The Southwestern Social Work Association March

Presents:

Family Values: What Are They and What Do They Mean?

Annie Smith, Knee Scholar&Kenneth R. Wedel Ph.D., Coordinator

Challenges & ChoicesAugust 28, 2011

The University of OklahomaAnne and Henry Zarrow School of Social WorkKnee Center for Strong FamiliesHave Dr. Wedel introduce1Outline of PresentationThe Knee Center for Strong FamiliesTake the Family Values SurveyThe Importance of ValuesThe Conflictual Nature of ValuesValues DefinedSocial Work on ValuesFamily Values Defined (Review of Literature)Survey on Family ValuesResultsDiscussion-Go over outline.2The Knee Center for Strong FamiliesFounded in 2009 through a bequest of Ruth Irelan and Junior Koenig KneeRuth Knee was an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma School of Social Work and a pioneer in the advancement of professional social work practice and interdisciplinary engagement in social policy developmentThe Knee Center was established to devote its work to building theory, knowledge, practice, and education for the development of strong families in their diverse formsThe Knee Center Mission

The Knee Center for Strong Families is dedicated to strengthening families in Oklahoma through research, service, policy, and practice.Ruth Irelan Knee4Overview of the Knee Center The Knee Center is dedicated to sponsoring academic and community-oriented programs in the fields of social work, public health (including mental health), and fine arts in the following three core areas: Visiting lectureships, workshops, seminars, meetings of scholars, conferences, symposia, and forums Planning grants or seed money to develop programs that might have continuous funding from other sources Underwrite research on the planning and development of educational programs to enhance family life in Oklahoma

Goals of the Knee CenterContribute new knowledge in quality of life for Oklahoma families Foster collaboration for outreach activities directed toward solving social problems for families Increase current research capacity (including evaluation research) of the centers faculty, investigators, and students through the creation of research teams Increase the amount of externally funded training and research grants conducted by the center by increasing the number of investigator-initiated training and research grant submissions; and developing multidisciplinary research teams to conceptualize, plan, develop, and conduct service and research initiatives

Features of the Knee CenterCollaborative civic engagement in areas in which strong family development is an integral part of practice, including: child welfare lawfamily services mental health substance abuse recoveryhealth care/promotionCurriculum innovation supporting the preparation of a new generation of social workers and helping professionalsBuilding awareness among key constituencies and stakeholders of how policy can support strong family development. Development of new intervention models to advance strong family development within Oklahoma and beyondFormation of strong partnerships with state and local organizations and groups to advance knowledge and practice of strong family development

The Importance of ValuesValues connect individuals to society:

Help ease the conflict between individuals and collective interests.

Enable individuals to work together to realize collectively desirable goals.

-From a sociological perspective, values are viewed as connecting individuals to society. -For instance, "values are believed to help ease the conflict between individuals and collective interests.- They are also seen as a way to join people together. For instance, "values serve an important function by enabling individuals to work together to realize collectively desirable goals".

8The Importance of Values (continued)Values:

Have an effect on aspects of choice, decisions regarding courses of action and outcomes, goals, attitudes, and behavior.

Mold our beliefs and perceptions.

-Values are likely to have an effect on aspects of choice, decisions regarding courses of action and outcomes, goals, attitudes, and behavior. -Additionally, values tend to mold our beliefs and perceptions .9The Conflictual Nature of ValuesThe nature of values is often fraught with conflict:Often contaminated by the connotation that values inherently contain a right-wrong, good-bad component (Trotzer, 1981).Results in judgments of affirmation or condemnation (Trotzer, 1981).

The nature of values is often conflictual. -For example, efforts to identify the nature of values are often jeopardized and contaminated by the connotation that values inherently contain a right-wrong, good-bad component. This ultimately generates judgments of affirmation or condemnation, depending on which side of the polarity the evaluator stands in respect to the evaluatee.10Values DefinedThe concept of values is considered broad & encompasses numerous definitions:Kluckholn and Stodtbeck (1961) Values answer basic existential questions, helping to provide meaning in peoples lives.

Building Family Values (2000)-Values are a reflection of who we are, of our culture, and of our own unique heritage.

-There is no single definition of values as the concept of values is broad. -Values can be viewed as means to define ourselves as "values are a reflection of who we are, of our culture, and of our own unique heritage.- Values also answer basic existential questions, helping to provide meaning in people's lives".

11Values Defined (continued)Rokeach (1979)- Values are core conceptions of the desirable within every individual and society. They serve as standards or criteria to guide not only action, but judgment, choice, attitude, exhortation, rationalization, and one might add, attribution of causality.

Rokeach (1973)-They (values) lead us to take particular positions on social issues and they predispose us to favor one ideology over another.

-A social psychologist named Milton Rokeach was one of the most influential researchers on values over the past 4 decades. -In a 1979 publication, he stated, "values are core conceptions of the desirable within every individual and society. They serve as standards or criteria to guide not only action, but judgment, choice, attitude, evaluation, argument, exhortation, rationalization, and one might add, attribution of causality. -Values are essential to the functioning of social life. -In his 1973 publication, The Nature of Human Values, Rokeach stated , values are multifaceted standards that guide conduct in a variety of ways. They lead us to take particular positions on social issues and they predispose us to favor one ideology over another. They are standards employed to evaluate and judge others and ourselves.12Family Values DefinedAll families possess values which vary with the diversity of families:

Trotzer (1981) Families and family members espouse certain identifiable values characteristic of their peculiar heritage in interaction with their surrounding environment.

All families possess values despite the fact that values vary with the diversity of families. -Several factors help shape the value systems of families. -"...families and family members espouse certain identifiable values characteristic of their peculiar heritage in interaction with their surrounding environment". The development of values within families is both varied and diverse and is transferred from generation to generation. Even though core values tend to remain similar, they can be modified over time by different internal and external factors. 13Family Values Defined (continued)Families and family values have changed in American culture over the years:Thornton (1989) Study examined changing values and norms in regards to family life over a period of 30 years.Revealed changes in norms regarding marriage, childbearing, and the roles of men and women.Similarity between family values and broader social trends.Changes have occurred in families and family values in American culture over the yearsOne significant study regarding the changing history of family values was conducted by Thornton (1989).Thirty years of changing values and norms in regards to family life in the United States were examined. The Thornton study revealed changes in "the normative imperative to marry, to remain married, to have children, to restrict intimate relations to marriage, and to maintain separate roles for males and females". The study additionally found similarities among family values and social trends. For instance, similarities were revealed "in trends of family attitudes and behavior to a number of broader social trends, showing that many family changes parallel trends in socialization values, religious beliefs, political allegiances, and support for civil liberties.

14Family Values From a Political PerspectiveFamily Values Rhetoric:The concept of family values is conflictual.Has subsequently been used as controversial political ammunition.Cahn and Carbone (2010)- Red Families v. Blue Families.Cloud (2010)-performed an extensive analysis of the political use of the term family values.1992 Presidential Elections.

The concept of families values is at times conflicted and has subsequently been used as controversial political ammunition in the past few years. In Red Families v. Blue Families, Cahn & Carbone examine the conflict of family values in terms of rhetoric and political mannerisms. They assert that controversies regarding values associated with family life have "...challenged our images of the American family" and have wide ranging effects "...at the national level, in state courts and legislatures, in drafting local ordinances, and in our own families". -Cloud performed an extensive analysis of the political use of the term family values. Specifically, Cloud (2010) conducted her analysis during the 1992 Presidential campaign. From her findings, Cloud maintains that talk from both Democrat and Republican parties surrounding the phrase, family values, largely served to assist in political gains while scapegoating predominantly minority families and families facing poverty for problems in the country.15A Nation Divided: Red vs. Blue States2008 Electoral Map

= Republican States= Democratic States-Oklahoma is a predominantly red state.Five states (Utah, Idaho, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma) with the lowest median age at marriage in 2007 were red states. In addition, these five states have relatively high teen birthrates.16Families on the Front LinesFamilies are on the front lines of the culture wars. Controversies over abortion, same-sex marriage, teen pregnancy, single parenthood, and divorce have all changed our images of the American family. Some Americans seek a return to the mom, dad, and apple piefamilies of the 1950s, while others embrace all of our families, including single mothers, gay and lesbian parents, and cohabitating couples. These conflicting perspectives on lifes basic choices affect us all-at the national level, in state courts and legislatures, in drafting local ordinances, and in our own families.

-Cahn and Carbone (2010)- Red Families v. Blue Families.

Social Work on ValuesNASW Code of Ethics The Code identifies core values on which social works mission is based.

They (social workers) should be aware of the any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them responsibly.

Social workers also should be aware of the impact on ethical decision making of their clients and their own personal values and cultural and religious beliefs and practices.

Social workers are guided by a Code of Ethics which identifies a set of core values embraced by the profession. The preamble of the Code of Ethics states, "the mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. Additionally, the core values embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective". Social workers are expected to impartially consider the values of other individuals and groups despite potential opposition to their personal values. The Code continues, social workers are advised that they should be aware of the impact on ethical decision making of their clients and their own personal values and cultural and religious beliefs and practices.18Survey Study on Family ValuesImportanceLittle is known about family values espoused by social workers and how these values might impact their practice with families.

-Not much is currently known about family values espoused by social workers and how that might impact their practice with families.In fact, our investigative literature review revealed that there exists no known instrument for measuring family values, let alone for the profession of social work. This is surprising due to the fact that values play such a central role in the field of social work. The general lack of research and literature surrounding family values espoused by social workers serves as a strong motivator of our study.19Survey Study on Family ValuesPurposeIn 2011, The Knee Center conducted an online survey of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Oklahoma Chapter members to obtain information about family values and their priorities for professional practice.

-For our study, we are conducting a survey of Oklahoma chapter members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to obtain information about family values and their priorities for professional practice.

20Survey Study on Family ValuesPurposeStudy represents an initial look at family values of social workers Will attempt to explain how congruent they may be with those of the individuals and families for whom they provide services or administer policy practice.

Focuses on one aspect of core values that addresses the importance of human relationshipsPurposeful efforts to promote, restore, maintain and enhance the well-being of families.

-Our study represents an initial look at family values of social workers in an effort to explain how congruent they may be with those of the individuals and families for whom they provide services or administer policy practice. -It also focuses on one aspect of core values that addresses the importance of human relationshipspurposeful efforts to promote, restore, maintain and enhance the well-being of families. 21Survey on Family Values : MethodsExperimental Design and Study ParticipantsResearch Survey DesignThe Knee Center acquired a list of NASW-OK members and their e-mail addresses from the NASW-OK officeWe drew a sample of 900+ from a participant pool of NASW-OK members to be surveyed and invited them to participate in the study An email survey was administered using the Qualtrics online survey methodology283 respondents completed the survey

-Our study follows the guidelines for a research survey. -Our survey includes 3 sections. -The first section is set up as a semantic differential survey and requests participants to rate their level of preference between pairs of opposing value statements.There are a total of 41 pairs of statements. -In section 2 respondents are asked four open-ended questions regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and threats to families in Oklahoma. Additionally, in the third section, respondents are requested to provide information on demographic questions, including age, sex, highest degree held and when received, type of license, years of professional practice, area of professional practice, and whether they provide services directly to families. -We have acquired a list of NASW members and their email addresses. We plan to draw a sample of 950 NASW members to be surveyed and invite them to participate in the study. - An email survey will be administered using Qualtrics online survey methodology. 22Results:1. Homeschooling is the best form of education vs. Formal education (public/private) schooling is the best form of education

Homeschooling is the best form of education ----Formal schooling is the best form of education

Number of RespondentsMean=6.90223Results:9. Marriage should only be allowed with strict lifelong conditions (covenant marriage) vs. Marriage should only be allowed without strict lifelong conditions (non-covenant marriage)

Marriage with strict lifelong conditions----Marriage without strict lifelong conditions

Number of RespondentsMean=5.071Results:11. The teaching of values to children should occur only in the home vs. The teaching of values to children may occur in venues outside of the home

The teaching of values to children only in the home----The teaching of values to children outside of the homeNumber of RespondentsMean=6.447Results:17. There should be no active role of religion in child-rearing vs. There should always be an active role of religion in child-rearing

Number of RespondentsNo active role of religion in child-rearing----Active role of religion in child-rearingMean=6.243Results:18. Lifelong cohabitation should never be allowed outside of marriage vs. Lifelong cohabitation should be allowed outside of marriage

Number of RespondentsNo lifelong cohabitation outside of marriage----Lifelong cohabitation outside of marriageMean=6.86927Results:19. Single parent families provide sufficient opportunities for children vs. Single parent families do not provide sufficient opportunities for children

Number of Respondents Single parent families provide sufficient opportunities----Single parent families do not provide sufficient opportunitiesMean=4.064Results:25. Individuals should only have children within wedlock vs. Individuals should be free to have children outside of wedlock

Number of RespondentsShould only have children only within wedlock----Free to have children outside of wedlockMean=5.541Results:27. Religious values should always be taught in schools vs. Religious values should always be taught outside of schools

Number of RespondentsReligious values taught in schools----Religious values taught outside of schoolsMean=6.543Results:32. The Bible (or other religious texts) is the only adequate source for the teaching of values vs. There are many different sectors for the teaching of values

Number of RespondentsThe Bible (or other religious texts) for teaching values----Many different sectors for teaching valuesMean=7.504Results:34. Abstinence before marriage is preferred vs. Abstinence before marriage is not preferred

Number of Respondents Abstinence before marriage is preferred----Abstinence before marriage is not preferredMean=4.257Results:39. Gun control vs. No gun control

Number of RespondentsGun control----No gun controlMean=2.989Results:41. Pro-choice vs. Pro-life

Number of RespondentsPro-choice----Pro-lifeMean=3.450Results:44. It is acceptable to have firearms in the household with children vs. It is not acceptable to have firearms in the household with children

Number of RespondentsFirearms in the household with children----No firearms in the household with childrenMean=5.509ReferencesBuilding Family Strengths: Values. (2000, March). Clemson Extension: Family Relationships. Retrieved from: http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/psapublishing/PAGES/FYD/FL523.pdfCahn, N. & Carbone, J. (2010). Red Families v. Blue Families: Legal Polarization and the Creation of Culture. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Cloud, D. (1998). The rhetoric of :Scapegoating, utopia, and the privatization of social responsibility. Western Journal of Communication, 62(4), 387-419. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.National Association of Social Workers. (approved 1996, revised 2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from http://www. naswdc.org /pubs/code/code.aspRokeach, M. (1973). The Nature of Human Values. New York, NY: The Free Press.Rokeach, M. (1979). Understanding Human Values: Individual and Societal. New York, NY: The Free Press.Thornton, A. (1989). Changing Attitudes toward Family Issues in the United States. Journal of Marriage and Family, 51(4), 873-893. Retrieved from http://www. jstor.org/stable/ 353202Trotzer, J.P. (1981). The Centrality of Values in Families and Family Therapy. International Journal of Family Therapy, 3(1), 42-55. doi:0148-8384/81/1300-0042$00.95

DiscussionThank You!Questions?

-We plan to administer our survey on our NASW-OK sample soon. We also plan to develop a system to code responses to our survey to show variations in conservative and liberal viewpoints on each question.

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