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Introduction to the Sociology of the Family

Introduction to the Sociology of the Family. Chapter 1: Relationships, Marriages, and Families Today. Discussion Outline. 1. Discuss elements and types of marriage 2. Define family: does it matter? 3. Answer the question: How and why are marriage and family changing?

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Introduction to the Sociology of the Family

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  1. Introduction to the Sociology of the Family Chapter 1: Relationships, Marriages, and Families Today

  2. Discussion Outline 1. Discuss elements and types of marriage 2. Define family: does it matter? 3. Answer the question: How and why are marriage and family changing? 4. Discuss theoretical perspectives on M & F 5. Choices and the Social Structure

  3. The Social Construction of Marriage and Family • Changing institutions • Across time? • Across culture? • Has dating changed?

  4. I. Marriage • Defined • Elements • A legal contract • Emotional relationship • Sexual Monogamy • Legal responsibility for children • Announcement/Ceremony

  5. Married vs. Singles • Who is healthier? • Who lives longer? • Who is happier? • Who is more sexually satisfied? • Who has more money and resources? • Who uses more drugs? Gets arrested more? • Effects on children?

  6. Types of Marriage • Polygamy • Polyamory • Pantagamy

  7. II. Types of Families • Family: • Family of Origin • Family of Procreation • Nuclear Family • Extended Family • Blended families • Traditional, modern, and postmodern families? • Are pets part of the family?

  8. Family Definitions • Does it matter how the family is defined? • Who do you consider family? • Fictive kin • Should the government be able to define who family is?

  9. III. The Changing Family • How did families function prior to the industrial revolution?

  10. The Industrial Revolution and Family Change Dual-income family Urbanization The demise of familism and the rise of individualism

  11. The Changing Family • How have families changed since the 1950’s? • Size, gender roles, etc? • Are these changes a result of personal choices or structural/cultural factors?

  12. Changes in the Last Half Century (1950-today) • More people staying single for longer • Gender roles • Sexual Values • High rates of Divorce • Familism versus individualism • Acceptance towards Homosexuality • Increased rates of single parent families • Increased rates of cohabitation • Technology and the Family

  13. Differing Perspectives on the Changing family • Marriage resilience perspective- the view that changes in the institutions of marriage and families are not indicative of a decline and do not have negative effects. • The Family Decline Perspective-This view of the family says that divorce, economic decline, and the decline of two-parent intact families have hurt the institution of family. • Belief in a natural order for families-The family is in crisis

  14. IV. Theoretical Frameworks for Marriage and the Family • What is a theory?

  15. Structural-Functional • Views the family as an institution with values, norms, and activities meant to provide stability for the larger society. • What functions does the family perform? • How might polygamy be functional for the larger society?

  16. Conflict • Recognizes that family members have different goals and values that result in conflict.

  17. More on Conflict Theory • Social Class and Power • For conflict theorists, families perpetuate social stratification. High-income families have greater wealth and power that they can pass on to the next generation. • Focus on inequality in society • Conflict theory specifically brings to light the plight of the poor and poor families in society.

  18. Social Exchange • Individuals seek to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. • Why do people dump one person and begin going out with another?

  19. Symbolic Interaction • The process of interpersonal interaction. • Why do many children develop a negative self concept of themselves?

  20. Feminist • Women and men will experience life differently because there are different expectations for the respective genders. • A focus on inequality and oppression of women • Are you a feminist?

  21. There are several types of feminism. • Any person, male or female, who believes that both sexes should have equal political, educational, economic, and other rights is a feminist. Whether they want to be labeled as such is up to the individual. • At the core of feminist perspective is the issue of gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace. • The emphasis for feminists is social change.

  22. V. Social forces and Choices • Global, structural, cultural, and media influence relationship choices • Globalization • Global economic, political and religious factors

  23. Culture • Culture • Beliefs • Values • Individualism, collectivism, familism • What value system are Americans often identified with?

  24. Media • TV, Internet, Movies, print • How does media influence choices we make in relationships. • Mate selection, gender roles, ideas about same sex relationships, staying single, etc. • Is media really that powerful?

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