Chapter 1 part 2

Question 1

Define symbolic interactionist theory (3)

Answer 1

Use of the micro view of families to explore interactions between family members
Does this by expanding the the concepts of status and role
Examines the meanings each sees to the others values and words

Question 2

Define status according to symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 2

a social position that carries a set of expectations concerning suitable behaviour

Question 3

Define role according to he symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 3

The behaviour expected of a person who has a particular status

Question 4

Define role-taking according to symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 4

Putting oneself in anothers place

Question 5

Define role strain according to symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 5

A sense of discomfort or tension felt by one who has difficulty meeting role expectations

Question 6

Strengths of symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 6

It has been used for a basis of family therapy,

Emphasizes peoples own responsibility in shaping their own view of the world

Question 7

Weaknesses of symbolic interactionist theory

Answer 7

Its micro view: zoomed in scope does not allow it to consider the impact of society on family

Does not explain society wide changes in families

Question 8

What 5 rules govern family systems theory

Answer 8

1. Anything that affects one part of the family affects all of the family
2. Roles must be complementary
3. Families contain subsystems or smaller groupings of members within a family
4. systems and subsystems have boundaries, defining who is a member
5. Rules are used to regulate how the family system is operated

Question 9

Strengths of family systems theory (3)

Answer 9

Impact of one person’s behaviour affects everyone else

Explains destructive behaviour across generations

Many therapists use it as a basis for work with families

Question 10

Weaknesses of family systems (3)

Answer 10

1. Concentration on the family system overlooks experiences of individuals
2. Assumes destructive behaviour is a vicious cycle
3. Little reference to social factors

Question 11

Define exchange theory (3)

Answer 11

States that family life can be viewed as costs and benefits
Based on individual’s wants and needs
Explains decision-making in families

Question 12

Exchange theory says what about the husband-wife relationship?

Answer 12

The husband usually has more control because he has more resources with which to bargain

Question 13

Weakness of Exchange theory

Answer 13

can’t explain family dynamic theory well since it is based on the individual, not the family

assumes people always behave in self-interest

Question 14

Feminist exchange theory definition (4)

Answer 14

1. Examines from micro and macro perspectives
2. Family relations are based on patriarchy
3. criticizes structural functional theory for supporting patriarchal view
4. Focus on family issues that are of greater importance to women

Question 15

Define gender socialization

Answer 15

The process by which people learn what behaviours are not socially appropriate for their sex.

Question 16

Criticism of feminist theory

Answer 16

too much emphasis on the role gender plays in social interaction

Question 17

Define ecological theory

Answer 17

1. looks at the relationship between family and society
2. Sees family as an interlocking system that influence each other at five levels
3. consists of five rings of influence outside of the individual

Question 18

what are the five rings of influence outside of the individual?

Answer 18

Microsystem, Mesosystem,
Exosystem,
Macrosystem,
Chronosystem

Question 19

Define the microsystem

Answer 19

family, peers, work

Question 20

Define the mesosystem

Answer 20

interaction of two or more groups (family, school, peers, work) of which the individual is a member

Question 21

Define the exosystem

Answer 21

A setting where the individual does not play an active part (religion, economy), but it has an effect upon them through the other two smaller systems

Question 22

Define the macrosystem

Answer 22

a systems culture, ideology, and beliefs

Question 23

Define the chronosystem

Answer 23

the dimension of time as it relates to the social development

Question 24

strengths of the ecological theory

Answer 24

Explanation of how society and family interact

Addresses family relationships in the microsystem