Changing Definitions Theories 1 Structure function theory functionalists Key concepts o Structure unit of our society that carries out a basic function o Function basic societal task or responsibility Function of family has changed over time used to be about reproduction and education and protection now its about reproduction socialization and meeting needs Structure and function are interrelated o Structure and function can be defined separately but the emphasis of the theory is how they relate Assumptions o Structure of a family affects how well it functions o Structure and function affect each other o Family life should be organized in particular way o Optimal structure is heterosexual couple marriage husband is the breadwinner and wife is the house maker o Organization of family structure and the roles of the parents function are goal directed o Not about love about getting the business of family done Goal have kids and run the household o Structure exists for reasons o Family roles are organized by gender Males are instrumental function Take care of needs protection shelter Women are expressive function Love and nurture Resistance to change Limitations o View family as static and that the organization of the family matters for life quality family as a unit and how it functions in society not based on happiness o Family with traditional two parents is viewed as optimal o Only one way to fulfill and organize your life 2 Symbolic interaction theory Sociological theory that focuses on people s interpretations of symbolic behaviors 3 Feminist theory 4 Sociological theory that focuses on domination of women by men Basis of Kinship relations in families Different definitions of family based on culture and ideals Some people only considered blood relatives as family Type of marriages o Monogamy legal institution recognized as same family only one partner o Polygyny having more than 1 wife o Polyandry having more than 1 husband o Group marriage clans people considered part of same unit multiple wives or husbands o Temporary marriage agree to marry for certain period of time if not working then end it f working then continue it Male selection how people choose marital partner o Arranged families choose spouse for child Based on economic status lineage religion etc o Free choice marry who ever you want People tend to choose partners with similar race education and religion etc Basis of variation Significance of relationships consanguine blood related conjugal related by marriage Type of descent what family is traced through o Matrilineal through mother o Patrilineal through father o Bilineal through both parents what we do in US History of Love in Marriage Significance has changed over time role of love in relationships is based on social group membership Societal and intimate relationships change and adapt to societal and economic changes Colonial era around country s finding End of pre modern family formal intimacy Societal organization family based economy o Produce own foods and goods which they sell and depend on others for substances of household Little privacy Family life was controlled regulated and observed by community Male as authoritative head of household o Women hold down economics of the household may need to work around house Mate section for community standing and suitability o Want partner who will help maintain their standing in community May fall in love through life but it is not the sole basis of marriage Jacksonian Era 1800s Beginning of modern family Societal organization industrialization o Change from hunter gatherer o Mass production and men earn paycheck to support Work and home begin to be separated development of private life Less community surveillance private life choices about how to organize family Men and women operate different spheres men work outside of home and women in charge of home Cult of domesticity vulnerable female and protector male New meaning of love in marriage o Marriage is source of stability o Provider of emotional needs part of picking partner o Home as a haven in heartless world o Increased emphasis on sex for couples o Most families did not meet the desired standard of breadwinner father and homemaker were probably doing something to bring in some income women Progressive Era early 1900s Societal organization continuation of industrial based changed Full emergence of private family Emergence of sexual capability as important Emergence of dating Personal identities Women as interpersonal experts Women moving outside of home as social reforming Commercialization of personal life and attractiveness o Make up and stuff to attract an ideal partner Increase in divorce Love is important in marriage 1960s 1980s technical intimacy Rebound from intense family orientation in 40s and 50s Growth of belief in personal fulfillment including sexual satisfaction Women s movement o Legal equality between men and women established o Increased educational and economic growth for women o Increased sexual openness women reemerging as sexual beings o These shape what women are looking for and what they want out of life o Women have more autonomy because of economic growth Role of love in marriage is about seeking personal fulfillment o Free love increase cohabitation before marriage Love sex and adolescent independence Before people married younger and were just straight adults Now emergence of adolescents emerging adulthood Prior to WW2 most young people live with parents Cultural shift to value time away from family before settling down Onset of love and sex at same age as in prior times o But not tied to marriage or permanent partner marriage is later in life now o Sexual debut is common prior to 18 years of age Adolescents only achieve partial independence in many cases o Unable to live alone and support oneself without further training and education o Decoupling as marriage as necessary for love sex intimacy Hookup culture began New terms baby daddy friends with benefits Cultural Variations Terms phenotypic features Race categorical term to classify individuals into different groups based on lineage skin color and Ethnicity common values beliefs and practices based on nationality common ancestry and or common immigration experiences not based on skin color Culture the values and belief system of an ethnic group or nationality o Language styles courtesies and conventions ways families communicate traditions Western family values Origins in Europe