Question

What does the term "dependency reversal" mean in the sentence "At home, both groups may experience a role and dependency reversal, in which they may function as interpreters and 'cultural brokers' for their parents."?

A. A change in the dynamic where the children become the caregivers for their parents.
B. A situation where the children are more fluent in English than their parents.
C. A conflict between the children's values and the values of their parents.
D. A decrease in the amount of time the children spend with their parents.

Answer 1

The term 'dependency reversal' describes a shift in family dynamics where children take on roles typically associated with their parents, such as acting as caregivers, interpreters, or cultural mediators.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the sentence "At home, both groups may experience a role and dependency reversal, in which they may function as interpreters and 'cultural brokers' for their parents," the term dependency reversal refers to A. A change in the dynamic where the children become the caregivers for their parents. This concept expresses a situation where traditional roles within the family are inverted, such as when children begin to undertake responsibilities and tasks commonly associated with the parents, like decision-making, providing linguistic assistance, or mediating cultural nuances. As family structures evolve, what defines a 'parent' has also transformed, often incorporating individuals who assume the role of caregiver regardless of biological ties. Also, terms like 'mother' and 'father' have transitioned from rigidly defined roles to more fluid interpretations aligned with changing family dynamics. Furthermore, this reversal can extend to expectations within roles, like those of siblings who sometimes take on parental responsibilities due to various family circumstances.