Sociology Chapter 8: The Family

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Questions and Answers

What is covered in this chapter on families? (Select all that apply)

Defining cultural differences in families

Functions of family in society & how these functions are changing (correct)

Understanding family's role in society (correct)

Examination of major changes happening to family (correct)

What is a family?

Groups of people related by birth, affinity, or cohabitation.

Define 'family household'.

A group of people who share a relationship by blood, marriage, or legal adoption living together.

What is marriage?

The legal union of two people, allowing them to live together and have children. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a nuclear family?

Consists of two adults living with one or more children. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'extended family'.

Moves beyond the nuclear family and consists of two or more generations who share the same residence. Signup and view all the answers

What changes have occurred in Canadian families?

Decline in traditional nuclear families and growth in unmarried couples living together. Signup and view all the answers

What is deinstitutionalization of marriage?

The weakening of social norms concerning marriage and the resulting doubt about marriage practices. Signup and view all the answers

The average number of children per woman over her lifetime is referred to as _____ rates.

fertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the one-child policy?

A policy enacted in China in 1979 to reduce population growth by restricting families to having only one child. Signup and view all the answers

What is structural functionalism?

A theory focusing on the functions of families and their roles in creating stability in society. Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the structural functionalist theory?

Parsons Signup and view all the answers

What is conflict theory?

A theory concerned with the unequal distribution of resources and power within families. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of family violence.

Any form of abuse, mistreatment, or neglect that a family member experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Define monogamy.

An exclusive relationship between two people. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes polygamy?

The practice of having multiple spouses. Signup and view all the answers

What are some social changes impacting the family? (Select all that apply)

Increased acceptance of same-sex couples Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Family Changes

Modern families are experiencing significant changes in structure and function.
Focus on the family's evolving role in society amidst these changes.

Definition of Families

Families are groups connected by birth, affinity, or cohabitation, often differing in their configurations.
Modern definitions include extended family members and adopted members, reflecting diversity.

Family Household

A family household consists of individuals related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption living together.

Marriage

Marriage is a legal agreement enabling couples to live together and raise children.

Types of Families

Nuclear family includes two adults and one or more children.
Extended family adds multiple generations living together.

Changes in Family Structure in Canada

There's a decline in traditional nuclear families and an increase in unmarried couples cohabitating.

Canadian Household Trends (1981-2014)

Decrease in married couples with children and single-parent households has risen.
Changes influenced by less stigma surrounding various family forms and increasing individualism.

Deinstitutionalization of Marriage

Marriage norms are weakening, leading to varied family arrangements such as childbearing outside of wedlock and acceptance of same-sex marriages.

Cohabitation

Cohabitation refers to couples living together without legal marriage, gaining popularity since the 1970s and treated similarly to marriage by Canadian law.

Teen Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy rates in Canada are declining and are significantly lower than in the U.S.

Rising educational attainment and participation of women in the workforce lead to delayed marriages and higher divorce rates.
Declining religiosity contributes to increased cohabitation and single-parent households.
Growing individualism is reshaping perceptions of marriage from institutional to personal significance.

Arranged Marriages

Arranged marriages involve third-party selection and still exist in many cultures, often resulting in greater marital satisfaction and stability.

Marriage Types

Institutional marriage focuses on societal benefits rather than personal happiness.
Companionate marriage emphasizes mutual satisfaction and defined roles within the family unit.
Individualized marriages cater to personal fulfillment and flexibility in meeting spouses' varied needs.

Perspectives on Marriage

The marriage movement advocates for strengthening marriage as beneficial for children.
Diversity defenders argue for the viability of single-parent families when adequately supported.

Monogamy and Polygamy

Monogamy involves exclusive relationships, while polygamy, though illegal in Canada and the U.S., raises concerns regarding gender inequality and social harm.

Fertility Trends

Fertility rates are declining, with North America not replacing its population through births alone.

One-Child Policy

China's one-child policy aimed to curb population growth, with select exemptions in place.

Theoretical Frameworks

Structural functionalism emphasizes family functions for societal stability, including reproduction, socialization, support, and regulation of behavior.
Conflict theory critiques family dynamics, highlighting power imbalances and the reproduction of societal inequalities.

Family Violence

Family violence encompasses various forms of abuse and is often underreported due to stigma and fear.

Incest Taboo

An incest taboo prevents sexual relations between certain family members due to risks of genetic disorders and familial complications.

Key Insights

The chapter explores the multifaceted role of family in social dynamics, includes discussions on changing marital norms, societal influences on family structures, and theoretical analyses of family roles.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts from Chapter 8, focusing on the changes within family structures and their functions in society. It discusses how societal perceptions of families have evolved and the diverse nature of familial relationships. Test your knowledge on the role of families and their dynamics in contemporary society.