Using the experience of Leticia Renteria's family's struggle to make it in the United States as a frame of reference, briefly state the responsibilities of our eight social institutions and detail how well-or how poorly-these responsibilities were met regarding this family. What more can be done by some of the social institutions in regards to Leticia's family?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The government and political institution makes and enforces societal rules, like the immigration rules impacting Leticia's status. The economic institution regulates monetary concerns, like the low minimum wage that makes their lives difficult. The educational institution is responsible for socializing individuals like Leticia's children. The health care institution is responsible for promoting general health, but in the case of the local clinic Leticia can take her children to, they are not tracking the larger causes of medical problems for children in her community. The social welfare institution is aimed at enhancing individuals' overall social functioning, but Leticia is not eligible for most programs as an undocumented immigrant, and she has heard rumors (likely from the mass media institution) about consequences that would occur to her children if her husband were to apply for aid on their behalf. The religious institution is aimed at providing social support, but the nun to whom Leticia talked did not know how to assist her. The family and kinship institution is meant to provide for care of its members, and in this case, Leticia feels it is her job as the mother to provide that care, even if she is also working a full-time job.