...Sociology and Family Family is the most important social institution in sociology today, as it helps to identify all human societies. Families are developed in different genre of society and can be defined as “a basic social unit consisting of parent(s) and their children, considered as a group of people living together or not. A typical family consists of a mother, father and their unmarried child or children. Today, families are separated into categories such as a single-parent families, stepfamilies, adopted families, grandparents or uncles or aunts raising another sibling child or children, and parents raising adult kids due to them moving back home or in need of the help to remain home; not to mention gay/lesbian couples are now allowed to have a family. Due to the uniqueness of every family, there will be some kind of similarities among the other. Whichever family type it is, one will find different perspectives as it relates to a family institution. In this paper, you will read about how the three society theories: functionalism, conflict and social interaction affect and the effect it has on families. You will also gain knowledge to find that social institutions are the results of social actions and also the causes of social actions. Families can be seen as a norm in a social relationship. This tradition is conducted and reinforced by religion, politicians, mass media and other indoctrinated natives. The diversity of a family structure has changed over the...
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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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...sociological theories. Sociological theories are statements on how and why certain facts about the social world are related. A few sociological theories include the, functionalist theory, conflict theory, and interactionism. Family happens to be a social institution that can be applied to all these fundamental sociological approaches. Most of the time when we think of what a family is , we will think of a nuclear family. This “nuclear family” would normally consist of a married couple, man and women, with one or a few children. This is not the most common form of family these days. Today we have gay and lesbian families, single parent families, multi-cultural families, and even cohabiting families. Another common thing we see today is the blended family created by remarriage including step parents and siblings. These types of families were once ignored or even considered a failed family many years ago. This is not the case today in the society we now live in. All the above and more of these varieties of families are now being acknowledged as legitimate alternatives to what once was the “nuclear family”. We will take a look at the different theoretical views that sociologist use to view family. The first theoretical view would be the functionalist theory. Functionalism addresses society in terms of its elements as a family. All the different functions a family will typically perform. This goes for any type of family as well. This family can be the nuclear family, or the...
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... Social institutions play a large role in our lives. Whether it be the religion we choose, our education, or even the family. Our family consists of parents, children, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents. Family is a social institution that an individual is born into. A family is not a chosen part of life. According to the text “the family exists for the care and protection of offspring and is a major unit for economic consumption ( ). Throughout this essay I will describe how the social institutions of family impact sociological theories, functionalism, conflict, and interactionism. II. How Social Theories, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism apply to Family? A. Similarities B. Differences III. How does; Social Theories, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism affect the views of the members who are a part of the family? A. Effect of Social Theories on the Family. B. Effect of Functionalism on the Family. C. Effect of Conflict on the Family. D. Effect of Interactionism on the Family. IV. How does; Social Theories, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism affect the approach to social change within the family? A. How does Social Theories affect social change within the Family? B. How does Functionalism affect social change within the Family? C. How does Conflict affect social change within the Family? D. How does Interactionism affect social change within the Family? ...
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...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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...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 Equilibrium: These...
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...Family ch Soc101 Instructor Miriane Portes January 22, 2014 The Social Institution of the Family Society is that complex social group of human beings that share an identity inhabiting active relationships and a unique culture. Those members of a society classify themselves through that society and work together with other members to ensure that the rules, generally agreed upon by all members to preside over how they relate to each other, are in place. Sociological perspectives are viewpoints from which we study and understand society. There are varied sociological perspectives available to social scientists for the purpose of study. What sociological perspective is used depends on the theories and purposes one needs for their study. I am going to show how functionalism, Conflict theory, and Social Interactionism can be used to study the social unit of the family Functionalism looks at the family as if it was one automatic unit with every member of the family having a role and a function affecting the whole. Take for example; the father who is traditionally head of the household who’s primary function is to provide for economical and financial needs for his wife and children. The wife who is supporter of the husband and nurture to the children, the children are dependent on their parents but also have an important role as well. These roles vary according to the age of the children and their stage in life. In the...
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...OVERVIEW OF THEORIES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR & THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT APPLICATIONS TO SOCIAL WORK GENERALIST PRACTICE The following is a very general outline summarizing the theories covered in the NCSSS foundation classes of SSS 571: Human Behavior & the Social Environment. Theory application & integration with practice are demonstrated. This outline is only a summary of highlights; all theorists, ideas, and concepts are not included. Because human behavior is complex and the social work profession is broad, numerous theories are utilized for social work practice at the micro-meso-macro levels. These theories focus on human growth and development, psychological and social functioning, and social service delivery. Some theories emphasize social and economic justice. All theories are value-laden and come out of a socio-historical context. Thus, all theories should be critiqued with attention paid to their cross-cultural applicability. DEFINITIONS: Theory—interrelated sets of concepts and propositions, organized into a deductive system to explain relationships about certain aspects of the world (e.g., the theories listed below). Perspective—an emphasis or point of view; concepts at an earlier level of development (e.g., a “strengths perspective”) or at a broader and higher level of abstraction (ex: a “humanistic perspective” or a “developmental perspective”) Paradigm—an archetype or mode of thought; a general way of seeing the world (e.g., “modernism” or “post-modernism”) Practice...
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...Social-Learning theory has most influenced my beliefs and assumptions about individuals. Social-learning theory main concept is the idea that behavior learned through watching others. This term is coined observational learning. Social-Learning theory, in contrast to Behavioral theorist , do not believe that reinforcement is responsible for all learning. In fact Social learning theorist Albert Bandura extended research which not included social learning but also included behavioral and cognitive learning to be incorporated. This was the main reason to which some refer to social learning theory as social-cognitive theory. Social- Learning Theory also assume an individual's behavior, environment and personal qualities influence one another. Social-Learning theory believe that optimal observational learning can be acquired through three model. One of which is live model, in live model an actual person is demonstrating the behavior. The next model is verbal instruction. In this model the individual is instructed in detail the behavior and how to engage in that behavioral. The last model is symbolic, influences in this model includes television, radio, movies, internet, literature etc. As well in the model fictional or real demonstration of the behavior. As well Bandura believed that there are steps in which modeling process involved. The first step is Attention. In Attention one must pay attention to the behavior that is being modeled in order to learn. The second step is Retention...
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...Control and Conflict Theories Ben Lott CJA/542 March 26, 2012 Cheryl Reyes Comparison of Social Control and Conflict Theories Social Control Theory These two theories have been open for discussion for many years, and have become two of the major theories concerning crime. These two theories examine the inner portions of crime to family environments as well as the social aspects of crime. This paper aims to compare the two theories, and by opinion choose the one that I think directly relates to crime issues in the present state. Social Control Theory touches bases relating to social norms, such as social bonding, commitment, moral values, and beliefs as to regarding why people do not commit crime while also it believe that these same portions of the theory will cause the commission of crimes. Most people view this theory as an “motivational” while dismissing the motivational evidence as a leading contributor to crime. One more prominent Social Control theorists is Travis Hirschi. According to Hirschi (1969) viewed the motivations as so “natural to human beings that no special forces were necessary to explain law-breaking” (Hirschi, 1969, pg.1). Human beings are very busy objects, and they will run wild if not controlled by some form of social control or norms to curb their behavior. Supporters of this theory believe that when...
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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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...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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...Critical Review of Family Violence Theories Jane A. Rodriguez # 660084749 SWK 450 Inside Family Violence Professor Dale Shank L.M.S.W October 1, 2012 Abstract The theories that I have chosen for my paper are: race, class, and gender theory, and social learning theory. The race, class and gender theory is based on statistics on race such as the example that the book gives about African American men dying prematurely than their white counter parts (Hattery and Smith 2007). The fact is that there are more blue collar workers who are African American, and involved in physical labor. There is also more poverty, and lack of health care which can lead to more stress with the African American population. My paper will discuss the pros and cons of this theory. The second theory the Social Learning theory is a perspective that states that people learn within a social context. It is facilitated through concepts such as modeling and observational learning. Critical Review of Family Violence Theories In her now classic Black Feminist Thought (2000), Patricia Hill Collins put forth a comprehensive approach for understanding the intersections of race with gender, sexuality, and class in the lives of black women and men. Hill Collins explained that “oppression cannot be reduced to fundamental type, and that oppressions work together in producing injustice” (2000:18). In using this intersectional framework, she critiqued previous scholarship in which on dimension of inequality...
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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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...Social Organized Crime Perspective CJA/325 October 20, 2015 Larry Doyle Social Organized Crime Perspective Introduction The term social institution as it pertains to organized crime is a fascinating one. Here not only will it be explained but also how it is applied. Along with the theories that are most applicably applied to organized crime and behavior. These issues will help to dissect the reasoning and uses behind some the best known crime families. Social Organized Crime Perspective Organized crime throughout American history has seem to have a type of social institution embedded into its culture. Keep in mind it started out as a cultural advantage in parts of America. As America grew by immigrants flooding into its various coastlines and ports there were very little assimilations into the new world. Most people who came looking for better opportunities and escape religious or political persecution. Often they found it hard to find work in areas of the city that were not being developed by their own ethnicity. Immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe in the early 1890’s. As the 1900’s rolled around America saw more immigrants coming from Canada, Latin America as well as Eastern and Southern Europe (EyeWitnesstohistory, 2000). Since there were a lot of immigrants from all over coming to America it meant there were a lot different languages spoken. Many different cultures and multiple ethnicities missing their homeland and loved ones. People came to find...
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