RT Article
T1 Unemployment and the Black Family: A Pastoral Theological Reflection
JF Journal of pastoral theology
VO 25
IS 1
SP 6
OP 17
A1 Cook, Michael L.
LA English
YR 2015
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1663302952
AB 'Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains' Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract - An experience of unemployment can prove devastating for individuals and families, particularly in the African American community. As such, the issue of unemployment must remain an important concern for pastoral care practitioners and theologians, as well as other caring professionals. Hence, this essay critically explores the experience of unemployment in the context of an African American family. It uses clinical case material as a basis to draw attention to a range of sociological, psychological, and theological dynamics at play in this context. Ultimately, this systemic and interdisciplinary analysis is drawn upon to offer pastoral care guidelines for this demographic of care seekers. These caring guidelines are rooted in the pastoral functions of healing and sustaining, and grounded in the narrative theory concepts of agency and empowerment.
K1 Black family
K1 narrative theory
K1 Racism
K1 Self-esteem
K1 Theological Anthropology
K1 Unemployment
DO 10.1179/1064986715Z.0000000003