A dysfunctional family is a family in which conflict, misbehavior, and often child neglect or abuse on the part of the individual’s parents occur continually and regularly, leading other members to copy such actions (“Dysfunctional Family”). An example of a dysfunctional family is a home where there is neglect and abuse. While it is true that African Americans have dysfunctional families, so to do all other races. What is often confused with this stereotype is that it is based upon race, when it should be based upon the family structure (single or two parents), income levels, education levels, and other factors. Race, in and of itself, is not the cause of family dysfunction; other factors are more important. One reason African American families are depicted as dysfunctional is because many African Americans have low average income levels. “At a per-capita income of $18,054 in 2008, African-American earnings were just 57.9% that of whites ' $28,502” (Christie). This income discrepancy means that more African American families are trying to live and raise families on less money. One of the main factors in child abuse cases is the income of the family. In an interview with magistrate John Coleman, who works on child abuse cases, he stated that in order to decide on child welfare in a dysfunctional home, he looks at whether the family is able to sustain and support the child that they are caring for and also, if a person is employed or unemployed, and their background. If so, they will not be depicted as a dysfunctional family based on income. If the family is not able to support or sustain a child, the race of the family will be noted. Many people base their ideas of a dysfunctional family from race. When many people think of a dysfunctional family they may think of an African American household because of the lower incomes, but it’s quite the opposite. Education and
A dysfunctional family is a family in which conflict, misbehavior, and often child neglect or abuse on the part of the individual’s parents occur continually and regularly, leading other members to copy such actions (“Dysfunctional Family”). An example of a dysfunctional family is a home where there is neglect and abuse. While it is true that African Americans have dysfunctional families, so to do all other races. What is often confused with this stereotype is that it is based upon race, when it should be based upon the family structure (single or two parents), income levels, education levels, and other factors. Race, in and of itself, is not the cause of family dysfunction; other factors are more important. One reason African American families are depicted as dysfunctional is because many African Americans have low average income levels. “At a per-capita income of $18,054 in 2008, African-American earnings were just 57.9% that of whites ' $28,502” (Christie). This income discrepancy means that more African American families are trying to live and raise families on less money. One of the main factors in child abuse cases is the income of the family. In an interview with magistrate John Coleman, who works on child abuse cases, he stated that in order to decide on child welfare in a dysfunctional home, he looks at whether the family is able to sustain and support the child that they are caring for and also, if a person is employed or unemployed, and their background. If so, they will not be depicted as a dysfunctional family based on income. If the family is not able to support or sustain a child, the race of the family will be noted. Many people base their ideas of a dysfunctional family from race. When many people think of a dysfunctional family they may think of an African American household because of the lower incomes, but it’s quite the opposite. Education and