Family Life and Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Abstract

This article examines the debates among communitarians, liberals, and conservatives regarding contemporary family issues and critically evaluates these perspectives. Current orientations inadequately address the impact of large-scale bureaucratic organizations on family life and do not confront problems relating to racial and ethnic discrimination. The implications of the authors' perspective are brought to the fore when discussing education and the criminal justice system. The authors conclude that students of family relations need to consider larger issues associated with democratic theory, particularly as these relate to racial and ethnic diversity and to the manner in which multinational organizations are eroding family life.