Chapter 10

Family: Partner Taking,

People Making,
and Contract Breaking

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE

Publications, Inc., 2011.
 What is a Family?
U.S. Census Bureau definition: “a group of two
or more people (one of whom is the
householder) related by birth, marriage, or
adoption and residing together …
One sociological definition: people who share
economic property, access legitimate
relationships among the adults, and a sense of
commitment among members
Some religious groups define family as a
mother, father, and their children; others
include several spouses and even parents and
siblings living under one roof

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 What is a Family?
Family as the most basic social institution
It is in the family that most people learn the
norms of the larger society
We spend most of our lives in families
Major life events take place within the family
Families fulfill a number of social functions which
other institutions cannot provide
Two types:
Family of orientation, in which we are born and raised
Family of procreation, in which we have children

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
Micro-level theories
Symbolic interaction theory
Our families help socialize us into the behavioral
patterns of our culture
We define what is real or “normal” based on
what those around us accept as ordinary
Emphasis on human agency: we “do” family,
creating roles and relationships
help define family roles

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
macro-level theories
Structural functionalism
The family serves a number of common purposes in
every society
Fulfil Biological needs
Reproduction
Socialization
Emotional support and protection
Status assignment
Economic support
Today, many family functions are outsourced

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
macro-level theories
Feminist theory
The theory focuses on women in order to spotlight
them as active agents and to uncover biases in male
assumptions
A micro-level branch examines women’s interactions
and constructions of reality
Feminist conflict theory argues that patriarchal
families are a chief source of women’s oppression
Women’s equality can be enhanced with changes to
the patriarchal family, women’s education and
employment, and child care availability

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Family Dynamics
Micro-level processes
Mate selection
Varieties of mate selection
Exogamy
• Incest taboo
Endogamy
Homogamy
Arranged marriages
Free-choice marriages
• Romantic love

Global trend toward the Western model is changing

families

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Family Dynamics

Mate Selection:
Three-Stage Courtship Process
Stimulus: we meet someone to whom we are
attracted
Value comparison: we find the person
compatible if they affirm our own beliefs and
values
Roles and needs: the couple explores the roles
of companion, parent, housekeeper, and lover
in order to find common needs, interests, and
activities

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 Family Dynamics
The “Second Shift”: Who does the chores?

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 The Family as Institution

The structure of the family institution

Types of marriages
Monogamy
Strict monogamy
Serial monogamy
Polygamy
Polygyny
Polyandry
Types of families
Extended families
Nuclear families

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 The Family as Institution

The Economic Institution and the Family

The family is the primary economic unit of
consumption
Poverty and families:
Single mothers are often in poverty due to:
• Dual roles as workers and mothers
• Earnings are less than men’s
• Irregular receipt of child support
• Under-representation in policy-making bodies
“Culture of poverty” theory

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 National & Global Family Issues
Macro-level analysis
Cohabitation
Cohabitation: living together in a relationship
without marriage
In the U.S., cohabitation has increased for
several decades
Rates vary by ethnicity
Why do couples live together?
Some studies suggest that cohabiters who marry
are more likely to divorce than non-cohabiters

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 National & Global Family Issues
Divorce
Nearly half of U.S. children will spend at least
some time living with a single parent
Divorce: “break down” or “adaptation to” society?
No-fault divorce: led to a rise in divorce rates
Bi-lateral: both parties agree to end the marriage
Unilateral: one party can insist that the marriage has
“irreconcilable differences”
Divorce culture: assumes marriages are fragile
Marriage culture: assumes marriage is for life

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.

 National & Global Family Issues

Divorce and its consequences

Consequences for divorced couple
Men have more emotional difficulties
Women have more financial difficulties
Consequences for children
The consequences of divorce depend on a child’s age,
how well-adjusted they are, how the divorce is
handled, and other factors
Short-term effects are often negative; studies show
variable long-term effects

© Pine Forge Press, an Imprint of SAGE Publications, Inc., 2011.