Blog 13

I really enjoyed this lesson on LGBTQ theory. One of the major points that I think is important is that this theory truly accounts for diverse pathways to family formation, structure and development. As a result, in the same spirit, it is important not to lump all LGBTQ families into one pot. Recognizing that each family is unique in its own ways, much as was covered in understanding diverse families, is part of what allows the theory to be flexible and continuously relevant.

Another key takeaway was embedded in the lecture regarding queer theory. This theory questions “heteronormativity”, questions the heterosexual/homosexual binary, and unpacks hidden assumptions about “normal” families and “good” parents. I think one evident example is captured in the quote shown in the photo below: "Asking who's the 'man' and who's the 'woman' in a same-sex relationship is like asking which chopstick is the fork."

I think this quote perfectly demonstrates an ongoing tendency for individuals (even those who accept lesbian/gay couples) to describe and understand them through the lens of heterosexuality. Subscribing gender attributes, associating with traditional gender roles, and similar heteronormative approaches strip a person of their individuality because not all people fall into distinct and complementary genders (man and woman) with natural roles in life.

Blog 12

My unwavering dedication to the public interest developed as a result of many factors and influences in my life that have pushed me to strive to make the dream of social justice a reality for all. While my academic and extracurricular pursuits propelled me along this trajectory, my greatest inspiration has been my family. They have challenged me to believe in others, to be passionate in leading a life of service and to respect the richness of my heritage.

Growing up, I heard stories of injustice that may seem inconceivable to some people: my grandfather’s business being confiscated in Cuba, his forced internment in the fields of Bejucal, his decision to uproot his family to a foreign country to escape the abuses of the Castro regime, as well as his years of sacrifice working three jobs to improve the life of his family and to secure for his children the privileges of freedom, education, and opportunity in the United States.

While those experiences are not alien to many immigrants, few young people possess the same passion and indignation as their older relatives. It is their grandparents’ experiences, not their own. However, I think younger generations have an obligation to learn from their cultural ancestry, share the richness of our vibrant culture, and prevent these atrocities from ever repeating themselves. Their story is my own, embedded in my commitment to the public interest field, in part because of the social schisms which can develop along racial or cultural lines.

Thinking about how culture is built into who we are (and who I am) as an individual and how it influences family dynamics is incredibly important. In addition to my passion for public interest, some of my fondest memories come from family meals during which stories like the one I mentioned were shared. Understanding diversity in families makes the study of family dynamics rich, engaging, and connected to real human experiences.

Blog 11

I enjoyed reading about conflict theory and reflecting how there are indeed many points of tension in many relationships. One of the areas which was alluded to, which I wanted to explore further in this blog post, is the area of discipline.

This is a huge area of struggle for families, and one which I often encounter in my professional life. Children misbehave for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, children act up to get a parent's attention; sometimes when they imitate adults or their peers, it can be interpreted as misbehaving. Misconduct can be a sign that the child is growing up, evolving past a specific set of rules or is a testing limits to increase their independence.

Whether just at home, or even if this behavior extends past home life into school or public life, there are many suggestions designed to help improve behavior. The first step, as demonstrated below as in many other models, is to partner, discuss, and set limits for children. This is something that needs to be negotiated, first and foremost between the caregivers. When there is conflict between parents or guardians, it makes it difficult to create an appropriate discipline structure. However, even if there is agreement between parents or a child is in a single-parent household, relationships with family members, teachers, and other adults can bring the need for negotiation of this structure.

This reminded me of many of the points that were discussed in conflict theory because of the emphasis this perspective places on negotiating conflict for resources and power.

Blog 10

This week's Feminist Family Theory touches upon an important (and often under-explored) area of family dynamics. I personally identify as a feminist- someone who believes in equality between genders which is often not in existence. I believe women and men should be paid equally, which they are not (http://www.womenyoushouldknow.net/equal-payback-project-sarah-silverman-drastic-measures-close-gap-nsfw/). I believe women give consent when they say "yes," which is not a universal protection (http://news.yahoo.com/california-passes-yes-means-yes-campus-sexual-assault-092512755.html). I also believe women should be safe, protected and secure in their security and health, which it is often not (as discussed below).

In thinking about this theory and how it connects to the lives of women (especially in diverse cultures and circumstances, I wanted to explore the link between this theory and female genital mutilation (or FGM). FGM (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/) is defined as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice continues because a blend of cultural, religious and social factors within families and communities, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. These reasons range from eliminating a women's libido in order to deter "illicit" sexual behavior by females and encourage modesty, to preparing a woman for female adulthood, to religious promulgation.

The United Nations has worked for years to have FGM acknowledged as a health hazard to women and girls. Research evidence shows grave permanent damage to the health of girls and women. Acute complications involve hemorrhage infections, bleeding of adjacent organs, violent pain. Life long complications include scarring, chronic infection, urologic and obstetric diseases, serious complications during childbirth, pain at intercourse and chronic depression.

A number of governments have outlawed FGM, but the practice continues. In many of these societies, women's subordinate status renders them economically and socially dependent on their husbands and fathers, making it very difficult to avoid undergoing the operation. Efforts to eradicate the practice must also include ending pervasive discrimination against girls and women in these societies.

In the context of Feminist Family Theory, it is important to note how a practice of this type persists, and how the social, cultural and religious views which exist allow it to continue and thrive. This would be an important intersection of theory, research and practice for ongoing exploration and action.