African American family life: The dynamics of interactions, relationships, and roles

Abstract

Roles and interrelationships of the extended African American family are considered.

“It's Like Big Mama's House”: Examining Extended Family Influences on the Dietary Behaviors of African American Children

“…The relationships that develop between children and their family members are culturally defined and important to consider in understanding the context in which childhood obesity and related dietary behaviors develop (Yasui and Dishion 2007). African American families and households often have dynamic, multigenerational structures, with relatives within and across generations sharing the responsibility for rearing and caring for children (McAdoo and Younge 2008; Wilson et al 1995). As a result, extended family members play a potentially significant role in socializing children to adopt cultural norms (Foster 1983).…”

“…Although the expression of family-based collectivism beyond one’s nuclear family to extended family members is common, how this concept is expressed may differ based on the race and/or ethnicity of the family (Hays and Mindel 1973). Among African Americans, family-based collectivism often leads to an increased sense of closeness within the family, resulting in mutual respect and trust, reliance on support during times of hardship, and shared life experiences among family members (Hatchett, Jackson, and McAdoo 1993; McAdoo and Younge 2008; Rozario and DeRienzis 2008; Wilson et al 1995). Additionally, family-based collectivism may result in family members serving as behavioral and attitudinal referents for one another, particularly in regard to respecting and continuing family traditions (Hatchett, Jackson, and McAdoo 1993; McAdoo and Younge 2008; Wilson et al 1995).…”

“…Among African Americans, family-based collectivism often leads to an increased sense of closeness within the family, resulting in mutual respect and trust, reliance on support during times of hardship, and shared life experiences among family members (Hatchett, Jackson, and McAdoo 1993; McAdoo and Younge 2008; Rozario and DeRienzis 2008; Wilson et al 1995). Additionally, family-based collectivism may result in family members serving as behavioral and attitudinal referents for one another, particularly in regard to respecting and continuing family traditions (Hatchett, Jackson, and McAdoo 1993; McAdoo and Younge 2008; Wilson et al 1995). In African American families, engagement in family-based collectivism often contributes to extended family living and co-parenting arrangements in which multiple relatives share child rearing responsibilities and can be potential resources for the family’s children (Wilson et al 1995; Martin and Martin 1980).…”

“…Additionally, family-based collectivism may result in family members serving as behavioral and attitudinal referents for one another, particularly in regard to respecting and continuing family traditions (Hatchett, Jackson, and McAdoo 1993; McAdoo and Younge 2008; Wilson et al 1995). In African American families, engagement in family-based collectivism often contributes to extended family living and co-parenting arrangements in which multiple relatives share child rearing responsibilities and can be potential resources for the family’s children (Wilson et al 1995; Martin and Martin 1980). …”

“…This approach is of importance when examining the behaviors of African American children, as they are more likely to reside in households with extended family members (Wilson et al 1995). However, there are gaps in the existing literature regarding how children’s relationships and engagement with extended family members both those residing within and outside of the home may influence children’s dietary behaviors, which suggests that need for additional research.…”