- By the sounds of the boy’s father, you can tell that he is machismo, or has a strong sense of masculine pride, (Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman, & Hessenauer, 2019). The School Mental Health: Social Work Provider Guidebook (2021) gives some advice on how to talk with the family and options for getting the student engaged with their schoolwork and other peers. They recommend, with consent from the parent/guardian, having contact with the parent/guardian if the student refuses to participate after 2–3 attempts, (Del Rosario Gomez, 2021). Documenting the actions of the student, it allows the parent/guardian to know what is occurring, but also allows for school personnel to keep track and assess the student and assist with setting goals.
However, since the father is corporal punishment, the school must abide by the mandatory reporting. Since the father let the school officials know, they must report it to the Child Abuse Hotline, (41-3-201, MCA). Corporal punishment is defined as physical force with intent to cause physical pain, but not injury, to control a child’s behavior, (Fontes, 2005). Fontes (2005) explains that cultures around the world use corporal punishment as a form of discipline, but in the United States, it is constituted as child abuse. However, most of the cases that are called regarding child abuse are closed as there are not enough employees to supervise the number of families who have already been charged with child abuse, (Fontes, 2005).
Some support that I would suggest for the family would be family support services, which would help with parenting skills and some strengths the family would need since they just moved to the United States. Even getting a therapist for the family would be good for them.
Even though the family has a different race, culture, and ethnicity, do you feel that the father is still abusing his child and should be punished as if he were a U.S. Citizen?
Full Answer Section
The Case of the Boy with the Machismo Father
The case of the boy with the machismo father provides a compelling example of how race, culture, and ethnicity can influence human behavior. The boy's father, who is from a culture that values machismo, believes that corporal punishment is an effective way to discipline his son. However, in the United States, corporal punishment is considered child abuse. As a result, the school is required to report the incident to the Child Abuse Hotline.
This case raises a number of important questions about the intersection of race, culture, and ethnicity with child abuse. On the one hand, it is important to respect the cultural practices of families from different backgrounds. However, it is also important to protect children from harm. In this case, the school is obligated to report the incident to the authorities, even if it means going against the cultural beliefs of the family.
The Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Child Abuse
Race and ethnicity can have a significant impact on the rates of child abuse. In the United States, for example, African American children are more likely to be victims of child abuse than white children. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, discrimination, and social isolation.
Culture can also play a role in child abuse. Some cultures may view corporal punishment as an acceptable form of discipline, while others may view it as child abuse. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences when working with families from different backgrounds.
Recommendations for Working with Families from Different Cultural Backgrounds
When working with families from different cultural backgrounds, it is important to be respectful of their cultural beliefs and practices. However, it is also important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your country. If you are concerned about a child's safety, you should report your concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Here are some additional recommendations for working with families from different cultural backgrounds:
- Build relationships with families. Get to know the family and their cultural background. This will help you to build trust and rapport with the family.
- Be culturally sensitive. Be aware of the family's cultural beliefs and practices. Do not make assumptions about what is acceptable or unacceptable in their culture.
- Use an interpreter if necessary. If you do not speak the family's language, use an interpreter to communicate with them.
- Educate families about the law. Inform families about the laws and regulations in your country, including those related to child abuse.
- Provide resources and support. Connect families with resources and support services in their community.
Conclusion
Race, culture, and ethnicity have a profound impact on human behavior. It is important to be aware of these influences when working with families from different backgrounds. By being respectful of cultural beliefs and practices, while also being aware of the laws and regulations in your country, you can help to ensure that all children are safe and well-cared for.
Sample Answer
The Impact of Race, Culture, and Ethnicity on Human Behavior
Race, culture, and ethnicity are complex and interconnected concepts that have a profound impact on human behavior. While race is often associated with physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and eye shape, it is important to remember that race is a social construct, not a biological one. Culture, on the other hand, refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, and traditions of a particular group of people. Ethnicity is often used interchangeably with race, but it can also refer to a shared national or ancestry.