People of Irish Heritage. People of Italian Heritage. People of Puerto Rican Heritage. 1. Discuss the organization and the family role in every one of the heritages mentioned about and how they affect (positively or negatively) the delivery of health care. 2. Identify sociocultural variables within the Irish, Italian and Puerto Rican heritage and mention some examples. . Please follow the instructions,,,APA Style
Introduction
Heritage refers to the cultural background and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation within a specific ethnic group. This paper will discuss the organization and family roles in three distinct heritages, namely Irish, Italian, and Puerto Rican, and explore how they impact the delivery of healthcare. Sociocultural variables within each heritage will also be identified and examples will be provided.
Organization and Family Role in Irish Heritage
The organization within Irish heritage is predominantly based on a patriarchal system, where the eldest male acts as the head of the family. This hierarchical structure influences the family dynamic, decision-making process, and the roles assigned to each family member. In Irish households, family unity and solidarity are highly valued, and the family unit plays a vital role in providing emotional support and care for its members (Kelly, 2011).
Irish families often have strong ties and maintain close relationships with extended family members, placing importance on kinship and familial connections. The extended family network provides a safety net for individuals, offering assistance in times of need, and engaging in communal activities (Kelly, 2011). This close-knit family structure can positively impact the delivery of healthcare as the family provides emotional support, ensuring better coping mechanisms and overall well-being for its members.
However, in some instances, the close involvement of the extended family in healthcare decisions can pose challenges. The Irish family’s collective decision-making process can sometimes hinder the autonomy and independence of individuals when it comes to healthcare choices. Health decisions may be influenced by the opinions and suggestions of family members, leading to potential conflicts between the patients’ right to self-determination and the family’s desire to be involved (Kelly, 2011).
Organization and Family Role in Italian Heritage
Similar to Irish heritage, Italian heritage follows a patriarchal structure where the eldest male is often the head of the family. The family is considered the central unit of social organization and plays a crucial role in the lives of Italian individuals (Dionigi & Carpinelli, 2015). Italian families tend to be tightly knit and maintain strong bonds with extended family members, emphasizing the importance of filial piety and respect for elders.
The Italian family unit often displays a strong sense of collectivism, where decisions are made collectively with the input of multiple family members. This collective decision-making can positively affect the delivery of healthcare, as family members provide support and actively participate in the care and decision-making process. Family members often act as advocates, accompanying patients to medical appointments, translating if needed, and ensuring proper adherence to treatment plans (Dionigi & Carpinelli, 2015).
However, the strong attachment to the family can also have negative implications in healthcare delivery. For instance, family members may exhibit overprotectiveness towards sick relatives, leading to potential conflicts with healthcare professionals. Additionally, the reliance on family members for translation can lead to language barriers and misunderstandings in the healthcare setting (Dionigi & Carpinelli, 2015). These factors can potentially hinder effective communication and impede the delivery of culturally sensitive care.
Organization and Family Role in Puerto Rican Heritage
In Puerto Rican families, both nuclear and extended family structures are prominent. The family is perceived as an essential source of support, providing emotional, financial, and social assistance (Thompson & Noel-Thomas, 2001). The role of the family in Puerto Rican heritage is influenced by strong cultural values such as familismo, which emphasizes loyalty, mutual aid, and close relationships.
Within this heritage, decision-making processes are usually dominated by the eldest members, with respect and obedience to authority figures being highly valued. In healthcare decisions, the older family members may have considerable influence, often acting as primary decision-makers (Thompson & Noel-Thomas, 2001). This interconnectedness and strong family involvement can be advantageous in healthcare as the family provides physical and emotional support and can contribute to improved health outcomes.
However, the strong influence of the family on healthcare decisions may also present challenges. The deference to older family members and reluctance to question authority figures can impede effective communication with healthcare providers. Furthermore, the reliance on family members for translation may lead to language barriers and miscommunication, hindering the delivery of culturally sensitive care (Thompson & Noel-Thomas, 2001). It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of and navigate these dynamics effectively to ensure the provision of quality care.
Sociocultural Variables within the Irish, Italian, and Puerto Rican Heritage
Within the Irish heritage, some sociocultural variables include religion, music, folklore, and family celebrations. These variables influence healthcare delivery by shaping beliefs, attitudes, and practices towards illness, treatment, and recovery (Kelly, 2011). For example, religious beliefs may impact decisions regarding end-of-life care or the use of birth control.
In Italian heritage, sociocultural variables include strong religious beliefs, family values, and a sense of community. These variables influence healthcare by shaping dietary choices, views on the importance of preventive care, and the role of traditional remedies (Dionigi & Carpinelli, 2015). For instance, traditional Italian diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, which can positively impact overall health outcomes.
In Puerto Rican heritage, sociocultural variables include cultural beliefs such as the importance of spirituality, traditional healing practices, and the significance of extended family networks. These variables impact healthcare by influencing the acceptance and adherence to medical treatments, incorporation of complementary and alternative therapies, and the involvement of family members in the care process (Thompson & Noel-Thomas, 2001).