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Unit 4 Social Institutions
Conflict Theory
Conflict theorists focus on the way family members compete and cooperate. Most family structure throughout history has been patriarchal and patrilineal. Women have historically and traditionally been considered the property of men, and the con- trol of family members and property has typically passed through male bloodlines. This male dominance has been con- sidered “natural” and “legitimate.” Thus, most family systems have had built-in gender inequality.
How does conflict theory explain gender relationships in the family? According to conflict theorists, males are domi- nant and in control; females have traditionally been expected to be submissive helpers. In the traditional division of labor, males work outside the home for finances to support the family. Women remain at home to prepare meals, keep house, and care for the children. Women are unpaid laborers who make it pos- sible for men to earn wages. With men having control over the money, the wives and mothers are kept in a dependent and powerless role. According to the conflict perspective, families in the past, then, have fostered social inequality.
How do the ideas of feminist writers fit with conflict theory? Writers and activists who organize on behalf of women’s rights and interests have come to be called feminists.
Many feminists today view the family from the conflict perspective. They believe that family structure is the source of the inequality between men and women in society. They point out that men have had control over women since before private property and capitalism existed. Women’s con- tributions in the home (mother and homemaker) are not paid and are therefore undervalued in a capitalist society. Attempts by women to gain more power within the family structure can result in conflict.
Symbolic Interactionism
According to symbolic interactionism, a key to understanding behavior within the family lies in the interactions among family members and the meanings that members assign to these interactions.
How does the family help develop a person’s self-concept?
Socialization begins within the family. As family members share meanings and feelings, children develop self-concepts and learn to put themselves mentally in the place of others. Interactions with adults help children acquire human personality and social characteristics. Children develop further as they meet others outside the home.
According to symbolic interactionists, relationships within the family are constantly changing. A newly married couple will spend many months (per- haps years) testing their new relationship. As time passes, the initial rela- tionship changes, along with some aspects of the partners’ personalities, including self-concepts. These changes occur as the partners struggle with such problem issues as chores and responsibilities, personality clashes, and in-laws.
Feminist Betty Friedan is the godmother of the American women’s movement. Many conflict theorists study her writings.