Session 17: Equity, Justice and Power
Monday, February 25

Major Themes to Be Covered

1. Families live in a variety of social and cultural contexts. Some families such as poor families and families of color receive disparate treatment in communities. These family systems are marginalized and stereotyped by community institutions.
   
   
2. Institutional racism marginalizes poor families and families of color and limits access to social and economic resources for these families.
   
   
3. Families and communities that are disenfranchised from the American dream are subjected to government supported remedies that may assume a position of "blaming the victim." Government and private initiatives focus on structured change without addressing the roots of racism and discrimination.
   
   
4. Family Centered Community Building efforts need to respect the diversity among families and provide community support that support and values the family unit.
   
   
5. Culturally competent strategies in social services targeting families are needed to honor and respect the family system.

Students Will Learn

1. The importance of culturally competent strategies in the provision of supportive, community-based services.
   
   
2. How community institutions perpetuate racial stereotypes through disparate treatment of poor families and families of color. (i.e., disproportionate minority confinement in the justice system)
   
   
3. How communities can confront institutionalized racism and embrace diversity through shared leadership.
   
   
4. Identify how families can take control of their communities to confront negative community outcomes

Suggested Readings: