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? 4. Discuss theoretical perspectives on M & F 5. Choices and the Social Structure

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

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

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?

Types of Marriage Polygamy Polyamory Pantagamy

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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?