Sociology 339U: Marriage and Intimacy Student Handout Matthew J. Geraths Portland State University Winter Term 2015

Ways Of Knowing

Epistemology or theory of knowledge A branch of philosophy that studies the nature, methods, limitations, and validity of knowledge and belief. (i.e., How we know what we know)

3 Ways Of Knowing The Un-testable 2. The Personal 3. The Inalienable (Pp. 38-42) The Un-testable 2. The Personal 3. The Inalienable

Barriers to Understanding Family and Related Issues “That’s the way we do it around here!” 2. “Don’t air your dirty laundry 3. “When you talk about it, you make it it less special, less sacred!”

SAPIR-WHORF HYPOTHESIS people who speak a particular language must necessarily interpret the world through the unique vocabulary and grammar that language provides “When we acquire language, we acquire ways of thinking - conceptual systems or grids…”

Values evaluative standards used by members of a society to determine abstract issues such as what is desirable/ undesirable; good/bad/ugly.

Family vs. Individualism 1. Togetherness 1. Self-fulfillment 2. Loyalty 2. Urgency 3. Stability 3. Personal Change

Myths Cultural beliefs about the way things are; often inaccurate. “Agreement reality”, p. 38

Myths Associated with the Family: 1) The Typical Family 2) Natural Family 3) Ideal Marriage 4) Happy Family