Unit 8- Family Problems Flashcards
1
Q
The Global Context: Families of the World
A
- A universal social institution
- Diverse forms
- historical and cultural specific roles and relationships
- not always link with marriage
2
Q
The Census Family
A
- A now-married couple (with or without never-married sons and/or daughters of either or both spouses), a couple living common-law (with or without never-married sons and/or daughters of either or both parents) or a lone parent of any marital status, with at least one never-married son or daughter living in the same dwelling.
3
Q
Sociological Theories of the Family
A
- Structural-Functionalist Perspective
- Conflict Perspective
- Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
- Feminist Theories
- Queer Theories
4
Q
Structural-Functionalist Perspective
A
Family is: A Social Institution Functions - Reproduction - Regulation of sexual activity - Procreation - Socialization - Maintenance and support
5
Q
Structural-Functionalist Perspective
A
- Traditional gender roles contribute to the functioning of the family
- Expressive role – female
Household tasks
Caring
Nurturing
Instrumental role – male
Providing income
Decision-making
6
Q
Structural-Functionalist Perspective
A
- Heterosexual family – norm
- Lone-parent, same-sex – abnormal or dysfunctional
- Family breakdown is a primary social problem :
Leads to secondary social problems including crime, poverty, substance abuse
Caused by rapid social change and social disorganization
7
Q
Conflict Perspective
A
- Influence of social class and power
- Unequal power - part of the problem of domestic violence
- Marriage – An institution to protect property
- Patriarchy
Male dominance; Wives as property - Unequal distribution of wealth and income
- The sexual division of labour
8
Q
Conflict Perspective
A
- Family policy and social programs shaped by and serve the interests of the powerful and wealthy
- Corporate interests often conflict with needs of families
9
Q
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
A
- Human behaviour dependent on meanings and definitions emerging from social interaction
- As social meanings change, behaviours change
10
Q
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Divorce
A
- Removal of stigma, social acceptance
increased divorce rates - Stigma and Social sanctions
low divorce rates
11
Q
Self-fulfilling Prophecy
A
- A concept referring to the tendency for people to act in a manner consistent with the expectations of others.
12
Q
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
A
- Labelling affects the family
- Visitation rights
Divorced dads see themselves as visitors to their children
Father’s rights advocates suggest replacing with terms “parenting plan” or “time-sharing arrangements” - Useful perspective for understanding family violence
13
Q
Emotional Abuse
A
- Often involves using negative labels (e.g., “stupid,” “whore,” “bad”) to define a partner or family member. Such labels negatively affect the self-concept of abuse victims, often convincing them that they deserve the abuse.
14
Q
Feminist Perspectives
A
- Concerned with sexism against women
- Problems with the subordination and vulnerability of women and children
- Economic dependency, the structure of work, role conflict, family violence
- Re-imagine what families can be, what they can accomplish, and how our roles in families might change for the better.
15
Q
Queer Theory
A
- Seeks to understand gains, losses and compromises when the state grants same-sex marriages.
