Ahmad and Ameena were an extended family that came to the United States from Iraq. They are considered an extended household because two wives and five children were left behind. Once they came to the United States they were considered an Ethnic Group because of their different languages and customs. Life was hard for them with their new living location because it was hard for Ahmad to find work and they had none around them at first who shared the same values and cultures as them. They had to change their names and adjustments was not easy. While in Iraq Ahmad had acted against government policies and therefore suffered physical and psychological problems due to being tortured and imprisoned. His problems led to physical abuse upon Ameena and their children. Ahmad had patriarchal power over Ameena because he was the male, the one in control and head of the house. Ameena was big on familism, she took her roles as mother and housewives very important. Ameena was very dependent on her husband and was troubled when human services mentioned they should both be involved in a two-person career. …show more content…
Adaptation takes place because they are learning to adapt to the different society that they are living in. Functionalism takes place because Ameena who has always only taken care of her family has been told she needs to start working and is terrified of how her being in society will affect her home life. She has a hard time with the thought of changing her belief and role as a woman. Patriarchal power is present because Ahmad is head of the family and dominates family decision making, who also suffers from physical aggression. Polygyny is also present because Ahmad has more than one wife. Familism takes place because Ameena takes pride in her role as housewives’ and mother and understands her obligations to her