Social Organization Strategies

• Identify the family unit (nuclear, single-parent, extended, etc.) and social group organizations (religious or ethnic). For example:
  • African American families are often matriarchal; extended family members often help with child rearing.
  • Chinese families are traditionally organized around male lines. Children are highly valued.
  • European Americans focus on equality in relationships; women often have careers; autonomy among children and teenagers is encouraged.
  • Filipino families identify the father as the head of household, but relationships are equal. Children are expected to get a college education.
  • Iranian families are patriarchal. In the absence of the father, the eldest son has authority.
  • Mexican American families vary from patriarchal, to matriarchal, to egalitarian, however, the male is expected to speak for the family.
  • Most Navajo families are matriarchal. The appropriate elderly woman must be present before decisions can be finalized.
  • Vietnamese families are primarily patriarchal and the main social unit. Children are expected to be obedient.
• Assess social barriers: unemployment, homelessness, health insurance status, poverty
• Know the dates of holidays, whether or not to give gifts, what to wear, customs and beliefs.
• Be familiar with special events, how they are celebrated, the meaning of colors used for gifts, expected rituals or religious services.