Sociological Perspectives - Family
Sociological Perspectives - Family
SOC 101
Allen Lipscomb
February 28, 2010
Abstract
Family can be defined in many ways through many different theories. Family can also be a main area of where socialization skills for individuals and society develop. The following will help in the explanation on how you can apply Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism theories to family and society.
Sociological Perspectives - Family Families, what is the term family? What does it mean? Who decides what makes up a family? The definition of family means “A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children” (www.thefreedictionary.com). This might include anyone related to by blood or by adoption such as: step parents, grandparents acting as parents, and even brothers and sisters sometimes sharing the same household. The term family has been believed to coincide with the word “marriage”. If you were to have a family, you were also thought to have a husband or wife. This was thought to be the norm for many centuries. This was named the “institutional family”. But the word family has been reinvented. A family can consist of single parent family, step family, or a first marriage family. It seems that in all societies the first major agent of socialization for most individuals is the family. The role of the American family is much the same as in any other country. Each family member has to fulfill his or her own part. The mass media will have an influence on the family’s role. For instance, the media has portrayed men to be thought of as the “bread-winner”. To more or less support the family. This family type was atypical of the American family.
Functionalism
Functionalism believes that the family is the foundation of social order. According to the sociologist Talcot Parsons, “any other type of family other than the nuclear family is dysfunctional in society because they are not suited for society’s
SOC 101
Allen Lipscomb
February 28, 2010
Abstract
Family can be defined in many ways through many different theories. Family can also be a main area of where socialization skills for individuals and society develop. The following will help in the explanation on how you can apply Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism theories to family and society.
Sociological Perspectives - Family Families, what is the term family? What does it mean? Who decides what makes up a family? The definition of family means “A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children” (www.thefreedictionary.com). This might include anyone related to by blood or by adoption such as: step parents, grandparents acting as parents, and even brothers and sisters sometimes sharing the same household. The term family has been believed to coincide with the word “marriage”. If you were to have a family, you were also thought to have a husband or wife. This was thought to be the norm for many centuries. This was named the “institutional family”. But the word family has been reinvented. A family can consist of single parent family, step family, or a first marriage family. It seems that in all societies the first major agent of socialization for most individuals is the family. The role of the American family is much the same as in any other country. Each family member has to fulfill his or her own part. The mass media will have an influence on the family’s role. For instance, the media has portrayed men to be thought of as the “bread-winner”. To more or less support the family. This family type was atypical of the American family.
Functionalism
Functionalism believes that the family is the foundation of social order. According to the sociologist Talcot Parsons, “any other type of family other than the nuclear family is dysfunctional in society because they are not suited for society’s
References: CliffsNotes.com. Three Major Perspectives in Sociology. Retrieved February 25, 2010 from www.cliffsnotes.com. The Funcionalist’s View of the Family in Society. (April 1, 2009). Retrieved February 25, 2010 from www.socyberty.com/sociology. Rank, M. R. & LeCroy, C. W. (1983). Toward a Multiple Perspective in Family Theory and Practice. Family Relations, Vol 32, No 3, pp 441-448. Retrieved from www.jstor.org on February 25, 2010. Schaefer, Richard T. (2009). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. (8th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.