Chapter 3

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
Theme
The 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
Theme
Key
Concepts
Current
Research
Families experience predictable changes over time.
Family life cycle; Developmental tasks
Transition to adulthood

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
Structure-Functional Perspective
Theme
The family performs essential functions for society.
Key
Concepts
Social institution; Family structure;
Family functions
Current
Research
Cross-cultural and historical comparisons

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
Interactionist Perspective
Theme
The 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
Key
Concepts
The resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation, continuation, and nature of a relationship.
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
Theme
The family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Key
Concepts
Current
Research
System; Equilibrium; Boundaries;
Family therapy
Family efficacy and crisis management; Family boundaries

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
Feminist Perspectives
Theme
Key
Concepts
Current
Research
Gender is central to the analysis of family; male dominance in family and society is oppressive of women.
Male dominance; Power and inequality; Sex/gender systems
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.
2.
3.
Raise children.
Provide economic support.
Give emotional security.




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) c) d) the conflict feminist perspective laboratory observations and longitudinal designs 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) b) c) d) family life cycle removing blinders by means of scientific research the family as an economic unit 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) b) feminist exchange c) d) biosocial
Interactionist

Answer: c
 The biosocial perspective presumes that certain human behaviors are both
“natural” and difficult to change.