Sociology of Family Examine One: Chapter 1

-themes of love and protection
-family provides a safe haven from threats and danger of modern society
-emerged during industrialization

-family provides satisfactions not attend from other social arrangements
-fam. members find self-fulfillment and enjoyment from fam.
-family = fun

-Family life, such as monogamy and childrearing, are viewed as inhibiting self-expression
-blame family for inhibiting our full human development

-thought that families of the past were more stable and happier than those today
-current problems seem to be a threat to the well-being of the family as a social institution existed in the past as well

-the image of the family as haven emerged out of the belief that work and family roles were mutually exclusive
-society intrudes on every aspect of family life

-the "typical" family
1.the fam. is a nuclear unit
2.consists of a dad, mom, and their kids
3. exhibits sexual division of labor, dad = breadwinner, mom = full-time wife and mother
-in reality this is only 7% of US families

-assumes that all family members have common needs, interest, & experiences
-gender & age show that there are diff. realities for men & women as well as kids & adults within the same fam.

-assumes that family life assumes that all fams. operate on the principles of harmony & love
-myth ignores the family rivalry, power relations, & intense family emotions

-some believe that recent family changes (such as fatherless fams.) are the cause of social ills
-why this myth is flawed
1.treats the fam. as a causal agent, rather than a reflection of social conditions
2.ignores structural reasons for fam. breakdown

-examines the family in relation to the rest of society
-shows how larger social systems shape smaller family systems

-Analyzes the internal dynamics of family life
-family is a small group with individuals in it

-a structure that posited the modern nuclear family as the basis of social organization & cohesion in society

-central task is to examine how families reflect changes in society
-examine beyond the individuals of the family

There is a close relationship between families & the larger society that shapes them
-requires a critical examination of fam. & society that questions the existing myths & stereotypes

1. Class
2. Race
3. Gender