Theory Empirical Hypothesis generalizations Research (data collection)

1. “Research without any underlying theoretical reasoning is simply a string of meaningless bits of information (Mills, 1959); theory without research is abstract and speculative” (Newman, 1999).

2. Theory Empirical Hypothesis generalizations Research (data collection)

3. Functions of Theories (Macro & Micro): • Accumulation: Theories helps us accumulate and organize research findings. A theoretical framework can help select and arrange research findings in ways that are meaningful and helpful for improving our overall understanding. • Guidance: Theories guide researchers in developing and testing hypothesis. Empirical research can be designed in an effort to support or refute a specific theory. • Connectedness: Theories help us see how ideas are connected. The conceptual elements, or sets of ideas within a theory, also allow us to see distinctions and commonalities of different theories. (Family Theories, Klein & White 1996)

4. Functions of Theories (Macro & Micro): • Interpretation: Theories help make sense of the mechanisms by which certain phenomena operate. • Prediction: Theories should be useful for predicting future outcomes found in our research. Knowing what a theory predicts can contribute to guiding our research toward confirming or invalidating the prediction. Even if predictions are not confirmed, however, it may be the conditions under which the theory operates that need to be adjusted, rather than discarding the theory itself. • Explanation: Theories provide possible answers to “why” and “how” questions. (Family Theories, Klein & White 1996)

5. Structural-Functionalism Theory This perspective views society as a social organism. In order for this organism to survive, institutions within society must function in ways that promote the overall good of society. Therefore, the institution of the family exists to perform certain functions that will ensuring the survival of society. The structure of the family is seen as an important component of its ability to perform necessary social functions. Structural-Functionalism is concerned with: • The role of family within larger society • The role of individual family members within the family unit

6. Functions of the family: • Regulation of sexual behavior through marriage • Control and regulation of the reproduction of children • Socialization of individuals • Economic cooperation • (Companionship and emotional support) These functions were thought to be best accomplished when members share similar values and when specific roles are held within the family: • Men – instrumental • Women – expressive

7. Social Exchange Theory This perspective views social interaction as the exchange of resources. Things that people need and want are obtained through exchanges with others. People will seek to get these things at the lowest possible cost (based on economic theory). Assumptions of Exchange Theory: • People are primarily motivated by self-interest • People seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs • People are rational beings • Social relationships are characterized by interdependence • Exchange is regulated by norms of reciprocity

8. Conflict Theory This perspective views society in terms of conflict and struggle, rather than stability and harmony. This perspective focuses on social inequality and power differentials. Who is benefiting from a specific social arrangement? Assumptions of Conflict theory: • Humans are in competition for scarce resources • Social structure and social inequality influence family dynamics • Families can be studied with respect to their access to scarce resources and how they manage inequality and discrimination • Negotiation of conflict can produce new values or reinforce existing norms; conflict is seen as the root of progress and change

9. Symbolic Interaction Theory This perspective focuses on the way that meanings are constructed through social interaction. Through interaction and negotiation, individuals interpret the behaviors of others and assign meanings to the world around us. Assumptions of Symbolic Interaction • People will react to something based on the meaning that thing has for them • We learn about and interpret the world around us and through day-today interactions • Experiences in social interaction serve as a guide for future behavior • Social interaction and behavior is shaped by social roles • Interactions take place within a social structure that influences the shape of these interactions