1. Marriage from a Theoretical Perspective

2. Families from a Theoretical Perspective
Family theorists attempt to explain the concept of marriage and its functions from the following perspectives:
Structural Functionalism
Symbolic Interactionism
Social Exchange Theory
Family Systems Theory
Family Development Theory
Feminist Theory

3. Structural Functionalism
Remember, structural functionalists explain how societal institutions are designed to function effectively.
In order for marriage to function effectively, spouses must adhere to specifically defined roles
Creation of marriage and family to perform tasks necessary for society to continue
Marriage creates safe, positive and socially appropriate environment for children which carries on beliefs and norms of society
Role = set of behaviours that an individual is expected to demonstrate within a group
Norms = most prevalent behaviours practised

4. Symbolic Interactionism
Remember, symbolic interactionists explain how we choose how we will act based on previous personal experiences.
A marriage will be successful and satisfying if the actions that take place coincide with our understanding of their meanings.
Male completing chores = support an egalitarian ideal
‘Working late’ = spouse hiding something
Symbol of Marriage – commitment
Personal identity and perception of self changes because of the way society perceives a married person

5. Social Exchange Theory
Remember, social exchange theorists explain the factors that influence how individuals interact within reciprocal relationships, by weighing the rewards and costs of the relationship.
The decision to marry will be decided if the rewards gained from being in the marriage outweigh the costs of not being in the marriage.
The decision to divorce will be decided if the rewards gained from leaving the marriage outweigh the costs of being in the marriage

6. Family Systems Theory
Remember, family systems theorists explain that if there is a change in a subsystem within an institution, that change will affect change in other parts of the institution.
Based on assumption that families exist and need to continue; therefore, marriage exist to carry on family system, values and beliefs
In order for a marriage to be successful, the change in status of the people involved must be acknowledged and accepted by other systems that have an influence on the marriage (parental, family, friends, etc.).
The sibling and/or p-c rel’p will suffer if the marital system is disrupted.

7. Family Development Theory
Remember, family development theorists examine patterns and growth of family systems.
After dating, marriage is the next logical step (or developmental task) in the cycle of starting a family.
Marriage requires negotiation, problem solving, and decision making in order to succeed and move on to the next level (i.e. children).

8. Feminist Theory
Remember, feminist theorists consider issues of human behaviour from the viewpoint of women.
Marriage is an institution that can objectify women based on double standards.
Double standard = a set of principles containing different expectations for one group of people than for another
Even if you enter with egalitarian values, because marriage has specifically defined roles, gendered expectations will always be fulfilled.