Paper #1
Family Culture and Traditions: 50 Points
Due on D2L by midnight on Thursday 4/14 (Week 3)

Tradition
Definition 1: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior; 2:  the handing down of information, beliefs and/or customs by word of mouth, repeated practice, or example; 3: shared attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, or practices.

Traditions come in many forms. Each nuclear family has its own set of traditions. Some people immediately think of holidays or celebrations as an example of tradition.  For this paper, however, think more in terms of patterns, behaviors, unspoken habits, ritualized interactions, or shared beliefs that make up the culture of the family.

Choose two examples from your own family and critically examine the nuances of the traditions. How are these patterns or habits or beliefs demonstrated? Why are they upheld?  How did they develop?  What purpose or function do they serve? What roles do people play? For example, traditions can be as simple as a strict bedtime ritual, Friday night family dinners, patterns of communication when angry, beliefs about strangers, ideas shared about the role of children, how pets are treated, the feelings about grandparents. You may not have positive feelings about some of the traditions or customs in your family–this is okay.

It is important to examine how you formed your perceptions and assumptions as you begin a study of families and society. Increased awareness of your assumptions will help you develop critical thinking skills beyond this course in families.

1.    Choose two customs, beliefs, or patterns of behavior present in your family.
2.    Discuss the role each family member (including you) had in upholding the selected tradition. What purpose did it serve? In what ways did it function in the family?
3.    What are your feelings now upon reflecting on this tradition? Are they positive, negative, a blend of both? How has your understanding of these traditions changed over time? Do these traditions still influence you, and will you carry them on in the future?

Please write with the expectation that thinking as objectively as possible about this information will add to your knowledge of your own family as well as others. Sharing any part of this narrative with other students is your choice.

This paper is a narrative reflection on your personal concept of family based on your family experience. If you are opposed to using an example from your own family for the purpose of this assignment, please see me ASAP.

You may refer to any introductory readings or class discussions, but this paper is intended to be your narrative and reflection, so formal APA style references are not required.

It should be 3-4 pages, double-spaced. This paper is due on D2L at midnight on the date noted above.