Running Head: A FAMILY’S ETHNICITY
Analysis of a Family’s Ethnicity
Geisele Holmes
Wayne State University
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A FAMILY’S ETHNICITY
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the African American ethnic group and its ethnicity. The history of the
African American family structure will be explored, as well as the culture, traditions, gender
roles, strengths, struggles and cohesiveness. An interview with a member of the family will
show the different dynamics of the African American family. This paper will also discuss how
the micro and macro levels of social work are implemented in the African American culture.
Keywords: African American, history, culture, dynamics, interview, structure
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Analysis of a Family’s Ethnicity
Ethnicity is defined as people having a common language, culture, and body of traditions
(Merriam-Webster). When researching the African American family structure, ethnicity is
something that plays a vital part in its composition. African American families and their
cohesiveness are the foundation of their strength. Throughout the years, African Americans have
endured many struggles and misfortunes; but the one thing that was always important to them
was the togetherness of the family.
Collective History of the African American Family Structure
The importance of the African American family structure goes back before slavery. Strong
African American kinship bonds are traceable to Africa (Appleby, Colon, and Hamilton, 2011, p.
81). In Africa, marriages are not only a union between two people; it also encompasses the
extended family and community (Revell & McGhee, 2012, p. 44). It helped to develop kinship
relationships. The relationships were important because it brought about a bond for the families.
During slavery the African American family was strained. Because the slaves were considered
property and commodities; and not legal persons; their family structure suffered. Belonging to
another human being brought unique constrictions, disruptions, frustrations, and pain (Williams,
2012). During slavery African Americans were not allowed to legally marry; but they formed
unions anyway. Even though their union was not protected by a state law they still considered
themselves married. The dynamic of the family varied; some lived in nuclear families if
everyone was owned by the same slave owner; while others lived as close to a nuclear family
structure as they could. During slavery if the father was owned by a different family he was
allowed to visit his family on certain days. Many families were separated due to slavery; but
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extended kinship bonds came about during slavery. They had a bond with their enslaved
brothers and sisters. These bonds remain the societal and spiritual foundations of African
American lives today ( Day, 2013, p. 179). After slavery ended many African Americans tried
to put their families back together. They put ads in papers, and also asked from help from the
government to help find their family members. They also legalized their marriages, now that
they could.
The African American family culture has many significant family traditions, and values.
The family structure and its beliefs and norms are how the cultural values and traditions are
transmitted. According to (Appleby, et al. 2011, p. 81-82) the three vital functions performed by
African American families are 1) maintenance of ethnic identification and solidarity; which is a
family socializing its members into ethnic culture through family lifestyles and activities
2)family as a buffer; which is the African American family creating a buffer between the child
and outside environment, and 3) extended family and kinship network; which is extended family
and kinship networks functioning on the principles of interdependence, group connection, and
reliance on others. The African American family structure has been a significant factor in the
African American culture. They have learned how to cope and adapt too many situations that
have happened to them; the family structure gives them the strength and endurance needed to
overcome. Passing down beliefs, traditions, and values is important to African American
families. It teaches the next generation to be proud of their heritage and where they come from.
The African American family is the primary source of relationships (Appleby, et al. 2011, p. 81).
The relationships that are formed are lasting, and trusting family relationships. It teaches the
offspring the importance of family and its value.
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The Interview
The person I chose to interview for this assignment was my great aunt; E.L. Benson. She
is the last surviving sibling of her generation. She is the youngest of ten brothers and sisters.
While conducting the interview the one thing that she stressed the most was the importance of
family. She grew up in Tignall, Georgia which is a small rural area 2 hours from Atlanta. They
didn’t have much, but the closeness and togetherness of the family was something that was
cherished. She discussed how she has instilled the same cultures and values that she was taught
in her children, and they have in return done the same with their children. The structure of the
African American family typically has strong foundations that introduce several generations into
the life of children (Revell & McGhee, 2012, p.44). The family unit was a source of
cohesiveness. Sticking together and being there for one another is something that was important,
and in some cases necessary. They supported one another through good and bad times. They
were taught their history and to be proud of where they came from; and to never feel like
someone was greater than them. Family traditions were also important. They celebrated
holidays, and birthdays together; shared many special occasions, and they created long lasting
traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
There were 10 siblings total; 6 boys and 4 girls; and although they all helped out around
the house; the older girls which were my grandmother and other great aunt were expected to help
with the raising of their younger sisters and brothers. They did household chores, as well as take
care of their siblings. The opportunity for education was available; but unfortunately only a few
of the siblings graduated from high school. Although they wanted to go to school; some of them
had to drop out of school at an early age in order to work; which in return helped bring money
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into the household to support the family. The gender roles in their household was the girls were
to help around the house, while the boys did the yard and field work. My grandmother and great
aunts grew up believing that men were superior and heads of households; and they should be
treated as such.
Religion was a big part of the family unit. They attended church regularly, and were very
active members in the church. Their religious beliefs were important to them, and their church
family was a big part of their lives. The church family was considered extended kinship family.
African American churches are a source of strength in the community; they provide the members
with a sense of identity (Appleby, et al. 2011, p. 83). My great aunt and her siblings grew up
during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. She talked about the segregation and
discrimination they experienced in the South; but she also emphasized the significance of
religion and the church during that time. Church leaders were active participant in the
movement; and they made many advancements for African Americans during that time.
We also discussed the difficult times they had while growing up. She talked about their
struggles and how they got through them. They were taught that no matter what they were going
through, or what was happening that they could always depend on their family. They were
taught that they shouldn’t go outside the family or church for help. They had their ups and
downs; but they survived and were stronger because of them. They were raised to know that
home was a place of comfort, and unconditional love; and that family was a close-knit unit and
very important.
While conducting the interview and researching the African American family structure;
the things that were similar in both were the cohesiveness and strength. African Americans have
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and still are facing many issues that could impact them negatively; but having strong, supportive
family foundations help them to overcome. Traditions, morals, values and culture were also
important and expressed during the interview as well as in the literature that was researched.
Micro and Macro Levels of Social Work
Micro and Macro levels of social work are both present in the African American family
structure. The micro level is present because the families are helping one another. They depend
on each other and support one another. Some generations didn’t believe in outside help; such as
counseling, etc., but African Americans today are getting the support from their families, as well
as seeking outside help. The church also is an example of the micro level; it provides spiritual
help and counseling for individuals. The macro level of social work is present in the extended
kinship families; community’s coming together to help in the raising of children. Teachers,
educators, spiritual leaders, and parents; working together to help guide and nurture our children.
The church could also be considered macro level; because it teaches the importance of family,
and offers guidance in bringing families closer.
Conclusion
According to (yourblackworld.net, 2012), the black family is worse off today than in the
1960’s, due to the increase in children being born out of wedlock, as well as the increase of
single parent homes. There are many different types of African American family structures; such
as nuclear families, single parent families, grandparents raising the children, large traditional
families, and many more. The one thing that is constant is the cohesiveness and togetherness.
The African American family is a strong unit that has throughout the years endured many
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hardships; from racism to discrimination. But through it all, the family foundation played a very
significant role in the survival.
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References
Appleby, G. A., Colon, E., & Hamilton, J. (2011). Diversity, Oppression and Social Functioning:
Person-In-Environment Assessment and Intervention (3rd Ed.). United States: Allyn &
Bacon/Pearson Publishing.
Benson, E. L. (2013). Interview about family ethnicity.
Day, Phyllis J. (2013). A New History of Social Welfare (7th Ed.) United States: Pearson
Publishing.
Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com on March 5,
2013.
Revell, M. A. & McGhee, M. N., (2012). Evolution of the African American Family:
International Journal of Childbirth Education. Volume 27, #4. Retrieved from Wayne
State University online library database on February 25, 2013.
Williams, Heather Andrea. “How Slavery Affected African American Families”. Freedoms
Story, TeacherServe. National Humanities Center. Retrieved on March 19, 2013 from
http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/freedom/1609-1865/essays/aafamilies.htm.
Your Black World.Net (2012). The Black Family is Worse off Today Than in the 1960’s.
Retrieved from http://yourblackworld.net on March 19, 2013.