Family Today Marriage and divorce Parenting Sociological perspectives on family Turn in assignment #4

Larry Bilotta Stages of Divorce Chris Rock- Alimony

Structural Functionalist Perspective Family is back bone of society Performs functions that help society: – Replenishes population – Socializes children – Provides emotional and physical care for its members – Traditional roles keep families together

Conflict Perspective Focuses on power distribution in marriages Why do women take their husbands last name? Why do children take the father’s last name? Traditional roles required “domestic slavery” of the wife-no income or status Working women still do more housework, childcare

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Concerned with social meanings and definitions “Visitation rights” “Single mom” “Living in sin” As meanings become less negative, behaviors become more common

What marriage/relationship advice you have heard? List with 2-3 people: 1.What advice is given to single people? 2.What advice is given to newlyweds? 3.What advice is given to couple who are in conflict?

“Never go to bed angry” “You’ll know when he/she is the one” “When it’s right, it doesn’t feel like work.” “Sex will die out” Relationship myths

Has divorce increased or decreased since the 1980’s?

Source: University of Maryland

Perspectives on changes in family Marital decline perspective: 1.Personal happiness has become more important than commitment, family obligations 2.Decline in two-parent families has contributed to: poverty crime substance abuse violence

Perspectives on changes in family Marital Resiliency Perspective unemployment bad schools discrimination hurt society more than divorce 1.In the past, people stayed in bad marriages because divorce was not socially acceptable 2.Divorce provides escape from dysfunctional homes

Perspectives on changes in family Which perspective do you agree with more and why? A ) Marital decline perspective: -Personal happiness has become more important than commitment and family obligations -Decline in 2 parent households is hurting society B) Martial Resiliency Perspective: -Marriages in the past were troubled but people stayed because divorce was not socially acceptable -Divorce provides an escape from dysfunctional home environments

What causes divorce? 8 social causes for divorce.

Social Causes of Divorce 1. Changing function of marriage Need for a soul mate, not someone who cooks or provides

Social Causes of Divorce 2. Increased economic power of women Unhappy wife more likely to leave if economically free Unhappy husband also more likely to leave if wife can support herself

Social Causes of Divorce 3. Increased work demands, economic stress Unemployment Longer hours Rising costs of housing, healthcare Couples who earn $25,000 or less annually 30% more likely to divorce

Social Causes of Divorce 4. Inequality in marital division of labor Second shift: coming home from work and doing more household chores than your partner

Social Causes of Divorce 5. Easier divorce laws Before 1970, law required proof that one spouse was at fault to allow divorce (adultery, cruelty, desertion) Today there is “No-fault divorce”

Social Causes of Divorce 6. Increased individualism

Social Causes of Divorce 7. Weak social ties

Social Causes of Divorce 8. Increased life expectancy Source: U.S. National Center for Health Statistics

Which factors decrease chances of divorce most? Age: waiting till after 25 Religion: being affiliated Education: going to college Money: making over $50k annually Children: waiting at least 7 months Parents: having married parents Extra credit opportunity

Which factors decrease chances of divorce most? Extra credit opportunity # 1 Money: annual income over $50k # 2 Children: waiting at least 7 months # 3 Age: Marrying after age 25 or later # 4 Parents: Having parents who are still married # 5 Religious affiliation # 6 Education: at least some college

Assignment #4 articles Create a group of 3 with one person who discussed each article 1.Parenting – Things Not To Say To Your Child 2.Childfree- Married Americans Who Choose Not To Have Children 3.Marriage – Divorce Proof a. Share what the article is about b. Share 2 of the 4 points you wrote about, and what you said c. Share your overall thoughts d. Ask each other questions about the article If you did not complete the assignment, see me

Parenting Discipline Techniques 1. Be a positive role model. 2. Set rules and consequences. 3. Encourage and reward good behavior. 4. Create charts. 5. Give time-outs. 6. Spanking/other physical punishment Which of these techniques do you think are effective? Which do you think are ineffective?

Defining Family Social institution found in every human society Two or more people, who consider themselves related by blood, marriage, or adoption

Defining Family Family of orientation is the family in which a person grows up (your parents and siblings) Family of procreation is the family formed when a couple’s first child is born (your partner and children).

Defining Family Extended family: parents, children, other kin Nuclear family: Parents and their children

Silent Dialogue Partner Activity Purpose of the activity: 1. Develop critical thinking skills (there is no right or wrong answer, no right or wrong question to pose). The goal is to ask your partner a question that will invite them to look at their own thoughts in a deeper manner 2. Allow shy/quiet students share their thoughts 3. Allow students to be the ones asking the questions instead of the teacher 4. Allow students to get feedback from peers instead of the teacher 5. Allow the teacher to assess the background knowledge students have on the topic

Which parenting technique do you think is best OR worst? 1.Answer the question above. Write NEATLY Example: “The best (or worst) parenting technique is ____because” 2. When you hear the buzzer, pass your paper to your partner 3. Read their statement and write an OPEN-ENDED thought provoking question for your partner that requires them to think about the topic more deeply or look at it in a different way 4. When you hear the buzzer, switch papers and respond to your partner’s question thoughtfully. 5. When you hear the buzzer switch papers and read the response Write your names on both papers, turn into red folder at the end of class for your participation points for today charts spanking time-outs positive role model reward good behavior rules& consequences

Changes in family structure in the United States

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Unhealthy relationships Break The Cycle

Warning Signs There are abusive behaviors often overlooked that can be early indicators that your relationship is headed in the wrong direction. Extreme jealousy Constant put-downs Telling you what you can and can’t do Financial Control Possessiveness or controlling behavior Making false accusations Isolation from family and friends History of abusive behavior, especially against a former dating partner Big mood swings Explosive temper Belief that abuse is acceptable in relationships

Cycle of Violence TIMING: Each phase can be as short as a few seconds, or as long as several years. Over time, the explosions can become more violent and dangerous. Explosion Honeymoon Tension Building

Cycle of Violence Tension Building · Abuser starts fights or yells for no reason· Victim feels like they can’t do anything right, things could blow up at any moment. Explosion Outburst include intense emotional, verbal, sexual and/or physical abuse. · Physically abuse-hitting, kicking, slamming against wall, etc. · Scream and yell · Humiliate Honeymoon Abuser apologizes, try to make up, try to shift the blame for the explosion to someone or something else. · Says “I love you.” · Promises that it will never happen again. · Buys flowers or other gifts. · Says victim did something to cause the abuse or blames it on other things, like being drunk or stressed out.

Solutions Educating young people about warning signs and their rights Break The Cycle is a non-profit organization focused on dating violence Speakers visit high schools and colleges to provide education

Are American families better now, or were they better in the 1950’s?