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The Family

The Family. Discussion Outline. I. Structure of the Family II. Marriage and Family in the U.S.: Current Trends. Structure of The Family. - In what ways is the structure of the American family changing? -How has it changed over the last century? -Are these changes positive or negative?

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The Family

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  1. The Family

  2. Discussion Outline • I. Structure of the Family • II. Marriage and Family in the U.S.: Current Trends

  3. Structure of The Family -In what ways is the structure of the American family changing? -How has it changed over the last century? -Are these changes positive or negative? Differing Perspectives -Why has it changed?

  4. The Family in Historical Perspective • The “crisis of the family” argument • Myth of a stable and harmonious family of the past • Myth of family decline as the cause of social problems

  5. Opposing on the Family • The “Family Decline” Perspective- This view of the family says that divorce, economic decline, and the decline of two-parent intact families have hurt the institution of family. • Belief in a natural order for families • The “Family Change/Resiliency” Perspective- This view sees changes to the family as just that, changes. Families are changing and adapting to new environments. They are extremely resilient. • The crisis of the family argument is not new. It is typical throughout history and typical throughout the world.

  6. Macro Level Variables Change Family Structure • Family arrangements are closely related to historical economic developments. • Industrialization and family arrangements • How did the family change during the industrial revolution? • Modern economy and culture = family changes • Economic changes of the 1970’s • Is it as easy for one parent to support an entire family as it was in the 1950’s

  7. Structure of the Family • Defining the Family-A social construct • The definition of the “normal” family changes across time, place, and group • Are family structures different in other cultures? • Does it matter how the family is defined? What rights and privileges are given to those legally defined as family, or married?

  8. Structure of the Family • Family Forms • Nuclear and extended families • Family of Orientation and Family of procreation • Residence Patterns • Patrilocal, Matrilocal, Neolocal

  9. Structure • Authority Patterns • Patriarchal • Matriarchal • Egalitarian • What type of authority pattern existed in your household? • Who usually has the most power in a relationship? • The “Principle of Least Interest”?

  10. Structure-Forms of Marriage • Exogamy • Endogamy • Marriage Types • Monogomy • Polygamy • Polygyny and polyandry

  11. Structure-Patterns of Courtship • The social regulation of love • Do all societies believe in romantic love? • Factors in mate selection • Homogamy • The matching hypothesis • Complementary needs theory • Exchange theory

  12. II. Marriage and Family in the U.S. • A changing America • Age of marriage • Interracial marriages • Heterogamous marriages • Egalitarian marriages • What percentage of Americans eventually marries?

  13. Marriage and Family in the U.S. • Other trends include: • Higher divorce rates than 1950’s: Why? • Increased singlehood (and delaying marriage) and cohabitation: Why? • Increased acceptance of homosexual couples: More gay and lesbian couples raising children • More single women having children • More women deciding not to have children • Single parenthood

  14. Marriage and Family in the U.S. • The American family has always undergone changes; current trends include: • Mothers in the Labor Force • Modern-day family stress • Bankruptcy • Why do most families go bankrupt? • Are U.S. policies “Family Friendly?” • Health care? Child care? Maternity leave?

  15. The U.S. and Family Friendly Policies • “The United States lacks the support programs for families and children that other industrialized nations have” (pg 323). • Socialized Health care • Child care subsidies • Regulation of quality child care • Paid Maternity leave • Vacation and sick leave policies • Guaranteed financial assistance to the poor • “Sicko” Film

  16. Table 14-1: Sociological Perspectives on the Family

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