Types of Family - Assignment Example

In the United States, the major family structure is based on a narrow, white, middle-class image. There are also some other types of families, such as immigration families, lesbian families, gay families, or single-parent families. These families grow larger and further than before, representing people in a society increasingly accepting the diversity of family types. They are also important and necessary parts of the family type, making us know the ethno better.

When it comes to understanding families, we should probably emphasize the differences that exist across the unique cultures and identities of racial and religious groups. Because I think it is more effective to understand the otherness of two groups, knowing how to adapt us in a better way. In addition, we should aspire to multiculturalism because society could be more splendid and interesting with more diversity and we could know more about different cultures.

When I came to America, I met a lot of great friends here. Mike is an ABC (American Born in China) boy, his father is from Chinese and his mother is an American. I heard about some interesting things in his family. He thought his family is very special with two totally opposite cultures. The advantages are he could speak both two languages though he could not write down the Chinese letters. In addition, he learned two different cultures and use two thinking models to look upon things. However, this structure of the family also influences him and there are some disadvantages, such as his parents always have a culture clash and have different attitudes when they face the same thing. He told me that sometimes he felt very confused about his parents’ thinking and had no idea which one was better.

To my surprise, the research shows there is no difference in developmental outcomes when children rose by same-sex couples. I thought they would have higher gay trends due to the influence of their parents, but it was actually my bias. However, compared with children who grow up in heterosexual families, children who are from gay couples families are treated differently. They have fewer rights and unfair treatment in society today, such as they have no right to visit their parents in the hospital or do not have spousal health insurance coverage. The most important thing is, children from gay families might live in an environment with societal stigma, which could cause mental harm to them.

Response: I agree with what is researched and mentioned in the article. The reason behind my agreement is that I have met and seen families and people who belong to different cultures. There usually is no problem in raising a child if the parents are not from the same cultural background. In fact, it has been proved by many studies that it is more important for a child to be understood by his parents and it is important for parents to know what their child needs rather than being from the same cultural background. Also, I have seen parents from different background be more successful than parents from the same background.