The purpose of this assignment is to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural meanings influence human behavior and development across the life span—particularly in adulthood and later life. You will write an ethnograph

Part 1 – Purpose The purpose of this assignment is to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural meanings influence human behavior and development across the life span—particularly in adulthood and later life. You will write an ethnographic case report of your family of origin or a family with whom you have close relational ties. This project will explore how cultural, historical, and structural contexts have shaped developmental trajectories, coping strategies, and aging experiences. Part 2 – Project Overview Using ethnographic techniques—such as semi-structured interview with a family member or aging adult who can speak about their family experiences (Erickson late adulthood (65+), and the review of family photos, letters, artifacts, or historical documents—you will examine all nine (9) of the following themes within your family across the life course: Family organization and intergenerational role assignments (e.g., caretaking, decision-making) Adult caregiving roles and child-rearing expectations in multigenerational households Spirituality and religious beliefs in adulthood and aging Family accomplishments and generational markers of success Rituals related to aging, retirement, caregiving, and death Family attitudes toward chronic illness, disability, and end-of-life care Attitudes toward professional help-seeking (e.g., therapy, senior care services) Coping mechanisms and family responses to aging-related crises (e.g., dementia, loss of independence) Migration patterns and their influence on aging and cultural continuity You will use the Ethnographic Family Assessment Tool (provided) to guide your interviews, observations, and artifact/document review for each theme. Part 3 – Guidelines for Analysis Theoretical Framework: Use life course theory to guide your analysis. Cultural and Contextual Influences: Describe how cultural values, ethnic-community ties, and adaptation to major life events (e.g., retirement, caregiving, bereavement) shaped the experiences of aging adults in your family. Role Transitions and Resilience: Examine how adult and older family members navigate role transitions, loss, and resilience in the face of physical, emotional, or social changes. Historical, Racial/Ethnic, and Economic Contexts: Analyze how historical, racial/ethnic, or economic contexts have shaped your family’s approach to aging, caregiving, or intergenerational support. Goals and Objectives: Based on your ethnographic findings, develop two (2) overarching goals and four (4) specific, measurable objectives that reflect your family’s needs, values, and strengths in relation to adulthood and aging. Ensure that your goals and objectives are directly informed by your analysis and clearly aligned with your selected theoretical framework. Part 4 – Ethnographic Family Assessment Tool Students must complete the Ethnographic Family Assessment Tool in full. This tool provides interview prompts, observation areas, and artifact/document review suggestions for all nine themes listed in Part 2. The completed tool should be submitted as an appendix to your paper. Length: 5–7 pages (excluding title page, reference list, and assessment tool appendix) Sources: Minimum of three (3) peer-reviewed scholarly sources to support your analysis Format: APA 7th edition, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1” margins, double-spaced