Structural functionalism
- social systems exist in harmony with one another. A change in one institution affects other institutions.
- elements in society have structure and function.
- gender divisions in the family is universal and probably inevitable.
- study of the family examines how family members fit together, given the purpose families have within a society.
Symbolic Intersctionism
- Society is a product of face-to-face social interactions between people.
- understanding of the family enquires studying the symbols and meanings shared among members.
- people depend on the labels of their roles to guide them.
Marxism
- Family is both an economic and social unit where material change shapes family.
- the family exists in relation to economic systems.
- the family is a way to ensure inheritance is passed down to the proper person, namely the rightful children.
- when capitalism is overthrown women’s oppression is assumed to end.
Feminisms
- Men and women negotiate with the resources and power they have.
- women suffer more because they have fewer resources when they enter the family.
- women take responsibility at home because society needs their unpaid labour while men focus their efforts on paid work.
Postmodern
- Family is a social creation and changes are expected.
- examination of family requires teasing apart the various components.
- family members are aware of, and reflect on, family change.
Convergence
- changes in society are part of a universal progress that will result in a single worldwide culture of modernity.
- economic development requires specific kinds of families and family roles.
Life course
- human development is lifelong.
- individuals construct their life courses.
- history shapes lives.
- timing of events matter.
Nuclear family
A family consisting of a husband, wide and their children.
Extended family
The nuclear family and all other relatives.
Family of Orientation
A family we are born into
Family of procreation
A family on which we raise our children
Monogamy
Marriage to one person at a time
Polygamy
Marriage of one person to more than one person of the opposite sex at the same time.
Endogamy
Marriage within one’s social group
Exogamy
Marriage outside a certain group
Polygyn
A man has several wives at the same time.
Polyandry (poly - multiple / Andry - men)
A woman has several husbands at the same time.
Group marriage
Marriage of toe or more men or two or or more women.
Patrilocal
Living with the husbands family
Matrilocal
Living with the wife’s family
Biolocal
Newlyweds living alternately between the husbands and wife’s families
Neolocal
Newlyweds living apart fro, both the husbands and wife’s families.
Patrilineal
Tracing descent through ones father
Matrilineal
Tracing descent through ones mother
