Essay Plan
Describe and evaluate the following views of the family; * Functionalist * Marxist * Feminist * Interactionist
Compare these views making reference to the changing nature of family structures, gender roles and family patterns.
Introduction
Introduce and explain the concept of family in sociology. What is the family? What is the purpose or function of a family? Briefly mention the perspectives which are you going to discuss and the main differences when viewing the family.
Main Body
You need to describe and evaluate all four perspectives. In addition you should make comparisons between the perspectives throughout. Remember to reference any theorists which you may discuss and that you NEED to include criticisms of each perspective.
For each perspective you should give: * A basic overview/ main principles of theory * Any specific examples or theories which provide evidence to support the main principles * A comparison between this perspective and others (where relevant). * Evaluation of perspective – strengths and weaknesses.
General Concepts to cover: * Purpose of the socialisation process * Function of norms and values * Conjugal roles * Changing family patterns – i.e. what is normal now compared to previous times?
Social Stability/ Social order/ Social solidarity
Concepts specific to perspectives:
Macro scale
Functionalism
Consensus theory
Institutions benefit the ruling class
Macro scale
Zaretsky – How the family serves the needs of capitalism
Engels – The development of the nuclear family
Capitalism
Conflict theory
Marxism
Talcott Parsons – Functions of family, complimentary roles.
George Murdock – Universal Family
Conclusion
Summarise the information you have outlined. What are the major themes you have discovered through writing this essay? Is family one specific institution with set roles and boundaries or is it an evolving and developing concept that changes over time? Are any of the theories more relevant or useful than others?
You MUST include a reference list!!
Symbols, meanings, roles and scripts
Culture is reproduced
Culture
Takes all types of families into account
David Clark – different types of marriage
Berger and keller – roles within a marriage
Look at what family life is ACTUALLY like rather what assume.
Micro scale – no generalisation
Interactionism
Domestic violence
Oppressive nature of the roles in the family
Socially constructed gender distinctions
The different types of feminism
Patriarchy
Conflict theory
Feminism
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
12. What is the relationship between gender roles and household decision making? How has the role of children changed?…
- 812 Words
- 4 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
for some of the problems that plague our society today. She identifies some important and significant changes within the family structure since the 1960’s. Further, she includes factors that are responsible for this change. Finally, she expounds on the balance, and if in fact families are becoming weaker or simply different? She cites evidence to support her claims, and she proposes her opinions on what she feels will strengthen the family.…
- 1273 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
Outline and evaluate sociological views on the role of the family in society (33 marks)…
- 1423 Words
- 4 Pages
Better Essays -
a. Define the role of family in the transmission of values, attitudes, behavior, personalities, and responsibilities of its members.…
- 474 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
This essay will discuss family structures within modern day society and examine the lack of a “standard” family environment. It will also explore theories and perspectives concerning behaviours, experiences and life chances within specific family units. In conclusion the author will assess if these theories can be used to explain the impact they have on the family unit and the impact the family has on the young person.…
- 1477 Words
- 4 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Which of the following is NOT one of the divisions of human beings organized by Linnaeus?…
- 806 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
3. Identify the stand that each contemporary theory takes on the three basic issues presented earlier in this chapter.…
- 4793 Words
- 20 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
1. Assess the view that gender roles and relationships have become more equal in modern family life. (24 marks)…
- 750 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
A conventional nuclear family consists of a traditional setting. A husband, wife and one or more children living together under the same roof. As such, the customary breadwinner would be the husband, while the wife is responsible for the housework and the emotional welfare of the children. But in today’s society, a nuclear family is seen as one of many family types in modern day society. There are some sociologists that say the nuclear family is and should remain the norm, while others argue that society these days is simply too diverse to have only one type of family.…
- 453 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Discuss and analyze your family of orientation in essay format, applying at least 3 sociological concepts we have covered or will cover throughout the term. Be sure to use examples to illustrate your points.…
- 398 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Examine some of the changes that have taken place in the family structure over the last 50 years…
- 1124 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
According to David Popenoe, the traditional family is the key institution in society. Therefore, the society is eroded if the key institution is distorted. Popenoe argues families provide the identity, belonging, discipline, and values that are essential for development. Furthermore, he explains the concern that is shadowing children, victims of adverse social impact. Nonetheless, Popenoe admits to social progress, such as diminishment of segregation, racism and the financial emancipation of women. Popenoe’s research is admirable but not entirely correct, due to neglecting the modern society’s value for family and structural changes that have emerged from technology.…
- 668 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
After countless hours of researching The Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist Perspectives, I now see just how similar and how very different they are in relation to family. Society is given to separation based on personal beliefs, functions, color, creed, etc. The given perspectives show how societies as a whole view their socialistic status.…
- 2211 Words
- 9 Pages
Best Essays -
Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework of the study is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem under study exists. Presents theory from which research problem was derived or to which it is linked …
- 372 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Okay, it’s about family.What is a family?Very good, another?Very well said, class.Anyone?Okay, family is the place of love andaffection that we can be found with mutualunderstanding between parents and their children.The family helps every member to grow in theright direction and give sound mind and sound body.Okay, it’s that clear class?C.Motivation:Sort of questions regarding to the topic.Good Morning ma’am!Yes, ma’am.Ma’am, family is the basic unit of the society.Family is compose of father, mother andchildrenFamily is the center of life in our society.…
- 301 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays