...Sociology and Family Sociology use complex sociological theories in order to analyze and explain the cause and effects of social structure, process and actions. When it comes to family there are a few theories that can explain the institution of family and how it affects society. Family is viewed in many different ways; however family is where individuals initially develop their way into society. This paper will discuss how sociological theories like functionalism, conflict and interactionism impact the sociological institution of family. Many theories affect the dynamic of a family but they also go hand and hand with the continuous development of society. Families and society become more of one once they have a full understanding of each other. “One of the most important aspects of what happens to us over the life course is our relationship with our family. Everyone has a family of origin, and everyone creates a family, even if it is a family of one. Types of families vary in form and structure, and have significant implications for our lives” (Rothausen, 1999). No matter how a person views the institution of family, there is usually a strong sense of belonging and respect. Many of times when we think of family, the traditional view comes in mind which is, parents and children. However, the institution of family can be applied in so many ways; like unmarried couples with no kids, close friends, homosexual couples, or just individuals of the same bloodline. What makes...
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...FMW Family Services Threats: Competition: One of the leading despairing disadvantages healthcare providers may experience is the competitive market. Oftentimes, location or geographic proximity win over consumers than quality of care and affordability. Many times people settle for convenience despite serve provided. When clients not receiving adequate care the measure of stability is at-risk for mental health patients. This problem is the same when agencies does not conform to the needs of diversity and cultural competence. The inability to meet clients’ needs through empathy and collaboration will limit resources available to aide clients. Organization Operational Theory KMW Family Services operates under the Contingency theory. The approach is a multifaceted approach of program structuring. It allows room for constant change based economic, social, and clinical demands. Moreover, the agency is able to explore options for internal reconstruction due to the diverse needs of clients. Contingency theories recognize that there is no “one best way” to structure all organizations. In fact, according to contingency theory, organizations should rely on how their agency would operate through productivity, challenges,...
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...Delinquency 1 The “Broken Home” or Broken Society A Sociological Study of Family Structure and Juvenile Delinquency By Hillary R. Sheehan Advised by Professor Chris Bickel SocS 461, 462 Senior Project Social Science Department College of Liberal Arts CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY Winter, 2010 © 2010 Hillary Sheehan Delinquency 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page Research Proposal…………………………………………………………………………3 Annotated Bibliography…………………………………………………………………...5 Outline……………………………………………………………………………………10 Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………..14 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………15 The “Broken Home”: Truth or Trend……………………………………………15 Statistics on Single-Parent Families and Juvenile Delinquency…………………21 Case Study……………………………………………………………………….23 Theories…………………………………………………………………………..27 Criticisms………………………………………………………………………...32 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….34 Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..36 Delinquency 3 Research Proposal The goal of this research paper is to explore the topic of juvenile delinquency and to analyze the cause of such behavior. The topic of most interest is how the family structure plays a role in delinquent behavior and what can be said about the so called broken home. There is a lot of research in criminal justice that tries to explore the reasons behind people’s behavior and this paper is intending to address youth who have been involved in the system. By exploring this topic I hope to get a better...
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...Individuals in a Diverse Society February 20, 2013 Theories of the Family Structural Functionalism -Functionalist believe that everything and everybody in society has a role (a function) that makes society to run smoothly -It is a macro theory It focuses on institutions and structures existing in the society as whole Key Terms Function: The different parts of each society contributes positively to the operation or functioning of the system as a whole Institutions: Society is a system of social structures/institutions (economic, legal, education) -Each social systems has needs which are met by the structures and they are interconnected -Individuals and groups are constrained by these structures Interdependence: The roles taken on people, and the institutions and organizations of society are all interdependent and work together to ensure the smooth operation of society as a whole -A change in any one part affects others, requiring other parts to take account of changes, modify its actions, and adapt to any changes necessary Norms and Values: Individual behaviour is governed by social norms (most consistent behaviour in society) or rules that are generally accepted and agreed upon -These norms and values are consistent with the equilibrium state of society, or normal state of affairs -There are aspects of these norms that return the society to a normal state of affairs in the case of a disturbance- for example, sanctions, punishment, social approval and social disapproval ...
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...Examining Theory Criminology CJS/231 June 27, 2016 Examining Theory Within this essay I will talk about social structure theory related to the video of Pelican Bay State Prison: War Zone. Social structure theory is a theory that a person’s place in the socioeconomic structure influences their chances of becoming a criminal. Social structure theories “These theories look at the formal and informal economic and social arrangements (or structure) of society as the root causes of crime and deviance” (University of Phoenix, 2016, para.). There are three major principles of sociological theories they are: Social disorganization, strain theory, culture conflict theory. Social disorganization “(which depicts social change, social conflict, and lack of social consensus as the root causes of crime and deviance) is closely associated with the ecological school of criminology” (University of Phoenix, 2016, para.). Strain theory is “which depicts delinquency as a form of adaptive problem-solving behavior committed in response to problems involving frustrating and undesirable social environments” (University of Phoenix, 2016, para.). Cultural conflict theory is “which suggests that the root cause of criminality can be found in a clash of values between differently socialized groups over what is acceptable or proper behavior.” (University of Phoenix, 2016, para.). Within this essay I will examine the structure that influences the prisoners to commit more crime within the prison...
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...org/journal/jss http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jss.2015.312014 Review of Family Functioning Liangtie Dai, Lingna Wang School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China Received 25 November 2015; accepted 19 December 2015; published 22 December 2015 Copyright © 2015 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Abstract This article introduces the theories of family functions, including two kind of theory. The first is result oriented, defining family functioning by specific features of family. The second is process oriented, describing family function from the tasks families need to complete. The authors review Olson annular mode theory and Beavers system theory as representatives of result oriented family function. Then, the authors introduce McMaster family functioning mode theory and Skinner’s Family process model theory as representatives of process oriented family function. At the end of this paper, the authors analyze some possible research directions in the future. Keywords Family Functioning, Result Oriented Family Function, Process Oriented Family Function, Measure 1. Introduction and Overview Family is not only the basic unit of society, but also an important place for individual physical and mental growth. A family is made up of every member in the family. At the same time, it affects the growth of every member, and plays...
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...Family is universal and found in every culture. A family is defined as a set of people related by blood, marriage, or other agreed-on relationship, or adoption (Schaefer, 2011). We will view family through the following sociological theories: Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism theory. Each theory has its own interpretation on family. First we must comprehend these three different perspectives, then their application of family and finally how those view of family affects society. The functionalist theory focuses on ways in which family gratifies the needs of its participants and is structured to maintain the stability of society (Schaefer, 2011). This perspective focuses on the six paramount functions described by sociologist William F. Ogburn (Schaefer, 2011). Family is responsible in establishing function in society by using the six paramount functions and they are reproduction, protection, socialization, regulation of sexual behavior, affection and companionship, and provision of social status (Schaefer, 2011). Functionalist theorists have opposing views on the particular functions that a family must perform but they all agree that family plays an integral part in the societal function. Sociologists, who work with the functionalist perspective, view family as contributing part of society’s basic needs and obtaining specialized roles in society. Functionalists believe that the family is an optimistic and advantageous foundation in which family members receive nurturing...
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...functionalist believes that the family structure is like a sub system to society. He says that the family performs four essential functions to meet the needs of society and it's members. These functions are: successful socialisation of the young into society's shared norms and values, the members of the families economic needs are met regularly e.g food and shelter, stable satisfaction of the sex drive with the same partner and finally the reproduction of the next generation without which society would struggle to continue. However, there are many criticisms of Murdock's theory. Other sociologists have argued that his 'rose tinted' harmonious consensus view that the family meets the needs of both wider society and all members of the family is foolish and nieve. Feminists argue that the family was only created to serve the needs of men and oppress the women whilst marxists argue that although the structure of the family meets the needs of capitalism, it doesn't meet the needs of the family itself or society as a whole. Another functionalist known as Parsons, proposes the 'functional fit' theory. This theory states that the functions the family performs will depend on the kind of society in which it is found and that the functions the family is required to perform will effect its 'shape'. Parsons distinguishes between two kinds of family structure: The nuclear family consisting of just parents and dependant children and the extended family of three generations living together...
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...Structural family therapy (SFT) is a method of psychotherapy developed by Salvador Minuchin which addresses problems in functioning within a family. Structural Family Therapists strive to enter, or "join", the family system in therapy in order to understand the invisible rules which govern its functioning, map the relationships between family members or between subsets of the family, and ultimately disrupt dysfunctional relationships within the family, causing it to stabilize into healthier patterns.[1] Minuchin contends that pathology rests not in the individual, but within the family system. SFT utilizes, not only a special systems terminology, but also a means of depicting key family parameters diagrammatically. Its focus is on the structure of the family, including its various substructures. In this regard, Minuchin is a follower of systems and communication theory, since his structures are defined by transactions among interrelated systems within the family. He subscribes to the systems notions of wholeness and equifinality, both of which are critical to his notion of change. An essential trait of SFT is that the therapist actually enters, or "joins", with the family system as a catalyst for positive change. Joining with a family is a goal of the therapist early on in his or her therapeutic relationship with the family. Structural and Strategic therapy are important therapeutic models to identify as many therapists use these models as the bases for treatment. Each model...
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...Identify and discuss the key features of both Functionalist and Marxist theories. [25 Marks] Functionalist and Marxist are macro sociological theories that give a better understanding of the society. Functionalist theory is referred to as the consensus whilst the Marxist theory is known as the conflict theory. Key features of both theories are going to be identified and discussed. According to Haralambos and Holborn (2008), a theory is a set of ideas which attempts to explain how something works. Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology which explains how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Marxism is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order and is derived from the works of Karl Max. Functionalism has its origins in the works of Durkheim, E who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Functionalist theory has got its main features and other theories have different views towards it. Value consensus is one of the key features of functionalist theory. Value consensus forms the fundamental integrating principle in society. The functionalist subscribes that the majority of the people in a community share common goals and only a few deviants oppose. This is supported by Haralambos and Holborn (2008) that if members of society are committed to the same values, they will tend to share a common...
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...for the “Theoretical Perspectives on Families” discussed in the text The Marriage and Family Experience. The two categories are the Macro-level Theories and the Micro-level Theories. “The Macro-level Theories focus on families as a social institution” (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 39). “A social institution is the organized pattern of statuses and structures, roles and rules by which a society attempts to meet certain of its basic needs “(Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 39). Macro-level theories examine the how the family is influenced by society. Family ecology theory, structural functionalism theory, conflict theory, and feminist perspective are all example of Macro-level theories. Micro-level Theories emphasize what happens within families. The theories take into account everyday behavior, interaction between family members, and patterns of communication. Symbolic interaction theory, social exchange theory, and family systems theory are examples of Micro-level theories. This reaction report will discuss two of the “Theoretical Perspectives on Families:” the structural functionalism theory and the social exchange theory and provide modern day examples of these theories. Structural Functionalism Theory “The structural functionalism theory is a framework for building a theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability” ("Structural," 2015, p. 1). This means that the family consists of several members that performs...
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...Identify and discuss the key features of both Functionalist and Marxist theories. [25 Marks] Functionalist and Marxist are macro sociological theories that give a better understanding of the society. Functionalist theory is referred to as the consensus whilst the Marxist theory is known as the conflict theory. Key features of both theories are going to be identified and discussed. According to Haralambos and Holborn (2008), a theory is a set of ideas which attempts to explain how something works. Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology which explains how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Marxism is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order and is derived from the works of Karl Max. Functionalism has its origins in the works of Durkheim, E who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Functionalist theory has got its main features and other theories have different views towards it. Value consensus is one of the key features of functionalist theory. Value consensus forms the fundamental integrating principle in society. The functionalist subscribes that the majority of the people in a community share common goals and only a few deviants oppose. This is supported by Haralambos and Holborn (2008) that if members of society are committed to the same values, they will tend to share a common...
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...Structural Family Therapy Janea Taylor St. Edward’s University July 22, 2014 CNCO 6364.01 Professor Michael S. Bishop, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, PA Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to examine the theory upon which Structural Family Therapy is based. The history and construct of the theory, as well as a description of the techniques used while practicing this particular theory in application are discussed. An evaluation and critique are also provided, in addition to an overall summary of what was learned in the process of researching Structural Family Therapy. Keywords: structural family therapy, structural family theory, family systems Structural Family Therapy Historical Overview Structural Family Therapy (SFT) was created based on a theory developed by Salvador Minuchin which focuses on functioning within a family system (Nichols, 2014). Minuchin was born and raised Jewish in Argentina prior to moving to Israel where he became a physician. During the early 1960’s, he worked with at-risk youth within underprivileged sectors of society and poor families. As a result of his work with minority groups, Structural Family Therapy is one of the only theories with a sense of multi-culturalism. In 1967, Minuchin wrote a book entitled Families of the Slums which described his experiences with these families. While he was trained in psychodynamic techniques, he opted to take a different approach in working with this population by focusing on sociological...
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...Organization Theory Schools of Thought Abstract Organizational theory involves identifying the different approaches to understanding organizations, which cover a wide spectrum of views over many decades. The history of organizations really starts with armies (Orlikowski, 2010). Armies were the first large-scale cooperative groups formed specifically for a purpose and they are characterized by a hierarchy of authority within which decisions are made at the top and passed down in the shape of orders which must be followed. A second early development was that of public administration whereby “organizations came into being to implement the decisions of government: initially to collect taxes, but increasingly to order and regulate society through laws and the application of various rules” (Tushman & Romanelli, 1985). Again, these organizations were characterized by hierarchy of authority and a requirement to comply with its exercise. These models for the large-scale organization of people for a purpose were, with a few exceptions, followed by business organizations as they developed in the Middle Ages and, through industrialization, came to dominate work in society. The study of organizations emerged from what some would call today sociology (Knorr, 1997). This owed its origins to philosophers turning their attention to the way in which whole societies function and, in due course, to the study also of the social constructions which are created in them. Knorr believed...
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...Abstract: This essay will talk about the lack of family structure can be one of the biggest causes of delinquency. It touches on four objectives on how lack of family structure can be a cause to a child’s delinquency. One of the biggest causes of delinquency is the lack of stable family structure. For instance, a child could be hurt, if not receiving passionate love and care from their parents. Those not receiving love from their parents or their guardian as a child will probably act out for attention or start creating bad behavioral habits. I know every family is not a perfect and not every child is fortunate to have their parents in their lives. In this paper there are four objectives that I will talk about the lack of stable family structure can be a cause to a child’s delinquency. First objective, will talk about the single parents homes. Second objective, will handle about the role models and how they can have a major effect on child’s life. Third objective, will inform about the family conflicts in the homes. The last objective will touch on the lack of parenting skills. The first objective is the single parent homes in the lack of family structure. In single parent homes children tend to have less disciplinary or behavior problems. While there is a single parent at home there is not enough authority to give the child discipline. The child won’t feel or give that much respect to that single parent as they would in a double parent home. The lack of supervision of...
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