ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. This article attempts to demonstrate how a resiliency perspective can assist helping professionals in working more effectively with low-income families of color. It also seeks to assist social workers and policymakers in developing program interventions and public policies that enhance resilience by building on the strengths and assets of families of color. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com]
KEYWORDS. Resilience theory, black families, black family roles
Unfortunately, most research on African American families today continues to reflect the "blaming the victim" or the deficit model. These mainstream studies invariably focus on the weaknesses or deficiencies of black families or on individuals who are socially or economically disadvantaged, such as welfare recipients, delinquents, teen mothers, or drug addicts.
