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 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
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
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