CHAPTER 1 FAMILY COMMITMENTSDefining the term “family”A family is any sexually expressive parent-child or other kin relationship in which people- usually related by ancestry, marriage, or adoption- 1. form an economic unit 2. care for the young3. consider their identity to be carefully attached to the group4. commit to maintaining that group over time5. share close emotional tiesHow does the Law and Science define family?∙ People related by blood, marriage, or adoptionHow does the U.S. Census Bureau define family?∙ Two or more persons who share a household and are related by blood, marriage, or adoptionPrimary group- any group in which there is a close face-to-face relationship, example: a close friendshipSecondary group- characterized by more distant, practical, and unemotional relationships, example: business associationnuclear family- husband, wife, and children in an independent household; today only 7% of families fit this modelextended family- aunts, uncles, adult sibling, stepsiblings, grandparentshousehold- broader than the concept of “family” as it includes nonfamilial living arrangements. Most common household type today is married couples without children.Families are changing: -the divorce rate is almost 50%-the total fertility rate dropped from 3.6 children/woman in 1957 to 1.7 children/woman in 1976The outcome of more non-married people living together:1. higher rate of break-up2. higher rate of cheating on each other3. women are more likely to be depressedChildren with parents in troubled relationships:1. more at risk for social, behavioral, and school problems2. child abuse rates increase3. (not all children of single parents will have problems)Making Choicesstructural constraints- economic and social forces, that limit personal choices: our personal decision and attitudes are products of our environmentchoosing by default – choice made when not aware of other alternatives, is the path of least resistance, choosing the easiest thing to do, someone else choosing for youchoosing knowledgably- recognizing as many options or alternatives as possible, understanding societal/social pressures, considering consequences, and re-checking***decisions are not neutral, they affect other peopleFamily StatusSelf-concept- an individual’s idea about his or her worth and about what sort of person he or she isIndividualistic (self-fulfillment) values- encourage people to think in terms of personal happiness and goals and the development of distinct individual identityFamilistic (Communal) Values- the virtual sacrifice of the individual family member’s needs or goals for the sake of the extended family There are THREE perspectives on FAMILY STATUS:1. “Family in Decline” perspective includes these things:∙ high divorce rates∙ children born out of wedlock∙ latchkey children: children at home part of the day without supervision∙ decline in marriage rate∙ rise in single parents∙ decline in parental authority- this perspective is characterized by a self-indulgent baby boom generation wanting to make themselves happy 2. “Family in Transition” perspective includes these things:∙ families are better than they were in the past because there are less in poverty∙ less child labor∙ there was a higher rate of non-marital pregnancies in the 1950’s than there are today∙ women have more choices- this perspective argues that there have always been single parents and divorce; and that families have changed to meet changing environmental conditions3. “Family is stronger than ever” perspective believes families are happier than they were in the past because:∙ increase in multigenerational relationships∙ more equitable roles∙ more tolerance of diversity in the family∙ the pace of family life has changed, not the time with the parents∙ people still want to marry and have children(ask lauren about the facts about families sections in the text book)CHAPTER 2 AMERICAN FAMILIES IN SOCIAL CONTEXTAge StructureThere are THREE changes in age structure and the social context of age:1. Longevity: people are living longer because of new medical technology and health care reform. Implications:∙ marriage has the potential to span over a longer period of time and must adapt to changes in the relationship and partners∙ financial burdens because people are outliving retirement funds2. Approach to aging has changed: pressure to maintain youth and physical appearance, difficulty aging3. Changing Demography: much larger percentage of senior citizens because of baby boomer generation. Implications:∙ Next generation will have difficulty taking care of parents because of their own increasing age∙ May have to care for parents and grandparents∙ Delay in having children, could have to care for 3 generations at onceRace and EthnicityRace- implies a biologically distinct group, differences are primarily socially constructed because in reality there is not much difference in biological make up. Ethnicity- no biological connotations, but refers to cultural distinctions based on language, religion, foodways, and historyRacism- irrational hate or fear of people of other races involving discrimination and violent actsWhite privilege- At a basic level, has to do with all of the advantages that a majority culture has that go unnoticed to them. Also...perception that the majority culture’s way of doing things is the “normal” way...everything else is “different”The Economy and Social ClassLife chances- the opportunities one has for education and work. Whether one can afford to marry, schools that children attend, and a family’s health care, all depend on a family’s economic resourcesGlobalization- the outsourcing of many American jobs to other countriesHousehold having the highest incomes: (in descending order)1. married- couple households2. male-headed households3. female-headed households**POVERTY RATES and INCOME show the same pattern in having long-term improvement but increased disadvantage in the short termWhat are some affects on family interaction and involvement in society?1. income2. social class3. race4. ethnicity“White Collar” Family Views “Blue Collar” Family ViewsLess emphasis on traditional gender roles Traditional gender role distribution of household responsibilitiesCompanionship and communication Marriage focused on household and parentingFacilitate creativity, curiosity, and independence in childrenParenting is more
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