The African American single-parent family has tended to be a scapegoat for a variety of social problems, ranging from poverty to drug abuse. As a result, there exists much misinformation about this family form. In this collection, the African American matriarchal family is re-evaluated to present a more informed picture of its actual structure and functioning. From an Afrocentric feminist perspective, contributors examine the history, legal dilemmas, media images and religious values of these families. The roles of children, grandparents, fathers, other support figures and the government are reviewed. This insider view of these households concludes with suggestions of more effective and sensitive policy approaches to this t

This core textbook provides students with comprehensive coverage of African American psychology as a field. Each chapter integrates African and American influences on the psychology of African Americans, thereby illustrating how contemporary values, beliefs, and behaviors are derived from African culture translated by the cultural socialization experiences of African Americans in the US. The literature and research are referenced and discussed from the perspective of African culture (mostly West African) during the period of enslavement, at other critical periods in this country (e.g., early 20th century, civil rights era), and through the present. Chapters provide a review of the research literature, with a focus on applications for contemporary living.

The data and research study that is referred to in this book and done on the African American Single Mothers, can offer support for all mothers seeking positive caregiving and building positive relationships with their child/children. Also, the data from the study referred to in this book, revealed that, once the mothers were aware of reflective functioning and had opportunities to practice it, their relationships with their children improved. Based on the mother’s comments, maternal reflective functioning changed maternal responses and interactions with children as it required the mothers to examine their thoughts and feelings. To support positive social-emotional development of a child, it is important for the caregiver to be available and to have a positive, intimate, caring relationship with the child. Greenspan (1979) stated that, from conception through the lifespan, positive caregiving relationships are important to children’s positive growth and development.

Lee (U. of Kansas) emphasizes the role of school psychologists as consultants, and one of this encyclopedia's goals is to introduce non-specialists to the scope of psychology applied to education. It can also serve as a reference for practitioners and vocational counselors. For ease of use, the comprehensive contents are listed both alphabetically

This volume represents current and futuristic thinking of seminal rural education researchers, with the goal of providing perspectives and directions to inform the work of rural education research, practice, and policy. With an emphasis on leveraging collaboration among key rural education stakeholders, this title both outlines our current research knowledge base and maps a future research agenda for maximizing the educational experiences and achievement of rural K-12 students and their families and educators in the United States. In examining the interrelated impacts of teacher practices, family engagement, school/community environment and contextual factors, the book offers the evidence-based insights of seminal researchers on issues ranging from professional development and family-school partnership approaches to methodological considerations. It also explores the needs, opportunities and realities associated with translating research to the arenas of practice and policy – while considering how the latter can inform future scholarship.

This nonjudgmental, inclusive, and far-reaching text focuses on the diverse patterns of family structure prevalent in our society today. Family Diversity presents empirical research on the internal dynamics, social environments, support factors, prevalence of discrimination, and common stereotypes that account for the issues surrounding current family relations. By examining the history and nature of foster and adoptive, single-parent, lesbian/gay, step- and grandparent family units, Pauline Irit Erera is able to challenge both the idealized family prototype and the hegemony of the traditional structure.

Please see Volume I for a full description and table of contents for all four volumes.