...Social Science “Family and Marriage”– What is Family? Family is considered to be one of the oldest institutions of the society. Sociologists have traditionally viewed the family as a social group whose members are related by ancestry, marriage, or adoption and live together, cooperate economically, and care for the young. (Murdock, 1949) ❖ When we think of a family, we picture it as a more or less durable association of husband and wife with or without children or of a man or woman alone with children. (“Marriage and the Family”-Ogburn & Nimcoff). ❖ The family is a group defined by a sex relationship sufficiently precise and enduring to provide for the procreation and upbringing of children. (“Society: Its Structure and change”-MacIver & Page) ❖ The family represents the unit of social order. Within it people are trained for larger social life. Not only are they schooled in the art of producing wealth and trained in right of property, but is in the home that the beginning of all forms of culture appear. (“Out line of sociology”-Gillin & Blackmer) ❖ “A group of people who love and care for each other”-(Seligmann, 1990). American people picked the legalistic definition for “family” who thinks, ‘a group of people who related by blood, marriage and or adoption’ What are the functions of a family in earlier societies? Family functions vary widely. In most traditional societies, pre-industrial societies, the family performs four central...
Words: 2501 - Pages: 11
...Marriage And The Family Soc 215-50 Mr. A.B. Njai Critical Thinking I Gail Ashwood January 23, 1999 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY Five Myths About Marriage And The Family Myth 1 Families Were Happier In the Past Myth 2 Marrying And Having Children Are the “Natural” Thing To Do Myth 3 “Good” Families Are Self Sufficient Myth 4 Every Family Is a Bastion Of Love And Support Myth 5 We Should All Strive To Be A “Perfect” Family It is unfortunate that common myths have shaped our beliefs concerning marriage and the family. Knowing what has been deemed as image instead of reality is instrumental in the transformation from a dysfunctional to a functional marriage and family. It is interesting that the first most common myth about the marriage and the family refers to the past: the “good old days.” Seemingly, this myth has influenced the formation of the other four myths. The “good old days” can refer to any period of time concerning or covering the past. Movies and television have spread the notion that people were happier, there were fewer problems and families were stronger in the past. We live in a world of change. The technological advances, the growth in business, industry, education and the economy all have produced change in our lives. Inevitably, people must change...
Words: 597 - Pages: 3
...ABSTRACT Due to the many challenges that couples and families are faced with, they may find themselves dealing with problems and situations that they are unsure how to resolve. It is during this time, couples or families may seek out the help of marriage therapist. The purpose of this paper is to examine a brief history and the development of marriage and family therapy, and its importance to the counseling field. Five aspects of this field will be discussed: roles of marriage and family therapist, training and licensure requirements, techniques used in marriage and family therapy, client or therapist initiated termination, and confidentiality. Also, important elements of counselor identity, function, and ethics related to marriage family therapy will also be discussed. The author will also provide biblical values and insights related to the field of marriage and family therapy. In conclusion, the author will discuss their commitment to provide biblically- Keywords: family therapy, marriage therapy Marriage and Family Therapy Because of the many challenges families are faced with, marriage and family therapy has received increased attention. Overtime, the family structure has become more diverse. Families are no longer your typical nuclear family, where Father, Mother, and children live under one roof. At the present time, families may consist of step-parents, step-children, grandparents, adopted children, single parents, aunts and uncles, and same-sex couples...
Words: 2881 - Pages: 12
...Marriage and the Family Marriage is a legal contract signed by a couple with the state in which they reside that regulates their economic and social relationship. Family is a group of people related by blood, marriage or adoption. From a marital perspective let’s look at three essential topics which would better one’s marriage, and by extension better one’s family. A good marriage, would ultimately lead to a good family. The first topic is topic is companionship. Companionship is very part of marriage. In fact, it was the first thing God noticed Adam needed in Eden, (when you look at it from a biblical perspective) He saw Adam was lonely. We all need companions because no man is an island. To bring each spouse together to the closeness that marriages should have, companionship is vital. Friendship helps foster one flesh. When two become married they become one flesh, and this is achieved also through friendship. Your spouse as your companion is a friend you have for life. Your best friend you can share all your secrets with, and go through all your crises with. Whenever thinking of marriage, or thinking of telling someone of marriage, or even those who are in a marriage now, remember companionship is vital towards a marriage, so be a friend, give a listening ear to one’s spouse. The second topic is demonstration of love. Marriage is a demonstration of your love to your spouse. The love must be present between both parties in other to have nothing but a successful marriage...
Words: 546 - Pages: 3
...Breanna Westbrooks Ms. H Marriage & Family paper 24 February 14 Marriage and Family Once said by Winston Churchill, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened, and maintained.” Marriage is a socially recognized union between two people, which may pave the way to starting ones family. Usually, when one thinks of the definition of family, the picture of a mother, father, and children come to mind. Yet, as a society if we were asked what family means to us there would be different definitions for most people. With that being said, before you can begin a family usually two people decide to be together in a committed relationship. This leads to wanting to take things to the “next level” or making the decision of making another person their partner for the rest of their life, normally done so by the male party by proposing to his mate indicating the longing to be with this person forever. Given by dictionary.com, marriage is the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitment. Just like many other things in life, if you want something to last and work then you must be willing to put in the effort that is required to have pleasing results throughout the marriage. When deciding to marry someone, you then make the decision of making a commitment to your partner, but to yourself as well...
Words: 1423 - Pages: 6
...Name: Sharmayne Duncan Date: 12/06/2012 Class: marriage and the family The effects about divorce Undoubtedly, divorces cause a lot of negative effects, some of which are short-term and less harmful, but some can be very lasting and very harmful causing serious health problems, development and behavioral problems in children, leading to a lack of academic or other success, as well as inability to feel happy and pleased with this life. According to the latest statistics, children of divorced parents are less likely to finish schools or graduate from colleges with high grades, find a good job and be satisfied with own career or personal life. Parents’ divorce always causes great impact on children, which can in no sense be positive or inspiring. completely lost my relationship with my mother when my parents divorced. She wasn't the most rational woman, and she obviously disagreed with me choosing to live with my father over her and has practically abandoned me since then. Although I did not think much of her departure, I felt the magnitude of it as I approached an age of realization as a teenager. My heart ached anytime I sought solace because I did not have my mother to comfort me and my father was simply unaffectionate. I became depressed and angry during high school because my life was so abnormal compared to everyone else's. Overwhelmed by my emotions, I allowed my grades to drastically decline during my first two years of high school. Once I realized my self-destruction...
Words: 382 - Pages: 2
...Stephany Flores Marriage & Family Paper #1 My Family in a Nutshell Family Structure I grew up in a nuclear family. The definition of a nuclear family is one that consists of a father, a mother, and their children. Although there are several variations of this specific type of family, the one I was raised in has nothing out of the ordinary. The major characteristic of my family is the monogamous relationship between my mother and father. They are married and live together under the same roof along with me and my two younger full-blood siblings. Both my parents are solely responsible for running and supporting the household. In my opinion, this is the best sort of arrangement. My parents work to provide financial stability for our household, creating a larger cash flow to supply the basic family needs of housing, food and healthcare. With this, they are also able to provide extracurricular opportunities for my siblings and I. My nuclear family has definitely established a stronger bond since we do often work together and rely on one another to overcome challenges. We support each other emotionally and do most of what would be considered traditional. For example, we eat dinner together on a regular basis, go to church and take family vacations, which further strengthen our relationships with one another and build a solid foundation for my future life goals. We have, over time, developed like-minded thinking and therefore have less quarrels which definitely lead to fewer...
Words: 1084 - Pages: 5
...1. What factors bind marriages and families together? How have these factors changed, and how has the divorce rate been affected? The factors that bind marriages and families together are economic interdependence; legal social and moral constraints; and the spouse’s relationship itself. (Page 405) These factors have changed because Americans have moved toward a less familistic set of attitudes and a greater individual investment in self, career, and personal growth. Family members basically don’t need one another for financial stability so therefore they are more apt to divorce. Research also shows that an employed wife doesn’t result in a higher divorce rate, but the working spouse is more capable of pursuing a divorce because she has the means. The divorce rate has stabilized and declined to some degree. The other factor that has caused the divorce rate to slow down is people are waiting later in age to marry. By doing so, they have allowed themselves a better chance by marrying after the vulnerable age. 2. How is “his” divorce different from “her” divorce? How are these differences related to society’s gender expectations? In your observation, are the descriptions given in this chapter accurate assessments of divorce outcomes for men and women today? The difference between “his” divorce and “her” divorce are similar in some facets. Divorced noncustodial fathers have to make the biggest changes because they go from having a family with children to talk to, to...
Words: 487 - Pages: 2
...If the family you are in is keeping you too busy, and/or is too full of noise, and distraction when will you move on to a new “family”? A choice many groups of people feel is the answer to what family really is. Family is a word of different meaning. A word that has been here since the beginning. A word that carries such a powerful meaning to certain cultures and societies and little meaning to others. There are 23 definitions in our Webster dictionary for the word family. Which tells us that the word is short termed and is constantly changing in different societies today. The American culture is the most confused of all cultures. As a whole American society feels that a family “is any relatively stable group of people bound by ties of blood, marriage, adoption, or by any sexually expressive relationship; or who simply live together, and who are committed to and provide each other with economic support.”(Mary Ann Schwartz & BarBara Marliene Scott, 5) The authors have attempted to cram everything the American society feels in the meaning of family into one long definition. Family was once used by slave owners, they considered their slaves as families groups of same ethnicity. Like herds sheep and cows. The slaves then took the savage word and turned it into a meaningful word. They used the word to claim different primary groups of parents and child who lived together. The word then transformed to mean a group of people with the same blood lines. Meaning people...
Words: 505 - Pages: 3
...JAMILLAH DUGAN GRADE 11 Forms of Marriage Monogamy (the union of one wife to one husband) is the prevalent form almost everywhere. Polygyny (or polygamy; having several wives at one time), however, has been a prerogative in many societies . It is commonly found where the value of women's labor is high and may be practiced as a way of acquiring allies: A man may cement his bonds with several other men by marrying their sisters or daughters. Polyandry (having several husbands at one time) is rare, having occurred infrequently in Tibetan society, among the Marquesas of Polynesia, and among certain hill tribes in India. Patterns Of Courtship Courting under Filipino tradition gives very big importance on the value of respecting the woman and her family and strictly adhering with proper rules set by society for pursuing a lady. When the approval is obtained, the suitor can then come to the house with the go-between who will initiate the introductions to the family. The parents in turn will introduce their daughter to the gentleman. In this stage, the suitor is expected to bring "pasalubong" or gifts to the family and a special one to the girl he likes. This he will have to do everytime he visits the girl's house. In the Philippines, when you court a lady, you have to court her whole family as well. In this first visit, the couple will not be left alone on their own to get to know each other. It will just be an informal chatting and introduction and getting-to-know stage...
Words: 790 - Pages: 4
...You Decide: Understanding your spouse – Ten Guidelines Sandra Pacheco Marriage and Family - SOCS 315 Professor Gomes October 4, 2013 DeVry University Marriage is a difficult already. So it only gets worse when children come along. Things get complicated when children come along, since there is more people to take care of. Even though, children are a blessing from god, they are huge responsibility. Marriage with children can be very stressful. Couples can sometimes have conflicts because of important decisions in life. Whether, it's taking care of your 3 month your old or going back to work? You have to really analyze both sides to make the best decision you can possibly make for your little one. Guideline 1: Express Anger Directly and with Kindness What Leonora needs to do: Leonora should make Joshua understand that she is doing a job for the betterment of their child only. She is not doing for any other reason but for the bright future of their child and family only (Blackburn, 2011) What Joshua needs to do: Joshua needs to understand that she is doing all this for the welfare of their child only so that they don't have to face any kind of financial trouble in future for their child. Guideline 2: Check Out Your Interpretation of Others' Behaviors What Leonora needs to do: According to me Leonora should wait some more months to join a job because her daughter is very small and needs her. Leonora should...
Words: 1104 - Pages: 5
...Concerning the book Falling in Love for all the Right Reasons I learnt about the twenty-nine crucial dimensions one needs to search for in a future companion. The first group of dimensions is called the Screening Dimensions which consist of Good Character, the Quality of Your Self-Conception, Watch Out for Red Flags, Anger Management, Obsteperousness, Understandings About Family, and Family Background. These first 7 are probably the most important things that must be observed. Character being foremost I would say. A Christian character will easily reveal itself in the heart and attitude of a man or woman. The second group is called the Core Personal Dimensions which consists of Intellect, Similar Energy Levels, Spirituality, Education, Appearance, Sense of Humor, Mood Management, Traditional Versus Nontraditional Personalities, Ambition, Sexual Passion, Artistic Passion Values, Industry, Curiousity, Vitality and Security, and Autonomy Versus Closeness. I personally consider this group as the individual personality traits of an individual. Suprisingly these dimensions are difficult to alter. Once one has a certain amount of Ambition or Artistic Passion it is difficult for them to increase or decrease it. The third group is known as the Skills that Can be Developed. This group consists of Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Sociability. Although these seem to fall under Characteristics they don't. These three; through love, understanding, and soft words are alterable...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...Marriage and Family Therapist John Doe University of Southern Mississippi Upon entering into college I never really knew what I wanted to major in. I have always felt the desire to help people. I was fortunate enough to be able to work with troubled teens in a Psychiatric facility, and that experience influenced my decision to major in psychology. One of my major concerns was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with a Psychology degree, and once decided if I would have to enroll into graduate school to further my education. With that being said, would I have the appropriate grade point average or could I pass the Graduate Record Examination in order to get into graduate school? The career that I decided to research is the Marriage and family therapist. Marriage and family therapist (LMFT) diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems (A Comparative Analysis, 2008). A Comparative Analysis found that LMFT apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of professional services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders (2008). Therapy usually consists of talk sessions, asting about an hour. Using techniques learned in classrooms and in fieldwork, counselors guide their clients through a series of conversations that reveal their...
Words: 955 - Pages: 4
...There are many people with problems and need somebody to talk to. Many people will usually talk more if it’s with someone who they trust. That’s where a marriage and family therapist comes in. They help many people and many couples as well. A marriage and family therapist is someone who helps with problems that other people might have in their life. They deal with teens who have behavior problems,mental, and emotional disorders. They also help with couples who have issues in their relationship. For a lot of people coming in and talking to someone who understands what they are going through can really change the way they see their problems. They have also helped a lot of teens who have thought in taking their own life. To become a marriage...
Words: 365 - Pages: 2
...Abstract There are mutual influences between an individual and their social environment. There are also at-risk factors involved in the life of a developing adolescent that interconnects with a series of reciprocal systems. I can recall as a developing adolescent quickly maturing into adulthood, the many social, economic, external and internal influences that contributed to certain at-risk behaviors. These type of influences impacted me directly and indirectly. I was influenced by the several environments I was in, and I also contributed to influencing the environment around me. Attempting to exert control over uncontrollable circumstances only lead to desperate situations and weighty consequences. However, learning to accept my present circumstances, and how to appropriately respond to the hardship and temptations in life developed positive life changes. Analysis 1 Individual human development occurs within interconnected and embedded ecological systems (McWhirter et al, 2013). The ecological systems include the individual, the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, and macrosystem (McWhirter et al, 2013). The individual consists of genetic and biological factors, and personality characteristics (McWhirter et al, 2013). The microsystem consists of the people that the individual comes into direct contact with and who the individual interacts with (McWhirter et al, 2013). The mesosystem is the embedded interconnections between different microsystems and the impact of...
Words: 2109 - Pages: 9
