Functionalism in Family
The affects of Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionist Theory on Family
SOC101
Emily Frydrych
May 24, 2010
A social institution is “an organized pattern of beliefs and behaviors centered on basic social needs” (Schaefer, 2009). I believe that family is one of the most important social institutions. Family is a social institution that is always changing. My family has changed greatly over the past years. As a child I went from foster home to foster home. My birth mother was only 14 years old when she had me, and gave me up for adoption immediately. It wasn’t until I was eight years old that I was finally adopted. My adopted family, who I consider to be my real family, taught me a lot. They help shape and mold me into the person that I am today. According to our class textbook, “the family, in its many varying forms, is present in all human cultures” (Schaefer, pg.306). The family is impacted by all three sociological theories. In my paper I will discuss the impact that all three of the theories. Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism, have on the social institution of family. I believe that the social institution of family is what makes us who we are. It helps to form our personality and our lives when we become adults. My family taught me how to make moral decisions in my life, how to become an independent individual in society and how to manage a family of my own. I pretty much do not follow one exact theory. I agree with many of the different aspects of all three theories. The first theory I will discuss will be the Functionalist theory. As outlined by William F. Ogburn, the family is meant to perform six paramount functions as follows: * Reproduction * Protection * Socialization * Regulation of sexual behavior * Affection and Companionship * Provision of Social Status
I agree with Ogburn on many of these functions. I think that the family teaches you companionship and how to form an affectionate relationship with
SOC101
Emily Frydrych
May 24, 2010
A social institution is “an organized pattern of beliefs and behaviors centered on basic social needs” (Schaefer, 2009). I believe that family is one of the most important social institutions. Family is a social institution that is always changing. My family has changed greatly over the past years. As a child I went from foster home to foster home. My birth mother was only 14 years old when she had me, and gave me up for adoption immediately. It wasn’t until I was eight years old that I was finally adopted. My adopted family, who I consider to be my real family, taught me a lot. They help shape and mold me into the person that I am today. According to our class textbook, “the family, in its many varying forms, is present in all human cultures” (Schaefer, pg.306). The family is impacted by all three sociological theories. In my paper I will discuss the impact that all three of the theories. Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism, have on the social institution of family. I believe that the social institution of family is what makes us who we are. It helps to form our personality and our lives when we become adults. My family taught me how to make moral decisions in my life, how to become an independent individual in society and how to manage a family of my own. I pretty much do not follow one exact theory. I agree with many of the different aspects of all three theories. The first theory I will discuss will be the Functionalist theory. As outlined by William F. Ogburn, the family is meant to perform six paramount functions as follows: * Reproduction * Protection * Socialization * Regulation of sexual behavior * Affection and Companionship * Provision of Social Status
I agree with Ogburn on many of these functions. I think that the family teaches you companionship and how to form an affectionate relationship with
References: Churchill, C. (2010, February). Family matters: the importance to family in adolescence. Choice, 47(6), 1168. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from Research Library. Schaefer, R. (2009) Sociology: A Brief Introduction. 8th edition. McGraw Hill, New York, NY Sano, et.al. (2008) Are Mothers Really “Gatekeepers” of Children? Rural mothers’ Perceptions of Nonresident Fathers’ Involvement in Low-income Families. Journal of Family Issues, 29 (12), 1701. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from Research Library. Yount, K., & Li, L. (2009). Women’s “Justification” of Domestic Violence in Egypt. Journal of Marriage and Family, 71(5). 1125-1140. Retrieved May 23, 2010, from ProQuest Religion.