Introduction to Human Development and Family Sciences

A set of flashcards based on the lecture notes about Human Development and Family Sciences, focusing on key concepts related to family dynamics, social justice, and developmental theories.

Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)

A field that explores the development of individuals and families in various contexts including family, work, and society.

Poverty

A socioeconomic condition that can complicate lives and relationships, often explored in HDFS.

Resilience

The capacity of individuals to recover from difficulties and adapt to challenging environments.

Bioecological Model

A theoretical framework that examines human development through different systems interacting with one another.

Macrosystem

The cultural context that influences an individual, including broader societal factors.

Exosystem

External environmental settings that indirectly affect an individual’s development.

Microsystem

The immediate environment surrounding an individual, including relationships with family and peers.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create meaning through interactions within families.

Critical Praxis

Developing new methods for family practitioners to understand limitations of existing knowledge.

Critical Race Theory

A framework that examines and challenges the racial power dynamics and privileges in Family Science.

Social Justice

The pursuit of a society that values equity and fairness, critically examined in the context of families.

Normative Family

A traditionally imagined family structure often depicted as White, middle-class, and patriarchal.

Racism

A belief system that discriminates against people based on their race, impacting family dynamics.

Classism

Prejudice or discrimination based on social class that affects family interactions.

Sexism

Discrimination or prejudice based on sex or gender that can influence family structures.

Heterosexism

Discrimination or bias against those who are not heterosexual, impacting family relationships.

Ableism

Discrimination in favor of able-bodied individuals that affects families with disabled members.

Agency

The ability for individuals within families to act independently and make their own choices.

Structural Inequities

Deeply rooted disparities in power and resources that impact individuals and families.

Ascribed Differences

Characteristics assigned at birth that affect social status and opportunities.

Systems of Power

Structures that govern how resources and privileges are distributed in society.

Intersectionality

An analytical framework for understanding how various forms of discrimination intersect.

Course Themes

Central topics engaging with structural inequities and their effects on individuals and families.

Oppression

Systematic and pervasive discrimination that creates disadvantages for certain groups.

Meaningful Changes

Actions supported by social justice theories to improve conditions for families and communities.

Family Scholars

Researchers who study familial structures, dynamics, and the impact of societal forces.

History of Family Science

The evolution of the study of families, especially concerning social justice and race.

Case Study

A research method used to analyze specific instances of family poverty within an HDFS perspective.

Family Agency

The capacity of families to operate with independence and influence their circumstances.

Cultural Context

The environment of cultural norms and values that affect family life and configurations.

Journal of Family Theory & Review

An academic publication where research on family theory and social justice is explored.

Bronfenbrenner, U.

A key figure in human development theory, known for his bioecological perspective.

Allen, K. R. & Henderson, A. C.

Authors exploring critical praxis in family theorizing for social justice.

Educational Context

The role of educational institutions in shaping individual and family development.

Community Resilience

The ability of communities to withstand and recover from adversities affecting families.