Family Diversity- Ethnic Differences- Black Families

Question 1

What are the family patterns in black families?

Answer 1

-Black Caribbean/African people have higher proportion of LPFs
-In 2002- half LPFs were black headed
-1) family disorganisation: links to slavery- members of couples sold separately and children stayed with mother- perhaps est family pattern
-2) High rates of unemployment amongst black males- less able to provide, higher rates of marital breakdown or desertion

-Mirza: higher rates of LPFs amongst blacks show the high value black women place on independence

Question 2

What are the family patterns in Asian families?

Answer 2

-Bs, Ps and Indian households tend to larger then those of other ethnic groups- 4, 4, 3 compared to B and W at 2
-Most are nuclear
-Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus more likely to live in extended families
-Due to 1) younger age profiles of British Asians
-2) Socialisation- large households reflect the value placed on the extended family
-Ballard- provide important source of support
-Family was originally strongly extended and patriarchal
-Moving to suburbia meant smaller housing