Sociological theories of the family. Social psychology (sociology) 2022-11-01
Sociological theories of the family
Rating:
6,4/10
529
reviews
Sociological theories of the family are diverse and often conflicting, but they all seek to understand how the family as a social unit influences individuals and society as a whole. The family is a fundamental social institution and has a profound impact on individuals and the larger society.
One of the earliest sociological theories of the family is the functionalist theory, which was developed by Talcott Parsons. Parsons argued that the family serves several important functions for society, including the socialization of children, the regulation of sexual behavior, and the provision of economic and emotional support. According to functionalist theory, the family is a cohesive unit that works together to meet the needs of its members and contribute to the stability of society.
Another important sociological theory of the family is the conflict theory, which was developed by Karl Marx. Marx argued that the family is a site of conflict and struggle, as it is shaped by economic and class differences. According to Marx, the family serves the interests of the dominant class, and reproduces class inequality from one generation to the next.
A more contemporary theory of the family is the symbolic interactionist theory, which was developed by George Herbert Mead. Symbolic interactionists argue that the family is a social construction that is shaped by the meanings and symbols that people attach to it. According to this theory, individuals within the family interact and create meaning through their use of language and communication.
Feminist theory also offers important insights into the sociology of the family. Feminist theorists argue that the family is a site of patriarchy, where men hold power and women are often oppressed. Feminist theory highlights the ways in which the family reinforces gender inequality and the importance of challenging and transforming traditional gender roles within the family.
Overall, sociological theories of the family provide different perspectives on the roles and functions of the family in society. Whether viewed as a cohesive unit that serves the needs of its members and contributes to social stability, a site of conflict and struggle, or a social construction shaped by language and communication, the family is a central and enduring institution in human society.
Social psychology (sociology)
So while strain and social learning theory focus on those factors that push or lead the individual into crime, control theory focuses on the factors that restrain the individual from engaging in crime. Some studies found that being officially labeled a criminal e. Those with a lot to lose will be more fearful of being caught and sanctioned and so will be less likely to engage in crime. Meda Chesney-Lind and others argue that much female crime stems from the fact that juvenile females are often sexually abused by family members. As industrial capitalism developed, Engels wrote, male domination increased because industrial capitalism made men still wealthier and more powerful while it relegated women to subordinate, domestic roles.
Next
Understanding Critical Theory
Much recent theoretical work, however, has also focused on the larger social environment, especially the community and the total society. Affluent people are more likely to allocate their money to financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and other investments which hold the possibility of capital appreciation. Feature films are used in introductory sociology courses to demonstrate the current relevance of sociological thinking, and how the sociological imagination helps people understand their social world. And data suggest that each type of belief increases the likelihood of crime. Sources: This post was updated on December 14th, 2022 to allow for the most up-to-date information. In fact, they obey the law in most situations.
Next
Sociological theory
Marx's theories about society not only helped form the discipline of sociology but also several perspectives within sociology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Individuals may behave and interact differently with those who are labelled leading to them adapting to this label thus changing their self-concept. Primitive Art, The Way of the Masks 1982 or Geertz's 'Art as Cultural System' 1983 are some examples in this trend to transform the anthropology of 'art' into an anthropology of culturally specific 'aesthetics'. These traits also shape the individual's social environment. The more socially integrated a person is—that is, the more he or she is connected to society, possessing a feeling of general belonging and a sense that life makes sense within the social context—the less likely he or she is to commit suicide. Die Verschränkung von Anthropologie und Geschichte im 18.
Next
Wealth inequality in the United States
For example, it is much easier to steal money than to work for it. Sociological theories of the self attempt to explain how social processes such as socialization influence the development of the self. Essentialists assume that existing behavior patterns help ensure the survival of the species and the smooth functioning of society. Conflict theory has been used to examine several aspects of society that are built upon class conflict, which Marx argued were designed to protect the wealthy, not society as a whole. Mental Health Social Work: Evidence-Based Practice. Another key factor is whether individuals blame their strain on the deliberate behavior of someone else.
Next
Sociological imagination
As modern sociologists stress, all members of society deserve equal attention, regardless of their wealth or status. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation. Shareholders think that because it is a buyback, that they will have little to no taxes paid, this is why they prefer this over dividends. Symbolic Interactionism as Affect Control.
Next
Crime Causation: Sociological Theories
Know that the human meaning of public issues must be revealed by relating them to personal troubles—and to the problems of the individual life. This contrast is well-known and accepted. Third, what is the relation between workers, money, the government, and society? Religion, then, prohibits social change by teaching nonresistance to oppression, diverting people's attention away from worldly injustices, justifying inequalities of power and wealth for the privileged, and emphasizing rewards yet to come. For example, imagine a film that introduces a character from four different angles and situations in life, each of which draws upon social, psychological, and moral standards to form a central ideal that echoes the narrative outcome, the reasoning behind individuals' actions, and the story's overall meaning. The parent, for example, may ask the juvenile where he or she is going, may periodically call the juvenile, and may ask others about the juvenile's behavior. Praying for Justice: Faith, Order, and Community in an American Town. Ross Matsueda discusses the reasons why individuals may be informally labeled as delinquents, noting that such labeling is not simply a function of official labeling e.
Next
Sociological Theories
Check out our How do I create a thesis? Durkheim also argued that religion never concerns only belief, but also encompasses regular rituals and ceremonies on the part of a group of believers, who then develop and strengthen a sense of group solidarity. Surveillance is not targeted equally at all social classes. Gottfredson and Hirschi claim that one's level of self-control is determined early in life and is then quite resistant to change. If traditional religion were to continue, however, he believed it would do so only as a means to preserve social cohesion and order. Those who are not wealthy are more likely to have their money in savings accounts and home ownership. These theories specify the types of situations most conducive to crime.
Next
Theories of Gender differences and identity
Donzelot applies these ideas to the family. In these discussions, plot points are made, conclusions are drawn upon, and societal problems and situations are addressed. The most important ones are socialisation, social order and social stratification. Graphic Organizer Prompt: Create a poster, chart, or some other type of graphic organizer that illustrates the concept of Marxism. As for social stratification, individuals who do not share the same meanings with the rest of society are labelled, which is judged by others. Feminist theories focus on gender differences in power as a source of crime.
Next
Anthropology
New York and London: New York University Press. They may engage in crime to reduce or escape from the strain they are experiencing. In particular, individuals often imitate or model the behavior of others —especially when they like or respect these others and have reason to believe that imitating their behavior will result in reinforcement. Also, Marxists argue that crime is a response to the poor living conditions experienced by workers and the unemployed. The troubling problem is borrowing non-indigenous practices and creating standards, concepts, philosophies and practices in western countries. Adolescents are often encouraged to be autonomous, but they are frequently denied autonomy by adults. Marx and Sociology In sociology, Marx's theories are used to study society through economic systems.
Next
4.2B: Sociological Theories of the Self
And they have been rewarded for their efforts, in the form of such things as good grades, material possessions, and a good reputation. Critical theories aim to dig beneath the surface of social life and uncover the assumptions that keep human beings from a full and true understanding of how the world works. In terms of these studies of larger structures, select the milieux you need to study in detail, and study them in such a way as to understand the interplay of milieux with structure. Members of the nuclear family use highly descriptive kinship terms, identifying directly only the husband, wife, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, and sister. This creates conflict between the two groups in society. Reinforcements may be positive or negative.
Next