Week 4: Diversity in the Family - Social Class

Introduction

• Discussion about local fires and potential impact on internet and power.
• Reminder to keep instructor informed on personal situations due to fires.

Topic Overview

• Primary Focus: Social class and socioeconomic status in family dynamics.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Explain the role of social class in family life.
  • Relate social class to family therapy.
  • Explore social class within personal family experiences.

Assignments and Readings

• Readings:
  • Revisioning text: Chapters 3, 4, and 6.
  • Article: "Social Class Tensions Within Families" (contact instructor if access issues occur).
• Videos:
  • Changes in family structures.
  • Social stratification.
  • Economic inequality's impact on society.
• Assignments:
  • Lecture Reflection: Due Sunday.
  • Diversity Cultural Immersion Assignment: Choose one of two options.
    • Visit a homeless shelter or food distribution center.
    • Use limited toilet paper for a week (focus on conservation and social class impact).
  • Reflect in a 500-750-word paper on the experience.

Key Concepts

Social Class

• Based on income, wealth, education, and occupation.
• American Dream and its implications for immigrants.
  • Equal opportunity and prosperity regardless of background.
• Impact on family dynamics and therapy.
  • Economic insecurity often leads to family stress.
  • Importance of understanding socioeconomic context in therapy.

Poverty and Social Trauma

• Poverty as a traumatic experience with intergenerational effects.
• Role of resilience in family systems.

Clinical Implications

• Importance of self-reflection on biases.
• Slow down the process to better understand client backgrounds.

Discussion Highlights

• COVID-19 Impact:
  • Drastic changes in family systems due to financial and social stressors during the pandemic.
  • Long-term anxiety impacts on children and families.
  • Changes in family roles and dynamics.

Assignments and Questions

• Impact of COVID-19:
  • Discussion on how the pandemic affected different social classes.
  • Different family responses and adaptations.

Reading Reflections

• Concerns about Political Bias:
  • Some students feel readings have political biases.
  • Encouraged to consider different perspectives as part of academic growth.

Final Notes

• No final exam in this course.
• Encouraged to look ahead in the syllabus for upcoming assignments.
• Instructor available for office hours and additional support.

Closing

• Stay safe given local conditions.
• Reminder of office hours for further discussion or questions.