FSHD 257 1st Edition Lecture 3Outline of Last Lecture I. Examine how family researchers attempt to explore issuesII. Explain and illustrate how we learn the information about relationships and families Outline of Current Lecture III. Examine the historical development of the kinds of families that predominate in the United StatesIV. Compare and contrast the different perspectives and theories based towards family life/development along with analyzing the critiques of eachCurrent LectureVariations in American Family Life Question of the Day: - Which theory was not discussed in Chapter 2 of the text? o A) Attachmento B) Family Systems Theory o C) Symbolic Interaction o D) Feminism - Answer: A) Attachment What is a Theory? - Theory: set of general principles or concepts used to describe, explain a phenomenon and to make predictions- Theories are then: tested and verified empirically - Theories are written up and testable compared to our own observations Why are theories useful? - They organize and give meaning to facts and observationso Theories provide a point of view- Theories are explanations- Guide further research; lead to further questions - Act like a lens and show what is important These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.Theoretical Perspectives Guide- The kinds of questions we raise - The types of predictions we make - Where we look to find answers- How we construct explanations Theoretical Perspectives on Families - Macro-Level Theorieso Focus on the family as a social institution - Micro-Level Theorieso Emphasize what happens within families, looking at everyday behavior, interaction between family members, patterns of communication, and so onBased on table 2.1 of the text: Macro and Micro Level Theories that guide research on familiesMacro-Level Theories: - Family ecology theory- Structural functionalism - Conflict theory - Feminist theory Micro-Level Theories: - Symbolic interactionism - Social exchange theory - Developmental theory - Family systems theory Family Ecology Theory - Emphasizes how families are influenced by (and, in turn, influence) the wider environment - Core concepts: o Environmento Adaptation - Urie Brofenbrenner’s Ecological Theory Family Ecology Model Includes: - Person Microsystem Mesosystem Exosystem Macrosystem - Person: Individual Self- Microsystem: Family, school, neighborhood, peers- Mesosystem: Involves the relationship between microsystems in one’s life - Exosystem: Social services, extended family, parents work, school board- Macrosystem: The actual culture of an individual Family Ecology Theory Critiques: - Which system best accounts for the behavior we attempt to explain?- How do the different systems influence each other? Structural Functionalism Theory - Questions asked about families:o What functions the family as an institution serves for society?o What functional requirements family members perform for the family?o What needs the family meets for its individual members? Structural Functionalism Theory - Emphasizes how marriage and family contribute to societyo Families serve to replenish society with socialized memberso Marriage and the family promote the emotional stability of the respective spouseso Families provide economic support for their members Structural Functionalism Theory Critiques: - How do we know which family functions are vital?- Looks at the family abstractly and views the family in terms of functions and roles- Not always clear what function a particular structure serves Conflict Theory - The view that individuals in relationships compete for valuable resourceso Example: Time, money, power- Conflict is a natural and normal part of relationships and family life- Love and affection are important in marriages and families, but so are conflict and powerConflict Theory Critiques- What about self-sacrifice and cooperation?- What about the power of love?- Assume differences lead to conflicto Not always the caseo Accepted, tolerated, or appreciated Feminist Perspectives- Feminists critically examine the ways in which family experience is shaped by gender the social aspects of being male/female- They argue that gender and family are concepts created by society- Feminists have an action orientation alongside their analytical one as they strive to raise society’s level of awareness regarding the oppression of women Feminist Perspectives Critiques - The feminist perspective is not a unified theory; rather, it represents thinking across the feminist movement - Men are also gendered beings Micro-Level Theories - Emphasize what happens within families looking at everyday behavior, interaction between family members, patterns of communication, and so on- In other words, how individuals experience family life Symbolic Interaction Theory- Looks at how people interact with one another- When we interact we interpret or define the meaning of words, gestures, and actions- Based on the meaning we take, we act accordingly - “Meaning” is central Symbolic Interaction Theory Critiques: - Tends to minimize the role of power in relationships- Does not place marriage or family within a larger social context Social Exchange Theory- Measure actions and relationships on a cost benefit basis seeking to maximize rewards and minimize costs - Great theory for looking at relationships satisfaction and stabilitySocial Exchange Theory Critiques - Assumes that we are all rational, calculating individuals, weighing the costs and rewards of our relationships and making cost benefit comparisons of al alternatives- Difficulty ascertaining the value of costs, rewards, and resources, as such values may vary considerable from person to person or situation to situation Family Development Theory- Directed exclusively at families- Emphasizes the patterned changes that occur in families through stages and across time - Looks at changes in family o Starts with premarital relationship marriage subsequent sequential stages Family Development Theory Critiques - Assumes all families go through the same sequential process- What about cohabiting couples? - Childless couples? - Stepfamilies?- Etc. Family Systems Theory - Combines structural functionalism and symbolic interaction - Views each member of the family as part of a system and the family as a unit that develops norms of interaction - Family as a