The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Sociology
General Comprehensive Examination in Family
Spring 2015
Please answer one question out of each of the following three sets. Number your answers (e.g.
A1).
A. FAMILY CHANGE (Answer 1 of the following two questions)
1. In light of the 50th anniversary of the Moynihan Report, describe and explain patterns of
marriage and childbearing in the United States over the past 50 years. How do these
associations differ by race and class? What are the dominant explanations of the
decoupling of marriage and parenthood, and why are certain demographic groups more
affected by this than others? In his report, Moynihan argued that the fundamental
problem for African Americans was family structure or rising numbers of single mother
families. Was this true then? Does family structure remain the fundamental problem for
African Americans (and others) today?
2. A great deal of scholarly debate has emerged around the significance, meaning, and
possible decline of the American family. Describe some of the major scholarly debates
(and players) concerning the state of the American family. Take a position on whether or
not you think the American family is in decline and include data and population trends
that support your view.
B. PARENTS and CHILDREN (Answer 1 of the following two questions)
1. The family serves as a major point of social contact for most people. While social
interaction with family members can have positive consequences for mental and
physical health, it can have negative consequences as well. Focusing on the key
constructs of social integration, social support, social control, and stress, explain how,
when, and for whom parenthood is most likely to improve or worsen well-being. Be sure
to address gender and life considerations in organizing your response.
2. Family structure and family structure history often mark the social location of families in
the American stratification system. These statuses, in turn, are linked with children’s
educational, emotional, and social well-being. Some suggest these associations are
causal, others argue that selection processes largely drive these links. Still others fall
somewhere in between. Select one dimension of family structure (e.g., divorce, single
parent household, cumulative family structure change) and describe what we know
about this indicator and its link with child development. Based on your review of the
evidence, are these links causal, a function of selection, or both?
C. UNION FORMATION (Answer 1 of the following two questions)
1. Mate selection patterns reveal social divisions that otherwise often go unacknowledged. They
also can perpetuate these divisions across generations. Please describe patterns of mate
selection and how they vary across time, the life course, or social groups. What theories have
sociologists developed to try to explain these patterns and how well do these theories work?
2. Cohabitation has emerged as a common stage in the family formation process, and now most
marriages are preceded by cohabitation. How do patterns of cohabitation in the United States
vary across social groups (i.e. race or socioeconomic status)? What are the implications of this
variation for longer-term relationship and family structure and stability?