Born into Brothels
The film Born into Brothels (2004) focuses on experiences of children of Indian prostitutes working in the red light district. It touches upon various issues that can be discussed, but it is mainly concerned with such issues as oppression and power distribution. It is possible to apply the feminist theory to consider a family featured in the film.
First, it is necessary to note that feminist theory focuses on the issues associated with the oppression of females as well as other gender-related problems (Hutchison, 2012). Feminists believe that females are placed in a position that does not allow them to make any major decisions freely. They stress that females are given only particular roles in society without any meaningful power.
This is found in the family of little Shanti and her brother Manik whose mother is a prostitute (Briski & Kauffman, 2004). She is married, and her husband lives with the family, but the woman still has to engage in this activity (which is regarded as illegal and very sinful). Her husband seems to be the one to make his wife earn money in that way. The woman is oppressed as she has to sell her body since no other employment is available. Indian society is patriarchal, and men often decide what is better for women. In Shanti’s family, this is also the case, and her mother is afraid of her daughter’s future as the little girl can end up in the same position.
Theory
Ego psychology is a widely used theory applied in social work. I would also use it extensively in my practice as it enables me to help clients address their issues. The theory provides a comprehensive approach that involves personality, culture, and the environment (Boyle, Hull, Mather, Smith & Farley, 2009). These factors are often crucial for people’s effective interaction with others. It is essential to make the person capable of achieving compromises that ensure people’s comfort and well-being (Greene & Schriver, 2016).
I believe that the major discomfort is caused when a person’s ideas concerning reality are rather distorted as they tend to live in an idealized world. It is vital to make these people see reality and adapt to their actual environment rather than seek ways to escape from it. I also believe that compromises are possible, but some people simply do not see them. They also fail to evaluate the environment or their selves adequately. The theoretical framework provides the necessary tools to address these issues. I believe I will be able to help many clients using this theory.
Empirical Article
The research in question focuses on adolescent psychopathology with a focus on help-seeking methods and “perceived social support” (Nahulu et al., 1996, p. 108). The researchers formulated three hypotheses. They expected that family support and support from friends would be more tangible in girls than boys. They also hypothesized that support would be more significant in Hawaiian adolescents as compared to non-Hawaiian teenagers. Finally, they expected that help-seeking behavior would be similar in both groups.
It is necessary to note that the researchers followed major steps of the research in social work as they used two groups, focused on particular variables, and used quite clear tools to collect and analyze data (Krysik & Finn, 2010). Nonetheless, the research has a significant limitation. For example, the size of the same in both groups is far from being adequate. The difference between the groups poses threats to the research validity as there were 1,819 students in the Hawaiian group and only 201 non-Hawaiian students.
References
Boyle, S. W., Hull, Jr., G. H., Mather, J. H., Smith, L. L., & Farley, O. W. (2009). Direct practice in social work practice. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Briski, Z., & Kauffman, R. (Executive Producer). (2004). Born into brothels [DVD]. New York, NY: THINKFilm.
Greene, R. R., & Schriver, J. M. (2016). Handbook of human behaviour and the social environment: A practice-based approach. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers.
Hutchison, E. (2012). Essentials of human behavior. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Krysik, J. L., & Finn, J. (2010). Research for effective social work practice. New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor & Francis.
Nahulu, M. D., Andrade, N. N., Makini, G. K., Yuen, N. Y. C., McDermott, J. F., Danko, G. P…. Waldron, J. A. (1996). Psychopathology risk and protective influences in Hawaiian adolescent psychopathology. Cultural Diversity and Mental Health, 2(2), 107-114.