Page 391 - Sociology and You

Chapter 11 The Family
With the arrival of children comes a new set of adjustments. Parental views may differ on child-rearing practices, number of children desired, and educa- tion for the children. The situation is made even more complex by the new member of the family, who must also become part of the interaction patterns.
Section 2 Assessment
1. Match the following examples with the major theoretical perspectives: functionalism (F), conflict theory (C), symbolic interactionism (SI)
a. fathers “giving away” brides
b. having children
c. development of self-concept
d. newly married partners adjusting to each other
e. child abuse
f. social class being passed from one generation to another
Critical Thinking
2. Finding the Main Idea Select a memorable family experience (such as the Thanksgiving holiday) and interpret it from the viewpoint of one of the three major perspectives.
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Figure 11.4 Focus on Theoretical Perspectives
Perspectives on the Family. Both functionalism and conflict theory are concerned with the ways social norms affect the nature of the family. Symbolic interactionism tends to examine the relationship of the self to the family. How might functionalism and conflict theory focus on the self?
Theory Topic Example
Conflict Theory Male dominance Husbands use their economic power to control the ways
money is spent.
Children have more need of models than of critics.
Carolyn Coats author for young adults
Functionalism Sex norms Children are taught that sexual activity should be reserved for married couples.
Symbolic Interactionism Developing self-esteem A child abused by her parents learns to dislike
herself.
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