The role of African American males in the family

Abstract

This study investigated the roles that exist for African American males in their families. The researcher recognizes that men are only one aspect of the family unit. However, due to the lack of understanding about African American males' roles in the family, it is believed to be necessary to examine these roles separate from the rest of the family unit. Previous research has attempted to address this issue in various indirect ways. In this study subjects were asked in person about their beliefs regarding the positions they occupied in their families. It was believed that this qualitative group study could get below the surface and reduce the likelihood of assumptions within this study and on the part of readers. It is an accepted attitude, in the United States, that African American males are the worst fathers, sons and, more generally, those people whose anger is the most unpredictable. In addition, it is believed by many that African American males pose a threat not only to their own family but also to society as a whole. One of the implications of this study is to further suggest that these ideologies have in many ways set standards for African American males. This study will attempt to show that this way of thinking is detrimental to African American males and all those who encounter them.