Question 1

The structural perspective attributes social problems experienced by African-American families to

Accepted Answer

The structural perspective focuses on socioeconomic factors as the root cause of social problems experienced by African-American families, emphasizing how systemic inequalities and economic conditions impact family dynamics and well-being.

Question 2

Compare and contrast the deficit and structural perspectives in the literature on African-American families.

Accepted Answer

The deficit perspective in the literature on African-American families focuses on the challenges and problems faced by these families, often emphasizing issues such as poverty, single-parent households, and high rates of incarceration. This perspective tends to highlight the negative aspects of African-American family life and can perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization.

On the other hand, the structural perspective in the literature on African-American families examines the broader social, economic, and historical factors that contribute to the challenges faced by these families. This perspective emphasizes the impact of systemic racism, discrimination, and inequality on African-American families, and seeks to understand how these structural factors shape their experiences.

While the deficit perspective tends to blame African-American families for their own struggles, the structural perspective recognizes the larger societal forces at play. By comparing and contrasting these perspectives, researchers and scholars can gain a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of African-American family life and work towards more comprehensive and effective solutions to address their challenges.

Question 3

Discuss the influence of social change and public policy on the African-American family.

Accepted Answer

The influence of social change and public policy on the African-American family has been significant throughout history. Social change, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality, has had a profound impact on the African-American family structure and dynamics. Public policies, such as welfare reform and housing discrimination, have also played a role in shaping the experiences of African-American families.

Social change has led to increased opportunities for African-Americans, including access to education, employment, and political representation. This has had a positive impact on the African-American family by providing more resources and support for economic stability and social mobility. However, social change has also brought about challenges, such as the breakdown of traditional family structures and the impact of systemic racism on family dynamics.

Public policies have also influenced the African-American family in various ways. For example, welfare reform in the 1990s had a significant impact on low-income African-American families, leading to increased financial instability and limited access to social services. Housing discrimination policies have also contributed to the segregation and economic disparities experienced by African-American families.

Overall, social change and public policy have both positively and negatively influenced the African-American family. While progress has been made in terms of civil rights and opportunities, there are still significant challenges that African-American families face due to systemic racism and discriminatory policies. It is important for policymakers and society as a whole to continue working towards creating equitable opportunities and support for African-American families.

Question 4

While Puerto Rico became a U.S. possession in 1899, migration to the United States increased dramatically

Accepted Answer

Migration from Puerto Rico to the United States increased significantly after World War II due to the need for labor in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Additionally, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 provided more opportunities for migration and family reunification, leading to even higher levels of Puerto Rican migration.

Question 5

Much of the social science literature on African-American families

Accepted Answer

Much of the social science literature on African-American families has historically focused on inner city communities, often highlighting challenges faced by these communities.

Question 6

Findings from studies of Mexican-origin families apply to other Latino groups as well.

Accepted Answer

Mexican-origin families represent a specific cultural group within the broader Latino category, and findings from studies on them may not necessarily apply to other Latino groups due to differences in culture, history, and experiences among these diverse populations.

Question 7

Contrary to public opinion, marital disruption is rare among African-American families.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. African-American families have higher rates of marital disruption compared to other racial and ethnic groups. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that all African-American families experience marital disruption.

Question 8

During slavery, African-Americans did not form strong family and kinship groups.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Despite the efforts of slave owners to break apart families by selling or separating family members, African-Americans still formed strong family and kinship groups as a means of survival and resistance to the oppressive system of slavery. They created surrogate families, extended kin networks, and maintained cultural practices and traditions to preserve their sense of community and identity.

Question 9

At present, approximately ______ of Mexicans are native-born and the remainder are foreign-born.

Accepted Answer

Approximately two-thirds of Mexicans are native-born, indicating that a significant majority of the population was born within the country, while the remainder are foreign-born.

Question 10

Of the 58 percent of African-American families with children at home in 1995, ___ percent were one-parent families and ___ percent were married couple families.

Accepted Answer

The correct percentages are 34% for one-parent families and 24% for married couple families among African-American families with children at home in 1995.

Question 11

The "Moynihan Report", like other deficit theories, attributed the social problems experienced by African- American families to

Accepted Answer

The Moynihan Report and other deficit theories blamed the social problems experienced by African-American families on family breakdown and the "dominance" of women, rather than economic or structural changes or racial discrimination.

Question 12

The _______ perspective interpreted the cultural differences in Mexican-origin families as deviant.

Accepted Answer

The structural-functionalist perspective often interpreted cultural differences, including those in Mexican-origin families, as deviant because it emphasized how parts of society work together to maintain stability, viewing anything that deviates from the norm as potentially disruptive or dysfunctional.

Question 13

The "deficit" approach ignored the diversity of family forms and experiences among African-Americans.

Accepted Answer

The deficit approach to African-American families assumed that all families were homogenous and faced the same challenges, ignoring the diversity of family forms and experiences among African-Americans.

Question 14

The two largest groups of Central Americans are

Accepted Answer

According to current statistics, the two largest groups of Central Americans are Salvadorans and Guatemalans.

Question 15

African-Americans now marry at a much younger age than persons of other races.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. According to the United States Census Bureau, the median age at first marriage for African-Americans is 30.8 years, which is higher than the median age at first marriage for Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and Whites.

Question 16

Many scholars have contended that the two-parent household was common during slavery.

Accepted Answer

Some scholars argue that despite the harsh conditions of slavery, many enslaved families attempted to maintain family structures, including two-parent households, when possible.

Question 17

In Billingsley's typology of the diverse family forms among African-Americans, augmented families are

Accepted Answer

Augmented families are defined as a nuclear family plus nonrelated persons, such as boarders or lodgers.

Question 18

What factors contribute to high levels of family disruption in African-American families?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors contribute to high levels of...

Question 19

Cubans arrived in the United States mainly

Accepted Answer

The majority of Cubans arrived in the United States between 1960 and 1980, which was the period immediately following the Cuban Revolution and the rise of Fidel Castro's regime. During this time, many Cubans fled the country to escape political repression and economic hardship. While some Cuban migration has continued in the years since, the peak period of migration occurred during the 1960s and 1970s.

Question 20

Early research on Latino families began with studies of

Accepted Answer

Early research on Latino families primarily focused on Mexican immigrant families, as they were one of the largest and most studied Latino groups in the United States.

Quiz 11: Dimensions of Diversity