Title: Analyze the influence of culture on family relationships.
Course: Individual Development (19260-36) > Section: Analyzing the Family’s Role in Development of Relationships

Analysis should include

- a definition of cultural competency (to include religion, socio-economic background, sexual identity, physical and cognitive abilities, age)
- exploring the cultural influences affecting various aspects of family life
- a description of various family structures (e.g., single parent, nuclear, step, blended, foster and adopted, extended, same-sex, grandparent as head-of-household)
- identifying the roles of individuals within the family across various cultures
- comparing family functioning across various cultures
- a reflection on the way the family practices their cultural norms.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What is your definition of culture? Why is it important to value cultural differences?
- How can diverse cultural norms influence values, beliefs, and goals of others?
- How does where a family lives affect their family relationships?
- What challenges might a family encounter when relocating to a region with different cultural norms?

Communication

- How can you learn more about different cultures? Why would you want to?
- What are some examples of nonverbal cues and how might these be influenced by cultural norms and expectations?
- How do stereotypes affect potential relationships?

Leadership

- How can your role within the family differ from those of other cultures?
- What are your goals for working with people from diverse backgrounds?
- How do cultural traditions influence your relationships?
- What actions can you take to improve your relationships with those from different cultural backgrounds?

Management

- What resources are available to help you learn about different cultural norms?
- How can you use research to improve relationships?
- What are the short-term and long-term benefits of embracing diversity?