Theoretical Perspectives on The Family

Science Defined as “a logical system that bases

knowledge on…systematic observation” and on empirical evidence--facts we can verify with our senses.

Purpose: overcome researchers’ biases

Problems with Peer-Review/Blind Process

Means different things at different journals Slow Expensive Subjective Biased

How can peer review be improved?

Dominant Theoretical Perspectives The Family Ecology Perspective The Family Life Course Development

Perspective The Structure-Functional Perspective The Interaction-Constructionist Perspective Exchange Theory Family Systems Theory Conflict and Feminist Theory The Biosocial Perspective Attachment Theory

Family Ecology Perspective on the Family

Rooted in Lewin’s field theory B = ƒ(P, E) Basic premise is the principle of

adaptation

The Family Ecology Perspective

Family Ecology Perspective

ThemeThe ecological context of the family affects family life and children’s outcomes.

Key Concepts

Natural physical-biological environment; Human-built environment; Social-cultural environment

Current Research

Family policy; Neighborhood effects

Family Life Course Development FrameworkDuvall1) married couples (without children)2) childbearing families (oldest child, birth-30 months)3) families with preschool children (oldest child, 2.5-6 years)4) families with school children (oldest child, 6-13 years)5) families with teenagers (oldest child 13-20 years)6) families as launching centres (first child gone to last child

leaving home)7) middle age parents (empty nest to retirement)8) aging family members (retirement to death of both

spouses)

Family Life Course Development Framework

ThemeFamilies experience predictable changes over time.

Key ConceptsFamily life cycle; Developmental tasks; “On-time” transitions; Role sequencing

Current Research

Transition to adulthood; Marriage and parenthood; Pathways to family formation

Structure-Functional Perspective on the Family

Emphasizes the interdependency of the many parts of a society

Function = purpose or contribution that a social unit or social institution fulfills to maintain society

Structure-Functional Perspective

ThemeThe family performs essential functions for society.

Key Concepts

Social institution; Family structure; Family functions; Functional alternatives

Current Research

Cross-cultural and historical comparisons; Analysis of emerging family structures; Critique of contemporary family

Exchange Theory Perspective on the Family Rooted in Greek hedonism Rests on the belief that human beings try

to make choices; maximize rewards, minimize costs

Exchange Theory: Examples Willard Waller: uses the principle of least

interest to explain the selection of intimate partners.

George Homans (1958): people seek relationships that will be rewarding

Price and McKenry (1988): outlined a number of attractions to marriage, barriers to divorce, and alternatives to marriage.

Exchange Theory Perspective

Theme

The resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation, continuation, nature of a relationship, and power dynamics of a relationship.

Key Concepts

Resources; Rewards and costs; Family power; Social networks; Social support

Current Research

Family power; Entry and exit from marriage; Family violence; Network-derived social support

Family Systems Theory Family as a holistic unit, is a system, Husband-wife relationship is a subsystem Each family member’s behaviour affects

every other member.

Family Systems Theory

ThemeThe family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Key ConceptsSystem; Equilibrium; Boundaries; Family therapy

Current Research

Family efficacy and crisis management; Family boundaries

Conflict Perspective on the FamilyBased on the following assumptions: 1) social relationships are rife with conflicting interest;

thus2) social systems systematically generate conflict which3) is an inevitable and pervasive feature of all social

systems and 4) tends to be manifested in the opposition of interests

that5) occurs over the distribution of scarce resources which 6) results in change in social systems

Conflict and Feminist Perspective on the Family

ThemeGender is central to the analysis of family; male dominance in family and society is oppressive of women.

Key Concepts

Male dominance; Power and inequality; Sex/gender systems

Current Research

Work and family; Domestic violence; Family power; Advocacy of women’s issues

Feminist Perspective on the Family

5 basic premises: social construction of gender committed to general equality and

social change question the family put their beliefs into action emphasizes the centrality of women’s

lives and experiences

Biosocial Perspective on the Family

Roots in Charles Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest

Family is an evolutionary adaptation to the problem of the survival of human infants and children

Biosocial Perspective on the Family

Theme Evolution has put in place certain biological endowments that shape and limit family choices.

Key Concepts

Evolutionary heritage; Genes; Inclusive fitness

Current Research

Correlations between biological markers and family behavior; Evolutionary explanations for gender differences and sexuality

Attachment Theory Perspective on the Family

Many different views Classification:

secure attachment, anxious-ambivalent attachment anxious-avoidant attachment

Attachment Theory Perspective on the Family

ThemeAttachment style is established at a young age, and continues to influence one’s adult relationships

Key Concepts

Secure, insecure/anxious, and avoidant attachment styles

Current Research

Impact of personality upon relationship choices; Impact of parenting upon attachment