The Study of a Familys Ethnicity or a Groups Diversity

Heather Workman
SW 3110
March 24, 2015

Workman 1
In the field of Social Work, Social Workers, at most times, have to examine all of aspects
of their clients lives to find the root to their present problems. Most of the time, this would
require the Social Worker to examine the family and its dynamics to search for the root of the
problem or to locate a solution. Much can be said through the culture, behavior and beliefs of a
family based on the ethnicity of said family. Examining the family and the interworking of the
family, a Social Worker can learn so much about through client.
For the purpose of this assignment, I have chosen to interview a young woman of Russian
descent. She was born in the country of Russia and was raised in an orphanage until the age of
four. That was when a couple from the United States decided to adopt her and bring her over to
grow up in the United States of America. Since that time, she was grown accustomed to life in
the United States, but now as an adult, she makes occasion trips back to her home country so she
may never forget where she started. Since she was adopted by a couple outside her country, her
family dynamic is a bit different than most. Like her, her family didnt want her to forget her true
self and has often involved the Russian culture in any way possible. I am happy that she was
more than willing to be interview for this paper.
How is the family or group may be viewed in the light of its collective history
My family is looked as a typical American family built on the foundation of the
"immigration experience" My father and his side of the family immigrated from Italy after WWII
and I was adopted from Russia in the 1990s. So in many ways we celebrate our American
identity by participating in American sports, holidays, and food. But we also pride ourselves in
having roots outside of America by also eating Italian cuisine and embracing and learning about
Russian culture.

Workman 2
What are the sources of cohesion, identity and strength; stress, discord and strife that are
evident as the result of the groups reality?
Cohesion- I would say that our family is very close because we value the role and
importance of family very much. We try to communicate with each other on a daily basis when I
am living long distantly. We are very involved in each other decision making and as a result take
responsibility for each other. During hard times, we always like to say that no matter what
happens family will always take care. Some stress that I feel from time to time is when I need to
be more independent and my family's fear of letting me go. Sometimes I feel we can be too
codependent.
How are roles assigned in relation to gender and age? Is this assignment a reflection of the
groups cultural reality? What are the consequences of the role assignment?
In regards to gender, I don't believe there is not truly a difference in how my family
treats men or women. I feel like my parents and extended members expect the same high
standards in both work and family life from both myself and my cousins. In regards to age, my
parents believe that independence is important but that support is also vital. This can be seen
their assistance through college. Self reliance should be achieved by the time one is out of
college there fore I should leave home and find work, according to them. I feel this is a reflection
of the American cultural reality, especially when I compare their expectations of gender and age
to those of my Russian and Ukrainian friends and colleagues while living in Ukraine currently.
How does the group function in relation to other systems: e.g., educational, religious,
occupational, judicial?

Workman 3

My family is Roman Catholic and majority of members have master degrees so

education and a Christian Morality are highly valued. My parents in particular value hard work
because it builds a stable future and self reliance.
How does it function as a transmitter of cultural values?
My family values self reliance, "being down to earth", due to being from the Midwest,
and family.
What are the implications for social work practice at both micro and macro levels? Be
specific in terms of principles of practice?
For this particular family, for social work practice on the micro level would be that of the
family and the Roman Catholic Church. This young woman has a strong belief in the Roman
Catholic religion and her parents and family have built a strong foundation for her based on these
beliefs. On a Macro level, independence was stated as a core belief with the family, meaning that
when working with family such as this, social workers may have to advocate for the client for
better living arrangements and better pay. The family, in this case, is very strong, very dependent
on one other. It seems that despite any problems a member of the family may be experiencing,
someone is always there to lend support or a helping hand. Communication is a must for this
family. This may not be true for every family of this background, but it may be a good
representation of Russian families and how they treat members of their own family. My
interviewee did mention that there is a difference in regards to age and gender, especially in the
Ukraine country, but her family is indifferent to that and views everyone as equal. This may
become a problem for Social Workers working with families from the Ukraine country, for their

Workman 4

beliefs in regards to age and difference may cause problems for the members in the United States
of America.

Workman 5
References
Ksusha, Anne. Personal Communication. Interview. 10 March 2015.