Theoretical Perspectives on The Family

Science  Defined as “a logical system that bases knowledge on…systematic observation” and on empirical evidence--facts we can verify with our senses.  Purpose: overcome researchers’ biases

Problems with Peer- Review/Blind Process  Means different things at different journals  Slow  Expensive  Subjective  Biased  How can peer review be improved?

Dominant Theoretical Perspectives  The Family Ecology Perspective  The Family Life Course Development Perspective  The Structure-Functional Perspective  The Interaction-Constructionist Perspective  Exchange Theory  Family Systems Theory  Conflict and Feminist Theory  The Biosocial Perspective  Attachment Theory

Family Ecology Perspective on the Family  Rooted in Lewin’s field theory B = ƒ(P, E)  Basic premise is the principle of adaptation

The Family Ecology Perspective

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

Family Life Course Development Framework Duvall 1) married couples (without children) 2) childbearing families (oldest child, birth-30 months) 3) families with preschool children (oldest child, years) 4) families with school children (oldest child, 6-13 years) 5) families with teenagers (oldest child years) 6) families as launching centres (first child gone to last child leaving home) 7) middle age parents (empty nest to retirement) 8) aging family members (retirement to death of both spouses)

Family Life Course Development Framework Theme Families experience predictable changes over time. Key Concepts Family life cycle; Developmental tasks; “On-time” transitions; Role sequencing Current Research Transition to adulthood; Marriage and parenthood; Pathways to family formation

Structure-Functional Perspective on the Family  Emphasizes the interdependency of the many parts of a society  Function = purpose or contribution that a social unit or social institution fulfills to maintain society

Structure-Functional Perspective Theme The family performs essential functions for society. Key Concepts Social institution; Family structure; Family functions; Functional alternatives Current Research Cross-cultural and historical comparisons; Analysis of emerging family structures; Critique of contemporary family

Exchange Theory Perspective on the Family  Rooted in Greek hedonism  Rests on the belief that human beings try to make choices; maximize rewards, minimize costs

Exchange Theory: Examples  Willard Waller: uses the principle of least interest to explain the selection of intimate partners.  George Homans (1958): people seek relationships that will be rewarding  Price and McKenry (1988): outlined a number of attractions to marriage, barriers to divorce, and alternatives to marriage.

Exchange Theory Perspective Theme The resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation, continuation, nature of a relationship, and power dynamics of a relationship. Key Concepts Resources; Rewards and costs; Family power; Social networks; Social support Current Research Family power; Entry and exit from marriage; Family violence; Network-derived social support

Family Systems Theory  Family as a holistic unit, is a system,  Husband-wife relationship is a subsystem  Each family member’s behaviour affects every other member.

Family Systems Theory 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

Conflict Perspective on the Family Based on the following assumptions: 1) social relationships are rife with conflicting interest; thus 2) social systems systematically generate conflict which 3) is an inevitable and pervasive feature of all social systems and 4) tends to be manifested in the opposition of interests that 5) occurs over the distribution of scarce resources which 6) results in change in social systems

Conflict and Feminist Perspective on the Family 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

Feminist Perspective on the Family  5 basic premises:  social construction of gender  committed to general equality and social change  question the family  put their beliefs into action  emphasizes the centrality of women’s lives and experiences

Biosocial Perspective on the Family  Roots in Charles Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest  Family is an evolutionary adaptation to the problem of the survival of human infants and children

Biosocial Perspective on the Family 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

Attachment Theory Perspective on the Family  Many different views  Classification:  secure attachment,  anxious-ambivalent attachment  anxious-avoidant attachment

Attachment Theory Perspective on the Family Theme Attachment style is established at a young age, and continues to influence one’s adult relationships Key Concepts Secure, insecure/anxious, and avoidant attachment styles Current Research Impact of personality upon relationship choices; Impact of parenting upon attachment