1. Introduction to the Sociology of the Family
Chapter 1: Relationships, Marriages, and Families Today

2. 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

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

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

5. 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?

6. Types of Marriage
Polygamy
Polyamory
Pantagamy

7. 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?

8. 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?

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

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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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?

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

17. 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.

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

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

20. 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?

21. 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.

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

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

24. 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?