be trying to live up to or modeling another society. Additionally, grouping all Asian groups into one is ignorant and undeniably poor judgment. Chinese, Japanese and Koreans would all agree that their work ethic is different than that of the other, and these are only three of the various Asian subgroups. All in all, labeling a group as a "model minority" is insensitive and tactless. What, should all minority groups try to be like the Asian population? This is what the term seems to insinuate. A diverse nation will not grow with the false "labeling" of any one group. Diversity equals acceptance, not creating a "model" to mold to.
Seoh, H. (2002). I could be a minority model, but am I "The Model Minority"? Retrieved 6 March 2011 from http://iis.stat.wright.edu/munsup.seoh/pointOfViews/Discrimination/modelMinority.htm
Sarah:
The model minority stereotype refers to the Asian American Culture as being associated with a positive image in society. The term is used to praise the Asian American community for what is perceived as successful assimilation into mainstream American culture. According to The Asian American culture is perceived as hardworking, intelligent and reserved, it is believed that Asian Americans have high grades and test scores, are physically and mentally healthy, have lower incidents of criminal activity and almost no juvenile delinquency, and have a higher median income than other racial groups. Although this model is associated with a more positive image in society, there is still evidence for negative effects of this stereotype.Kiang, L., & Thompson,T., (2010). The Model Minority Stereotype: Adolescent Experiences and Links with Adjustment. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 1,119-128.
Alex:
The term “model minority” in the United States generally refers to people of Asian decent. Although they are a cultural minority in the US, they are usually very successful and tend to get careers in highly skilled professional areas. The 2000 US census statistics showed that 42.9% of Asian Americans had received college degrees compared with 25.3%, 9.9% and 13.6% for Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks, respectively. The Asian culture highly emphasizes education and achieving professional success. This success is what makes them "model" citizens.
Le, C.N. 2011. "The Model Minority Image" Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America. <http://www.asian-nation.org/model-minority.shtml> (March 6, 2011). Retrieved March 5, 2011 from http://www.asian-nation.org/model-minority.shtml.
KELLY:
The term “model minority” was one that I had not been exposed to before. What attributes are sought after in the American culture and which minority has overall done best at achieving these attributes? After doing some research I found that “Asian Americans are the "model minority" -- a bright, shining example of hard work and patience whose example other minority groups should follow in a lot of ways”. “Asian Americans have done remarkably well in achieving "the American dream" of getting a good education, working at a good job, and earning a good living”.
Reference:
Le, C.N. 2011. "The Model Minority Image" Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America. <http://www.asian-nation.org/model-minority.shtml> (March 6, 2011).
LANA
Model minority is often used as a label to associate with Asian Americans. The perception is that Asian Americans are hard-working individuals who place strong values in family and education as they are the driving forces of the Asian American success. Although the model minority label was originally referred to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean immigrants in the 1880s, it later encompassed all Asian descents. The label reveals that despite the Asian Americans’ experience of discrimination and racism in America, Asian Americans rise above and succeed academically and economically. There are dangers in using this label as it often pits Asian Americans against other ethnic minority groups. For many Asian American students, it also can damage their self-image as they may struggle to live up to this stereotype. The label also skewed the needs of the Asian American communities as there are over 50 different ethnic groups with distinct culture, language, and religion. For example, recent Asian American immigrants’ access to resources may be limited due to the perception that Asian Americans have little identified needs due to their success. For these reasons, we should not use the model minority label loosely to associate with Asian Americans.
Chow, G. (2011). The Model Minority Myth. Independent School, 70(2), 40-46
Wong, V. (2011) Getting It Right. Independent School, 70 (2), 24-30
Denise
The model minorities according to the research come from Asian descent. They are considered hard-working, successful, and intelligent individuals. These stereotypes can often create a false beliefs of this population and expect that everyone within the community to be at the same level. The glass ceiling affect can occur for many individuals that do not conform to these stereotypes. Asian-Americans are often the ones who are expected to conform to these standards. There are many deep held beliefs, which are often difficult to contradict. The model minorities is a fictional depiction of a specific ethnicity which does not take into account individual factors of each and every person.
Bassett, P. F. (2011). The Model Minority?. Independent School, 70(2), 9-12. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.