ethnic differences in families Flashcards
what did the 2011 census show about ethnic minorities?
Immigration into Britain since the 1950’s has created greater ethnic diversity.
2011 census data suggests that 14% of the UK population are ethnic minorities.
Main ethnic minority groups were:
Asian 7.5%
Black 3.3%
Mixed heritage 2.2%
Greater ethnic diversity has led to changing family patterns.
what is the % of black lone parent families?
51%
how can lone black parents be linked back to slavery?
– couples were sold separately, children tended to stay with their mothers, it is argued this established a pattern of family life.
how can black male unemployment link to lone parent families?
Black men are less likely to be able to provide for their families, leading to greater breakdowns in relationships or desertion.
Mirza and Reynolds:
Mirza not a reflection of disorganisation but women’s independence – matriarchy. Reynolds – may ‘lone parent’ black women are actually in stable relationships but just not cohabitating with their partners.
which asian groups have the largest households?
Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian households tend to be larger than other ethnic groups.
Bangladeshi – 4.4
Pakistani -4.3
Indian – 3
In comparison to 2.4 for white and black families.
what family type is often seen amongst asian households?
Such households sometimes contain 3 generations, but actually most are large nuclear families rather than extended.
This is because Asian couples tend to move out and have children earlier than other ethnic groups.
Despite this, Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus are still more likely to live in extended families.
what do large asian households reflect?
are seen to reflect the values placed on the extended family in Asian culture.
Ballard (1982) argues that the extended family was a source of support amongst Asian migrants in the 50’s-60’s.
what are the benefits of living in an extended family?
financial resources, can save up money whilst living with family, somewhere to live, practical benefits e.g. child care, raise the children together, adequate socialisation, sharing housework etc. strengthen family bonds, support in a new country.
how is the nuclear family in decline?
Extended family is in decline now – families are settled and no longer need the support as much, can buy their own properties and move out. A lot of Asian families still live closely to one another to strengthen kinship.
