Microsystem In Oscar Lewis Even The Saints Cry

In the essay written by Oscar Lewis, "Even The Saints Cry", the author demonstrates the concept of a focal system. "If the family is viewed as a holon, attention must simultaneously be given to both the family's members and to its significant environment such as schools, community, work organizations, other families, and neighborhood" (Carter 2011). In part one of the essay, the interactions between Cruz and her children (microsystem) are described, and they deliver a clear message of the type of relationships they have with one another. In this perspective, the family is viewed as a suprasystem. When the author begins to illustrate the interactions Cruz has with larger systems such as the rest of her community (macrosystem), her family no longer is a suprasystem, but in turn, is considered a subsystem. Carter stated, "Like the Roman God Janus, a holon faces two directions at once-inward towards its own parts, and outward towards the system to which it is a part"(Carter 2011). Moreover, Carter suggests the definition of a community is "a population whose members consciously identify with one

She unambiguously scolded Catlin after the rat bite incident, "You see? That's what happens when you don't bathe"(Lewis 1966). In Villa Hermosa, Cruz indirectly affirms she is a tad frustrated with the way the community is highly controlled, but on the other hand, is very appreciative of all the things she now has privilege of. The new home is equipped with a living room, a bedroom, kitchen, a porch, and a private bathroom. These are all luxuries Cruz never had the chance to have while living in La Esmeralda. Although there are numerous things she must modify in response to the environment (accommodation), she realizes Villa Hermosa is providing her with a better lifestyle and meeting her family's needs