Seven Main Theories

Question 1

What is systems theory?

Answer 1

Attempts to explain how groups of individuals interact as a system(A set of different parts that work together and influence one another in a relatively stable overtime).
Explains the behavior of individuals as inseparable from the group.
Basic concept: is that family systems have a complex organization
Feedback
-Give-and-take
-Process by which system informs its members how to interact to maintain the stability of the system
-A change in one member causes a change in all
Limitation:can be difficult to determine how others within the family are influencing an individual’s behavior

Question 2

What is symbolic interactionism?

Answer 2

-Attempts to explain how individuals choose how they will act based on their perceptions of themselves the others.
-emphasizes the mental process of perception and interpretation in determining the behavior of individuals.
-symbolic interactionists attempt to understand the point of view of the person to explain the action.
Three basic concepts:
-“me” and “I”
-take the attitude of the other
-shared symbols
Limitation:possibility that because the researcher perceives and interprets the actions of the individuals during the observation, the observation could be influenced by the researchers self image and beliefs and would, therefore, be inaccurate.

Question 3

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 3

-Attempts to explain the social factors that influence how individuals interact within reciprocal friendships.
-Individuals act within each role to maximize the benefits they will receive and minimize the costs to themselves.
-Borrows from symbolic interactionism: benefits and costs of a relationship are not facts, but perceptions formed by each individual
-Used to explain choices of marriage partners (I.e prince Charles and Diana- illustrates the trade off in marriage).
-Benefits: meet perceived need, can include physical, emotional security, access to goods and services, social approval.
-Costs: actions that meet the needs of another such as providing physical, emotional support or sharing goods and services.
Limitation: some people are offended by the cost/benefit analysis.

Question 4

What is he developmental theory?

Answer 4

• Attempts to describe patterns of growth and change throughout human life span.
• There are predictable changes in behaviour throughout the life cycle.
• Developmental tasks: role expectations that challenge individuals to adopt new behaviours as they progress through life.
• Examine biological, physiological, social, cultural factors that influence developmental.
• Attempt to explain the factors that influence differences in behaviour demonstrated by individuals at different ages.

Question 5

What is conflict theory?

Answer 5

• Sociological and political theory.
• Explains how power, not functional interdependence, holds a society together.
• Conflict exists between groups in society because of inequalities in power.
• Groups compete with one another to meet their needs.
• Explains inequalities.
• Used to criticize, not explain society.
• Karl Marx: bourgeoisie vs. proletariat-gap between them become greater.
• Describes relationship of men and women within family as one of exploitation and oppression and is used for analyzing power and authority within the family.

Question 6

What is the feminist theory?

Answer 6

• Developed in the second half of the 20th century.
• Attempts to explain social inequalities between men and women from female perspective.
• Explain impact of sex and gender on behaviour.
• Considers issues of human behaviour from the specific point of view of women.
• Developed to separate sex and gender from class; developed as a reaction to gender biases in sociology.

Question 7

What is functionalism?

Answer 7

Focuses on how the structures function within a society.
Examines roles within institutions:
Status: specific position within a group (I.E. Student)
Role: set of behaviors individual is expected to demonstrate within a status. (I.e students are expected to attend class, ask questions, complete assignments.)
Norm: most prevalent behaviors.
Limitation: tendency for functionalists to go beyond explaining how I society is organized to prescribing how individuals within a society should behave.