Down in the Delta: Family Theory Approaches
Down in the Delta: Family Theory Approaches
Kate Reaka
SW7213 CS
Family Theory Observation Paper
Fall 2012
Through assessment of the overall themes, trends, and patterns of the nuclear and extended family, the Sinclair family has been through many conflicts and stresses, and each family member has fought hard to maintain and keep the family connected together, despite long distances, separation, addiction, developmental delays, aging, and many more stressors. Though there are many theoretical approaches to take with the Sinclair family at any given point in “Down in the Delta”, including Family Development Theory, Family Systems Theory, Family Crisis/Stress, or Social Exchange Theory. This paper will focus on Structural Functionalism Theory and Symbolic Interactionism Theory.
While observing interaction with the Sinclair family from a therapeutic lens, Uncle Earl and Rosa are the two main adults in the family featured in the film who feel a strong obligation to continue to maintain deep family heritage and traditional connections, while meeting the needs of each seemingly challenging individual in the family. Family Development Theory can be used to engage this family by pointing out how deviation from the norm can cause family stress. For example, a family trying to maintain deep connections from past, present, and future will have a huge stress when they are split apart due to slavery, societal injustices, and a civil war. To add to that tension, physical separation in different parts of the country severs relationship and family customs. Rosa fights hard for her daughter, Loretta who has been a deviance to her immediate family, to be a good mother and stop using, by helping her care for her children, encouraging her to get a stable means of income and a job. Rosa goes to the point of giving Loretta a demand to either take the kids down South to Uncle Earl 's for the summer, or she can relinquish them to social services. Rosa shows her
Kate Reaka
SW7213 CS
Family Theory Observation Paper
Fall 2012
Through assessment of the overall themes, trends, and patterns of the nuclear and extended family, the Sinclair family has been through many conflicts and stresses, and each family member has fought hard to maintain and keep the family connected together, despite long distances, separation, addiction, developmental delays, aging, and many more stressors. Though there are many theoretical approaches to take with the Sinclair family at any given point in “Down in the Delta”, including Family Development Theory, Family Systems Theory, Family Crisis/Stress, or Social Exchange Theory. This paper will focus on Structural Functionalism Theory and Symbolic Interactionism Theory.
While observing interaction with the Sinclair family from a therapeutic lens, Uncle Earl and Rosa are the two main adults in the family featured in the film who feel a strong obligation to continue to maintain deep family heritage and traditional connections, while meeting the needs of each seemingly challenging individual in the family. Family Development Theory can be used to engage this family by pointing out how deviation from the norm can cause family stress. For example, a family trying to maintain deep connections from past, present, and future will have a huge stress when they are split apart due to slavery, societal injustices, and a civil war. To add to that tension, physical separation in different parts of the country severs relationship and family customs. Rosa fights hard for her daughter, Loretta who has been a deviance to her immediate family, to be a good mother and stop using, by helping her care for her children, encouraging her to get a stable means of income and a job. Rosa goes to the point of giving Loretta a demand to either take the kids down South to Uncle Earl 's for the summer, or she can relinquish them to social services. Rosa shows her
Bibliography: Boynton, S. (2007). Blue moo. Workman Pub Co. Angelou, M. (Director) (1998). In Gobel, M. (Executive Producer), Down in the Delta.