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

Structural-functional

Perspective:

Roles of Women in Family

Adolescent Behavior

Child Abuse

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

Example:

Cute dress mom!

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

Roles of Women

Adolescent Behavior

Abuse.

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.

Feminist Perspectives

Adolescent Behavior

Human Sexuality

Role of Women