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Questions and Answers

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of symbols and shared meanings in constructing social reality?

Feminist Theory

Symbolic Interactionism (correct)

Conflict Theory

Functionalism

A family consisting of a mother, her son, and her mother's sister would be considered which of the following family structures?

Nuclear Family

Extended Family (correct)

Single Parent Family

Blended Family

Which concept primarily defines adulthood by the number of years since birth, often influencing legal rights and responsibilities?

Biological Clock

Developmental Clock

Social Clock

Chronological Clock (correct)

Which sociological theory posits that society is characterised by constant competition over scarce resources leading to inequality.

Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

A theory that examines gender inequality as a systemic issue shaped by structures and power dynamics is best described as:

Feminist Theory Signup and view all the answers

Prior to industrialization, what was the primary role of children?

To work for the benefit of the family. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in family life during the industrialization period?

The family structure shifted from solely work-focused to more varied lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major impact of the labour laws enacted in the early 20th century?

Mandated the removal of children from dangerous factory jobs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these descriptions best characterises an arranged marriage?

The couple's families decide who they marry but allow the couple to decline. Signup and view all the answers

Initially, what were the main activities in the courtship process?

Men would leave calling cards at women's houses, a period when their families would discuss about the man. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered as a major shift that occurred in dating within the 1950s-1960s?

Dating became more casual and for recreation rather than marriage-focused. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ideal Mate Theory based on?

An individual’s unconscious image of the ideal partner and assessment of resources. Signup and view all the answers

According to the developmental perspective which of these statements is true?

A strong sense of individual identity facilitates healthier romantic relationships. Signup and view all the answers

From an evolutionary psychology standpoint, why did women tend to prefer men as potential partners?

They favoured potential partners who were good fathers and providers for their children. Signup and view all the answers

According to social exchange theory, mate selection is based on what?

The balance of individual’s assets and deficits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a listed function of the family?

Providing entertainment. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant factor in increased suicide rates among young adults?

A sense of hopelessness and lack of control. Signup and view all the answers

From a functionalist perspective, why did marriage develop as an institution?

To meet humans' basic social needs and for organization in society. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of marriage in pre-modern times?

To form an economic unit where adults were responsible for nurturing their offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between physical and emotional infidelity?

Physical infidelity involves physical intimacy, while emotional infidelity is focused on an emotional bond outside the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sociological Perspectives on Society

Functionalism: Views society as a system where parts interact to ensure stability and solidarity.
Conflict Theory: Focuses on competition for limited resources (e.g., wealth, power) among different groups (e.g., classes, races, genders). Conflict can arise from these struggles.
Feminist Theory: Emphasizes gender inequality and its intersection with other social categories (e.g., race, class). It advocates for women's perspectives and aims to dismantle patriarchal structures.
Symbolic Interactionism: Highlights how shared meanings and daily interactions shape society. Individuals interpret social realities through symbols like language and gestures. This perspective emphasizes individual agency.

Family Structures

Nuclear Family: Parents and one or more children.
Single-Parent Family: One parent and one or more children.
Extended Family: A nuclear or single-parent family residing with other relatives.
Same-Sex Family: Two people of the same sex with or without children.
Blended Family: One or both parents have had a previous marriage and children from that marriage.

Chronological Clock: Measures time based on age, defining adulthood by years since birth (e.g., voting age, legal rights, etc). It ticks at a constant pace.
Biological Clock: Tracks physical changes throughout life (e.g., sexual maturity, physical development). This clock has sped up due to better health and nutrition (e.g., earlier sexual maturity).

Historical Development of Adolescence

Pre-Industrialization (Pre-1850): Children were considered infants until they worked. Class background dictated employment opportunities and family involvement.
Industrialization (Late 19th Century): Family life shifted from farms to cities as factories emerged. Family involvement became less solely focused on work, and children sometimes worked with fathers.
20th Century: Labour laws restricted child labor, schooling became more crucial, and teenagers emerged as a distinct demographic.

Mate Selection

Arranged Marriages: Couples are selected by family members, with a potential for expressed agreement or refusal.
Courtship: A tradition evolving from British customs. Initially, women extended invitations to men to call on them for visits. This provided a period for families to assess and potentially negotiate. Evolving into dating customs, in the 1920s and '30s dating involved the man paying for dates and showcasing resources.
Dating (1950s-1960s): Dating became more recreational, not solely focused on marriage.
Mate Selection Theories: People are drawn to those from similar backgrounds, considering factors like age, race, socioeconomic status, political views, religion, appearance, and proximity. Similarity enables efficient resource management and reduced conflict.
Ideal Mate Theory: Attraction stems from an individual's subconscious image of an ideal partner based on physical characteristics, social status, and perceived resources.

Developmental Perspective on Mate Selection

Individuals must understand their own resources, needs, and wants in a relationship. Forming a relationship before establishing identity can define this identity.

Evolutionary Psychology and Mate Selection

Men seek women with characteristics conducive to healthy offspring, bearing, feeding, and raising. Women prefer men who will be good providers and fathers.

Individuals seek a partner who balances their resources and deficits. This theory helps in explaining marriages involving wealth and age differences.

Family Functions

Families play essential roles in reproduction, caregiving, socialization, behavioral control, nurturing, and economic exchange.

Reasons for Divorce

Communication issues, infidelity, financial problems, incompatibility, substance abuse, domestic violence, lack of intimacy, parenting disputes, mental health concerns, and cultural/religious differences commonly lead to divorce.

Infidelity Types

Emotional Infidelity: Emotional connection or bond with someone outside the relationship, often without physical intimacy.
Physical Infidelity: Physical encounters or ongoing sexual relationships with others.
Online/Cyber Infidelity: Engagement in flirting, sexting, or virtual relationships with individuals outside the relationship.

Young Adult Issues

Women typically live longer than men, affecting caregiving dynamics.
Mental health concerns are prominent.
Suicide rates in Canada have risen since 1970, linked to hopelessness and lack of control (men are four times more likely).

Access to Education and Emerging Adulthood

Students from lower-income families often bear more debt due to increasing tuition costs.
Young adults often face issues like leaving home, forming new relationships, completing education, and securing employment.

Functionalist View of Marriage

Marriage is a foundational social institution that supports societal needs and organization by providing for human needs.

Historical Perspective on Marriage

Marriage has a historical link to family organization. This meant families were primarily economic units rather than solely focused on familial love.

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