Sociological Theories Of The American Family Structural Interactionism
The Family Institution
Lamar Mack
SOC 101
Pamela Spence
April 25, 2011
The American family is normally composed of two parents, mother and father, and the rearing of a single to numerous children. Within the family institution, the three sociological theories of functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are experienced. The purpose of this paper is to explore how each theory applies to the family, the similarities and the differences. How each theory affects the views of the individuals that are part of the family. How each theory affects the approach the effects of social change within the family and how each theory affects the views of society. These theories can be thoroughly explored within the realm of my own family composed …show more content…
With the Interactionism theory we see humans as active, creative participants who construct their social world conforming objects of socialization (McClelland, 2000). Within my family, we must adjust our behaviors to the actions of other family members. The way I interact with the children in times of conflict and content is different that they way mom interacts with the children. In turn, this creates differences in the way the children interact to and deal with us. I am regarded as a disciplinary figure in times of conflict and horse play in time of contentment. On the other hand, mom is always regarded for nourishment and support. The roles change as our schedules change. When my wife’s schedule changes the necessary adjustments with the kids have to be made in the role I play. I have to be the discipliner, nourisher, and support system. In time when my schedule changes and I am unable to interact and fulfill my usual role as a parent, my wife’s interaction changes to discipliner, nourisher, and the support …show more content…
When looking at the functionalism theory, we all play a role in the institution. Functionalism is vital to sustain our family’s unity whether it is with the: bills, cooking, cleaning, or just as simple as getting homework done on time. When looking at a conflict theory, it explains what people in a family institution may struggle with. The conflict can be the role of power, money, and the struggles that all American families face. Within the interactionism theory it is based on the communication and how the family institution interacts with each other and can find symbolic meaning in that interaction. I find that all theories can be applied within my family
Lamar Mack
SOC 101
Pamela Spence
April 25, 2011
The American family is normally composed of two parents, mother and father, and the rearing of a single to numerous children. Within the family institution, the three sociological theories of functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are experienced. The purpose of this paper is to explore how each theory applies to the family, the similarities and the differences. How each theory affects the views of the individuals that are part of the family. How each theory affects the approach the effects of social change within the family and how each theory affects the views of society. These theories can be thoroughly explored within the realm of my own family composed …show more content…
With the Interactionism theory we see humans as active, creative participants who construct their social world conforming objects of socialization (McClelland, 2000). Within my family, we must adjust our behaviors to the actions of other family members. The way I interact with the children in times of conflict and content is different that they way mom interacts with the children. In turn, this creates differences in the way the children interact to and deal with us. I am regarded as a disciplinary figure in times of conflict and horse play in time of contentment. On the other hand, mom is always regarded for nourishment and support. The roles change as our schedules change. When my wife’s schedule changes the necessary adjustments with the kids have to be made in the role I play. I have to be the discipliner, nourisher, and support system. In time when my schedule changes and I am unable to interact and fulfill my usual role as a parent, my wife’s interaction changes to discipliner, nourisher, and the support …show more content…
When looking at the functionalism theory, we all play a role in the institution. Functionalism is vital to sustain our family’s unity whether it is with the: bills, cooking, cleaning, or just as simple as getting homework done on time. When looking at a conflict theory, it explains what people in a family institution may struggle with. The conflict can be the role of power, money, and the struggles that all American families face. Within the interactionism theory it is based on the communication and how the family institution interacts with each other and can find symbolic meaning in that interaction. I find that all theories can be applied within my family