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Eight Interesting Theories
For this text, we are going to consider seven theories about families. They are:
1. Functionalist theory
2.Family systems theory
3.Conflict theory
4. Feminist theory
5.Developmental theory
6. Symbolic interactionist theory
7. Social exchange theory
(See previous slide for more information about each.)
Functionalism Perspective
This theory examines the relationship
between the family and the larger
society.
When functionalists study the family, they
look at how the parts work together to
fulfill the functions or tasks necessary
for the family’s survival.
Structural-functional
PerspectiveStructural-functional theorists talk about
instrumental and expressive roles of the
family.
– Instrumental roles are those that are carried
out traditionally by the husband—i.e., the
breadwinner.
– Expressive roles are typically carried out by the
mom—things like nurturing the children.
– These kinds of roles provide functions for the
family and for society at large.
Structural-functional
PerspectiveÉmile Durkheim was concerned with the question of
how certain societies maintain internal stability and
survive over time?
He proposed that such societies tend to be
segmented, with equivalent parts held together by
shared values,
Structural-functional
PerspectiveDurkheim used the term 'mechanical solidarity' to
refer to these types of "social bonds, based on
common sentiments & shared moral values, that
are strong among members of pre-industrial
societies
Durkheim argued that complicated societies are held
together by organic solidarity
Structural-functional
Perspective
Structural-functional perspective also
recognizes that the family affects and
is affected by other social institutions
that are interrelated to the family, such
as school, government, work, etc.
Structural-functional
Perspective
Family is a support system, without it we
wouldn’t survive
As we are born we are assigned roles,
and as we go through life our roles
change
Structural-functional
Perspective
Families teach individuals their roles so
that they can function in society
Structural-functional
Perspective: A Critique
Functionalism is a broad (macro) perspective.
It can help us understand how the family is
related to the larger society, but it doesn‘t
tell us how the family interacts as a unit on
a daily basis.
Puts males and females into gender
roles regardless of individual
differences
Structural-functional
Perspective: A Critique
unable to account for social change
Families from different social classes’
situations are ignored.
Problems within the family are also ignored
Family Systems Perspective
Family systems theory is a
sociological theory, which talks about
how the actions of individuals in a
group influence and affect other
individuals within the group.
Family Systems Perspective
History of the Family
Key term: INFLUENCE
Influence: The capacity to have an
effect on the character, development
or behaviour of someone
In our everyday lives our families influence our behaviours.
• How? Any family examples?
–Older sibling/younger sibling.
The family Systems Theory explains how families organize themselves to deal with the daily challenges and tasks of life and how individuals within the family interact, deal with, and adjust to the constantly developing needs of its members.
.
Family Systems Perspective
Family can be made up of several
individuals but it is how individuals
interact with each other that truly
define the family
The three subsystems within the family:
Family Systems Perspective
1.) The family unit subsystem-
members sharing the household
2.) The interpersonal subsystem-
the relationship between the individual
in the unit such as, husband and wife,
parent and child and sibling, (brothers
and sisters)
Family Systems Perspective
3.) Personal subsystem- comprised of
interaction between the individual by
them self and as a member of the
family).
Family Systems Perspective
Boundaries are created by families to
control what is included in the family
system and what it to be kept out of
the family system. These boundaries
sometimes change with the
developmental age and the needs of
its family members
Family Systems Perspective
Family systems theory analyzes how implicit or explicit rules hold families together.
Some say family systems theory has given the field of family study some new language, but has really not done much as far as showing us the big picture of how families function.
Family Systems Perspective:
A Critique
The Conflict Perspective
The conflict theory is another macro-level theory—it looks at the big picture.
Conflict theory examines the ways in which groups disagree, struggle for power, and compete for scarce resources such as wealth and prestige.
The Conflict Perspective
Conflict theory sees family problems as
problems stemming from the larger
society rather than from individual
shortcomings. It looks at structures in
society and how those structures
support people in society unequally.
The Conflict Perspective
Social Class and Power
– For conflict theorists, families perpetuate social
stratification. High-income families have greater
wealth and power that they can pass on to the
next generation.
– Conflict theorists see society not as cooperative,
but as a system of inequality in which different
groups are vying for resources.
The Conflict Perspective
Social Class and Power
Looks at the exploitation and oppression
within familial bonds and ties. For example,
it targets power and authority and the affect
it can have on marriage, child rearing, role
of the breadwinner, and overall socialization
with others
The Conflict Theory and the
Typical Family
Men were the authoritative figures in the
family and made almost all – if not all – of
the decisions
The Conflict Theory and the
Typical Family
Conflict theory still continues to hold a grasp
on male and female roles
Child Abuse
Role of Women
Adolescents
The Conflict Perspective:
A CritiqueSome social scientists criticize conflict theory
for stressing clashes and coercion at the
expense of order and stability.
It emphasizes institutional constraints rather
than personal choices in family life.
Conflict theory doesn’t say much about how
families can improve; it sees problems as
much bigger social issues.
Feminist Perspectives
Feminist theories examine how gender roles—expectations about how men and women should behave—shape relations between the sexes in institutions such as policies, the economy, religion, education, and the family.
Feminist Perspectives
Feminists believe society is patriarchal
(male dominant)
The treatment of women over the last
half-century has improved to great
extents.
Feminist Perspectives:
A CritiqueOne criticism of feminist theory is that it
focuses only on issues that affect women and de-emphasizes those issues that affect only men.
Some critics say feminist theory doesn’t pay enough attention to other areas of oppression such as age, disability, and religion.
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