Understanding Black Family Functioning: A Holistic Perspective

Abstract

This article contends that, in order to enhance knowledge of the functioning of African American families, a holistic perspective must be incorporated by analysts and researchers. This holistic approach is based primarily on the theoretical formulation, offered by Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois in his paper, “The Study of the Negro Problem,” which was presented at the 1898 meeting of the American Academy of Political land Social Science. We contrast the holistic perspective with the conventional or “deficit” treatment of African American families in policy discussions and the research literature. We also briefly examine several conceptual frameworks (such as systems, developmental, ecological, and cultural) that contribute to enhancing our knowledge of Black family life. Moreover, we underscore the importance of examining the separate and combined effects of factors at the societal, community, family, and individual levels on Black family structure and functioning. We also illustrate how the interdisciplinary nature of the holistic approach increases new insights into the functioning of African American families. Finally, we attempt to show how a holistic emphasis on strengths and resilience can enhance the identification of public policies and programs that are likely to strengthen the functioning of African American families.