family

Examples of family in the following topics:

• Family Structures

  • However, this two-parent, nuclear family has become less prevalent, and alternative family forms have become more common.
  • The nuclear family is considered the "traditional" family and consists of a mother, father, and the children.
  • Divorce rates, along with the remarriage rate are rising, therefore bringing two families together as step families.
  • In some circumstances, the extended family comes to live either with or in place of a member of the nuclear family.
  • An American family composed of the mother, father, children, and extended family.

• The Nature of a Family

  • In sociological literature, the most common form of this family is often referred to as a nuclear family.
  • A "matrilocal" family consists of a mother and her children.
  • Common in the western societies, the model of the family triangle, where the husband, wife, and children are isolated from the outside, is also called the oedipal model of the family.
  • This family arrangement is considered patriarchal.
  • As a unit of socialization, the family is the object of analysis for sociologists of the family.

• The Functions of a Family

  • Given these functions, the nature of one's role in the family changes over time.
  • From the perspective of children, the family instills a sense of orientation: The family functions to locate children socially, and plays a major role in their socialization .
  • Producing offspring is not the only function of the family.
  • From the perspective of children, the family is a family of orientation: The family functions to locate children socially, and plays a major role in their socialization.
  • From the point of view of the parents, the family is a family of procreation: The family functions to produce and socialize children

• Family

  • Given these functions, the individual's experience of his or her family shifts over time.
  • From the perspective of children, the family is a family of orientation: the family functions to locate children socially, and plays a major role in their socialization.
  • From the point of view of the parent(s), the family is a family of procreation: The family functions to produce and socialize children.
  • Producing offspring is not the only function of the family.
  • Families have strong ties and, therefore, are powerful agents of socialization.

• Families and Theory

  • The primary function of the procreative families (e.g., families built around the pursuit of parenthood) is to reproduce society, biologically through procreation, socially through socialization, or in both ways.
  • Given these functions, one's experience of one's family shifts over time.
  • From the perspective of children, the family is a family of orientation: the family functions to locate children socially, and plays a major role in their socialization.
  • From the point of view of the parent(s), the family is a family of procreation: the family functions to produce and socialize children.
  • This privilege was denied commoners and may have served to concentrate wealth and power in one family.

• Replacing Family Functions

  • Family types that are replacing the traditional nuclear family include single parent families, cohabitation, and gay and lesbian families.
  • The sociology of the family examines the family as an institution and a unit of socialization.
  • Sociological studies of the family look at demographic characteristic of the family members: family size, age, ethnicity and gender of its members, social class of the family, the economic level and mobility of the family, professions of its members, and the education levels of the family members.
  • There are various other family forms that are becoming increasingly common.
  • Examine the different types of families and the changing face of family roles

• The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

  • Symbolic interactionists view the family as a site of social reproduction where meanings are negotiated and maintained by family members.
  • Symbolic interactionists also explore the changing meanings attached to family.
  • They argue that shared activities help to build emotional bonds among family members, and that marriage and family relationships are based on negotiated meanings.
  • The interactionist perspective emphasizes that families reinforce and rejuvenate bonds through symbolic mechanism rituals such as family meals and holidays.
  • Symbolic interactionists explore the changing meanings attached to family.

• What is a family?

  • But what exactly is a family?
  • Why do families exist?
  • And what about the family pet?
  • There are so many variations of "family" today that it is hard to define what, exactly, a family is.
  • What many people consider a family is not the only family form; families are diverse in both form and function.

• The Conflict Perspective

  • The conflict perspective views the family as a vehicle to maintain patriarchy (gender inequality) and social inequality in society.
  • Because inheritance, education and social capital are transmitted through the family structure, wealthy families are able to keep their privileged social position for their members, while individuals from poor families are denied similar status.
  • Conflict theorists have also seen the family as a social arrangement benefiting men more than women, allowing men to maintain a position of power.
  • The traditional family form in most cultures is patriarchal, contributing to inequality between the sexes.
  • The traditional family is also an inequitable structure for women and children.

• The Functionalist Perspective

  • Functionalists view the family unit as a construct that fulfills important functions and keeps society running smoothly.
  • For functionalists, the family creates well-integrated members of society and teaches culture to the new members of society.
  • Further, the family gives individuals property rights and also affords the assignment and maintenance of kinship order.
  • Lastly, families offer material and emotional security and provides care and support for the individuals who need care.
  • Explain the social functions of the family through the perspective of structural functionalism