Chapter 3 Exploring the Family

Chapter Outline  Theoretical Perspectives on the Family  Studying Families

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family  Family ecology  Family development  Structure-functionalism  Interactionist perspective

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family  Exchange theory  Family systems theory  Feminist perspectives  Biosocial perspectives

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Family Ecology Perspective Theme The ecological context of the family affects family life and children’s outcomes. Key Concepts Natural physical-biological environment; Human-built environment; Social-cultural environment Current Research Family policy; Neighborhood effects

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Family Development Perspective Theme Families experience predictable changes over time. Key Concepts Family life cycle; Developmental tasks Current Research Transition to adulthood

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Structure-Functional Perspective Theme The family performs essential functions for society. Key Concepts Social institution; Family structure; Family functions Current Research Cross-cultural and historical comparisons

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Interactionist Perspective Theme The internal dynamics of the family as a group of inter- acting individuals shape the family. Key Concepts Interaction; Self-concept; Identity; Meaning Current Research Family rituals; Meanings assigned to domestic work

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Exchange Theory Perspective Theme The resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation, continuation, and nature of a relationship. Key Concepts Resources; Costs and rewards; Exchange balance; Power and decision-making Current Research Family power; Entry and exit from marriage; Family violence

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Systems Theory Perspective Theme The family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. Key Concepts System; Equilibrium; Boundaries; Family therapy Current Research Family efficacy and crisis management; Family boundaries

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Feminist Perspectives Theme Gender is central to the analysis of family; male dominance in family and society is oppressive of women. Key Concepts Male dominance; Power and inequality; Sex/gender systems Current Research Work and family; Domestic violence; Family power; Advocacy of women’s issues

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Biosocial Perspective Theme Evolution has put in place certain biological endowments that shape and limit family choices. Key Concepts Evolutionary heritage; Genes; Inclusive fitness Current Research Correlations between biological markers and family behavior; Evolutionary explanations for gender differences and sexuality.

Family Ecology Perspective

Family Policy  Procedures, regulations, attitudes, and goals of government that affect families.  Family policy concerns itself with circumstances in the broader society that affect the family.  American families worry about making ends meet: how we will support ourselves, find comfortable housing, educate our children, get affordable health care, finance our old age.

Family Life Cycle: Stages  Newly established couple  Families of preschoolers  Families of primary school children  Families with adolescents  Families in the middle years.  Aging families

Family Functions  According to the structural functionalist perspective, the family is a social institution that performs three essential functions: 1. Raise children. 2. Provide economic support. 3. Give emotional security.

Frameworks for Theory/Research on Minority Families  Cultural equivalent - Emphasizes features that racial/ethnic minority families have in common with mainstream white families.  Cultural deviant - Views the qualities that distinguish minority families from mainstream families as negative or pathological.  Cultural variant - Calls for making culturally and contextually relevant interpretations of minority family lives.

Scientific Investigation: Techniques  Surveys  Laboratory observation and experiments  Naturalistic observation  Clinician’s case studies  Longitudinal studies  Historical and cross-cultural data

Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following is consistent with the main concerns of the family ecology theoretical perspective? a) the family as a child-rearing institution b) the conflict feminist perspective c) laboratory observations and longitudinal designs d) development of family policy

Answer: d  The development of family policy is consistent with the main concerns of the family ecology theoretical perspective.

2. Which of the following is an important part of the family development theoretical perspective? a) family life cycle b) removing blinders by means of scientific research c) the family as an economic unit d) kin-work and kin-time

Answer: a  The family life cycle is an important part of the family development theoretical perspective.

3. Which perspective presumes that certain human behaviors are both “natural” and difficult to change? a) feminist b) exchange c) biosocial d) Interactionist

Answer: c  The biosocial perspective presumes that certain human behaviors are both “natural” and difficult to change.