Exploring Relationships and Families Chapter 2 Exploring Relationships and Families

Chapter Outline Science: Transcending Personal Experience Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Science: Transcending Personal Experience The Blinders of Personal Experience Personal experience must be combined with scientific inquiry.

The Blinders of Personal Experience Personal experience provides a certain way to “know” family. However, it can also act as blinders. Personal experiences and assumptions regarding family may limit the ability to study and understand fairly the experience of family. Science provides norms for transcending the blinders of personal experience.

The Blinders of Personal Experience The central aim of scientific investigation is to find out what is actually going on, as opposed to what we assume is happening. Science can be defined as “a logical system that bases knowledge on…systematic observation” and on empirical evidence--facts we can verify with our senses. The central purpose of the scientific method is to overcome researchers’ blinders, or biases.

Scientific Investigation: Removing Blinders Scientific norms govern the process of research and help scientists transcend personal bias: Researchers must be honest. Scientists should publish their research. Publishers ensure validity of research, via “blind” submissions and peer review. Publishing allows continued inquiry and cumulative understanding. Objectivity is a key norm.

Theoretical Perspectives on The Family 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 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

The Family Ecology Perspective

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 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

Interaction-Constructionist Perspective on the Family Theme The internal dynamics of a group of interacting individuals construct the family. Key Concepts Interaction; Symbol; Meaning; Role making; Social Construction of Reality; Deconstruction; Postmodernism Current Research Family rituals; Meanings assigned to domestic work; Deconstruction of reified categories

Exchange Theory Perspective on the Family 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 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 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

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 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

Theoretical Perspectives: Waiting for Medical Attention Family ecologists might speculate about the family’s home and neighborhood and how it affects their health. The family development perspective might note that the woman is in the child-rearing stage of the family life cycle.

Theoretical Perspectives: Waiting for Medical Attention Structure functionalists might note the child-raising function(s) the woman is performing for society. Interactionists might explore the mother’s body language: What is she saying nonverbally to the child? What is he saying to her?

Theoretical Perspectives: Waiting for Medical Attention Exchange theorists might speculate about the woman’s power and resources relative to others in her family. Family system theorists might point out that the mother and child are part of a family system: Should one leave the family, relationships would change and adapt.

Theoretical Perspectives: Waiting for Medical Attention Conflict theorists would compare this clinic with the doctors’ offices that provide health care to the middle and upper classes and demand change. Feminist theorists might point out that typically mothers are responsible for children’s health and ask why. The answer from a biosocial perspective would be that women have evolved a stronger nurturing capacity.

Facts about Families: How Family Researchers Study Religion from Various Theoretical Perspectives Family Ecological Perspective: Religion is personally internalized and should not be understood only as a component in a family’s sociocultural environment. Family Life Course Development Framework: Early childhood religious exposure later influenced childbearing attitudes. Structure-Functional Perspective: Parents’ use and modeling of religiously based copying skills, along with family attendance at religious or spiritual programs was functional in enhancing children’s health, social skills, and overall behavior.

Facts about Families: How Family Researchers Study Religion from Various Theoretical Perspectives Interaction-Constructionist Perspective: The creative interpretation of religion’s proscription against birth control while using it. Exchange/Network Theory: Participation in religious congregations increases the likelihood that family members will benefit from sharing a network. Family Systems Theory: God seen as a third party in an otherwise dyadic family system. Feminist Theory: Women’s oppression originates not in religion itself but in the exploitation of religion.

Facts about Families: How Family Researchers Study Religion from Various Theoretical Perspectives Biosocial Perspective: Humans have evolved as “the moral animal,” a situation that facilitates our species’ cooperation toward the goal of survival. Attachment Theory: A seminarian’s early childhood attachment to his mother to be a key influence in the degree of his attachment to a personal God.

Facts about Families: How Family Researchers Study Religion from Various Theoretical Perspectives Critical Thinking: Think of a family-related topic and consider how you might study it. What theoretical perspective would you use to help frame your research questions? What research methods and data-gathering techniques would you use?

The Relationship Between Theory and Research Theory directs research questions and suggests useful concepts. Theoretical perspectives help interpret data and explain facts. Subsequent understanding from research can be used to modify, support, or challenge existing theory.

Designing a Scientific Study: Some Basic Principles Cross-sectional versus Longitudinal Data Deductive versus Inductive Reasoning Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Defining Terms Samples and Generalization

Designing a Scientific Study: Data Collection Techniques Interviews and Questionnaires Naturalistic Observation Focus Groups Experiments and Laboratory Observation Clinician’s Case Studies

The Ethics of Research on Families Researchers must have their plans reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB). The IRB scrutinizes research proposals for adherence to professional ethical standards. Informed Consent Lack of coercion Protection from harm Confidentiality Compensation of participants Sharing of research results with participants and other appropriate audiences