Chapter 3

Exploring the Family

Chapter Outline Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Studying Families

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Family ecology Family development Structure-functionalism Interactionist perspective

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Exchange theory Family systems theory Feminist perspectives Biosocial perspectives

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Family Ecology Perspective

ThemeThe ecological context of the family affects family life and children’s outcomes.

Key Concepts

Natural physical-biological environment; Human-built environment; Social-cultural environment

Current Research

Family policy; Neighborhood effects

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Family Development Perspective

ThemeFamilies experience predictable changes over time.

Key Concepts

Family life cycle; Developmental tasks

Current Research

Transition to adulthood

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Structure-Functional Perspective

ThemeThe family performs essential functions for society.

Key Concepts

Social institution; Family structure; Family functions

Current

ResearchCross-cultural and historical comparisons

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Interactionist Perspective

ThemeThe internal dynamics of the family as a group of inter- acting individuals shape the family.

Key Concepts

Interaction; Self-concept; Identity; Meaning

Current Research

Family rituals; Meanings assigned to domestic work

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Exchange Theory Perspective

Theme

The resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation, continuation, and nature of a relationship.

Key Concepts

Resources; Costs and rewards; Exchange balance; Power and decision-making

Current Research

Family power; Entry and exit from marriage; Family violence

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Systems Theory Perspective

ThemeThe family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Key Concepts

System; Equilibrium; Boundaries; Family therapy

Current Research

Family efficacy and crisis management; Family boundaries

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Feminist Perspectives

ThemeGender is central to the analysis of family; male dominance in family and society is oppressive of women.

Key Concepts

Male dominance; Power and inequality; Sex/gender systems

Current Research

Work and family; Domestic violence; Family power; Advocacy of women’s issues

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Biosocial Perspective

Theme Evolution has put in place certain biological endowments that shape and limit family choices.

Key Concepts

Evolutionary heritage; Genes; Inclusive fitness

Current Research

Correlations between biological markers and family behavior; Evolutionary explanations for gender differences and sexuality.

Family Ecology Perspective

Family Policy Procedures, regulations, attitudes, and goals of

government that affect families. Family policy concerns itself with circumstances

in the broader society that affect the family. American families worry about making ends

meet: how we will support ourselves, find comfortable housing, educate our children, get affordable health care, finance our old age.

Family Life Cycle: Stages Newly established couple Families of preschoolers Families of primary school children Families with adolescents Families in the middle years. Aging families

Family Functions According to the structural functionalist

perspective, the family is a social institution that performs three essential functions:

1. Raise children.

2. Provide economic support.

3. Give emotional security.

Frameworks for Theory/Research on Minority Families

Cultural equivalent - Emphasizes features that racial/ethnic minority families have in common with mainstream white families.

Cultural deviant - Views the qualities that distinguish minority families from mainstream families as negative or pathological.

Cultural variant - Calls for making culturally and contextually relevant interpretations of minority family lives.

Scientific Investigation: Techniques Surveys Laboratory observation and experiments Naturalistic observation Clinician’s case studies Longitudinal studies Historical and cross-cultural data

Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following is consistent with the main concerns of the family ecology theoretical perspective?

a) the family as a child-rearing institution

b) the conflict feminist perspective

c) laboratory observations and longitudinal designs

d) development of family policy

Answer: d The development of family policy is

consistent with the main concerns of the family ecology theoretical perspective.

2. Which of the following is an important part of the family development theoretical perspective?

a) family life cycle

b) removing blinders by means of scientific research

c) the family as an economic unit

d) kin-work and kin-time

Answer: a The family life cycle is an important

part of the family development theoretical perspective.

3. Which perspective presumes that certain human behaviors are both “natural” and difficult to change?

a) feminist

b) exchange

c) biosocial

d) Interactionist

Answer: c The biosocial perspective presumes

that certain human behaviors are both “natural” and difficult to change.