SOC 2143
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Instructor:
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Course Description:
A study of the family as a cultural unit, the institution of marriage, the problems of parenthood
and of social-economic adjustments to society. Three hours, 3 credits.
Textbook(s) and Material(s):
1. Marriages and Families
AUTHOR(S):
ISBN:
EDITION (YEAR):
PUBLISHER:
David Olsen and John Defrain
9781259195327
8th Edition (2014)
McGraw-Hill
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. The student will be able to explain some myths about family life in America.
2. The student will be able to describe the variability of family life in America (in reference
to variations among societies/ within societies and between racial and ethnic families).
3. The student will be able to discuss gender roles as a foundation for heterosexual
intimacy.
4. The student will be able to discuss the double standards that exist in our society as they
relate to premarital and extra marital sex.
5. The student will discover the various steps that it takes to seek and nurture intimate
relationships. These steps include:
 Getting to know someone else
 Developing a relationship
 Functions and patterns of dating
 Cohabitation vs. marriage
 The process of falling in love
6. The student will be able to discuss the consequences of jealousy.
7. The student will discover the various ways that different cultures select a life partner.
8. The student will summarize the different types of marriage.
9. The student will discuss the adjustments that couples must make for marriage.
10. The students will be able to distinguish between verbal and nonverbal communication.
11. The student will be able to explain communication as an interaction process.
12. The student will be able to list some styles of poor listening and some techniques to
improve listening skills.
13. The student will be able to discuss Power in Marriage
14. The student will be able to list the types of power interaction in a relationship.
15. The student will be able to learn ways to fight fair in relationships.
16. The student will be able to discuss some challenges of dual-career families.
Attendance:
The nature of the educational programs at Coahoma Community College is such that it is
necessary for every student to attend class regularly. Instructors will keep accurate class
attendance records, and those records will become part of the student's official record. Regular
class attendance and punctuality are expected. All arrangements for completing missed work are
to be made with the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate these arrangements.
Excessive absences may result in loss of credit for the course concerned as well as loss of grant
refunds and/or financial aid eligibility.
 Day Class Attendance Policy: Students enrolled in academic, technical, and or career
programs are limited to four (4) absences in a given course during a regular semester. A
student is counted tardy if he/she is later than ten (10) minutes arriving to class. Three
tardies shall constitute one absence.
 Evening Classes Attendance Policy: Students enrolled in evening courses are limited to
three (3) absences in a given course during a semester. A student is counted tardy if he is
later than ten (10) minutes arriving to class. Three tardies shall constitute one absence.
Make-up Policy:
Instructor is required to complete this section prior to presenting the syllabus to the
students at the beginning of each semester.
Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating and plagiarism (the representation of someone else’s work as your own, usually by
directly copying or paraphrasing without a reference to the original source) will not be tolerated.
The penalty will be receiving a (0) for that assignment, without any possibility of make-up work
or alternative assignments. Additionally, according to the Student Handbook, Such acts will be
considered a severe infraction and carry a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length
or expulsion. For a more in-depth explanation of academic dishonesty, see the Student
Handbook.
Electronic Devices in Class:
The use of cellular phones, pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices is prohibited in the
classroom and laboratory facilities.
Non-Discrimination/Disability Policy:
Notice of Non-discrimination. Coahoma Community College does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The
institution has designated a Section 504/ADA/Title IX Coordinator. To address inquiries
regarding the non‐discrimination policies, please contact Wanda Holmes 621-4853.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. Coahoma Community College is committed
to ensuring equal access to an education for enrolled or admitted students who have verified
disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). College policy calls for reasonable accommodations to be made
for eligible students with verified disabilities on an individual and flexible basis.
Any student enrolling in Coahoma Community College with a documented disability, who
requests accommodations, must first provide a current evaluation of the disability from a medical
professional. This documentation, which is required by federal guidelines, will remain on file
with the Section 504/ADA/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs, 662-6214853.
Instructional Techniques:
Instructor is required to complete this section prior to presenting the syllabus to the
students at the beginning of each semester.
Method(s) of Evaluation:
Instructor is required to complete this section prior to presenting the syllabus to the
students at the beginning of each semester.
(Method(s) of evaluation must measure the student learning outcomes listed above.)
Grade Scale:
Coahoma Community College changed from the 3.0 system to the 4.0 system effective,
September, 1974. College students' academic progress is evaluated according to the following
grading system.
GRADE
A – Excellent
B – Good
C – Average
D – Poor
F – Failure
SCALE
90-100
80-89
70-79
69-69
Below 60
QUALITY POINTS
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
SOC 2143 – Marriage and Family
Course Outline
This outline is intended as a guideline for the course. The institution and the instructor reserve
the right to make modifications in content, schedule, and requirements as necessary to enhance
each student’s educational experience and student learning outcomes.
Part One: The Social Context of Intimate Relationships
Chapter One. Perspectives on Intimate Relationships
 Three Themes of Intimacy, Strengths, and Diversity
 Defining Marriage and Family
What Is Marriage?
What Is a Family?
 Trends in Marriage and the Family: Change and Continuity
Trends in Marriage and Cohabitation
Trends in Divorce and Remarriage
Trends in Family Structure
Continuity in Marriage and the Family
 Focus on Marital and Family Strengths
 Advantages of Marriage
 The Impact of the Social Environment on Relationships
Stress, Change, and Materialism
Lack of Time for Oneself and Significant Others
Increasing Use of Child Care Outside the Family
Instability of Couple and Family Relationships
Violence, Criminal Victimization, and Fear
Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
The Internet and Human Relationships
Changing Gender Roles and the Balance of Power
Urban Migration and Overcrowding
Financial Problems and the Global Economy
 Changing the Social Environment
 Positive Responses to the Social Environment
Chapter Two: Cultural Diversity: Family Strengths and Challenges
 Cultural and Ethnic Identity
 U.S. Demographics and Future Trends
The Hispanic Population
The African American Population
The Asian American Population
The American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
What the Future Will Bring
 The Challenge to Researchers and Practitioners
 Cultural Competence
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Family Strengths and Sociocultural Characteristics Across Various Ethnic Groups
Three Family System Characteristics
Three Sociocultural Characteristics
Family Strengths and Challenges Across Ethnic Groups
Strengths of White Families
Strengths of African American Families
Strengths of Latino Families
Strengths of Asian American Families
Strengths of American Indian Families
Cross Cultural Family Studies
Challenges for Ethnic Families
Assimilation, Acculturation, and Segregation
The Advantages of Being in the Majority
Marriage Outside the Group
Black-White Marriages
Relationships Between Men and Women
Relationships Between Parents and Children
Chapter Three: Understanding Marriage and Family Dynamics
 Family Science: A Growing Profession
 Models of Couples and Families
The Family Systems Theory
Family Strengths Framework
Family Development Framework
Symbolic Interaction Framework
Social Construction Framework
Feminist Framework
 Three Key Relationship Concepts
Cohesion in Couples and Families
Flexibility in Couples and Families
Communication in Couples and Families
 Couple and Family Map
Balanced versus Unbalanced Families
Balanced Relationships more Healthy
Value of Couple & Family Map
 Family Dynamics in Television and Movies
Everybody Loves Raymond: A Rigidly Enmeshed Family
What About Bob?: A Rigidly Connected Family
The Osbournes: A Chaotically Enmeshed Family on MTV
Part Two: Dynamics of Intimate Relationships
Chapter Four. Communication and Intimacy
 Couple Strengths and Issues in Communication
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Perspectives on Communication
Gender Differences in Communication
Cultural Differences in Communication
Using Communication to Develop Intimacy
Communication as a Cooperative Endeavor
Content and Relationship Messages
Nonverbal Communication
Mixed Messages and Double Binds
Metacommunication: Clarifying Your Communication
Using Communication to Maintain Intimacy
Speaking: The Art of Self-Disclosure
Listening: A Difficult Skill
Assertive, Passive, and Aggressive Communication
Positive and Negative Communication Cycles
The Positive Influence of Assertiveness
The Negative Influence of Avoidance
Chapter Five: Conflict and Conflict Resolution
 Couple Strengths and Issues in Conflict Resolution
 Conflict and Anger: An Overview
The Hierarchy of Conflict
Anger and Conflict Taboos
Myths, Theories, and Facts About Anger
 Intimacy and Conflict
Intimacy Breeds Conflict
Love and Anger in Balance
The Dance of Anger
Conflict and Supportiveness in Heterosexual, Gay, and Lesbian Couples
 Approaches to Conflict Resolution
Fighting Fairly
Constructive and Destructive Approaches
Styles of Conflict Resolution
Resolving Conflict: Six Basic Steps
Chapter Six: Sexual Intimacy
 Sex and Society: An Overview
Sexuality, Sex, and Gender
Historical Perspectives on Sex and Society
Gay and Lesbian Couples
Sexuality Across Cultures
HIV/AIDS—More than 25 Years Later
 American Sexual Behavior
National Survey of Sexual Behavior
The ABC News Survey
Sexuality in the Later Years
Gay-Male and Lesbian Sexual Behavior
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Sexuality Education
Consequences of Inadequate Sexuality Education
Sexuality Education Programs
Sexuality Education and Parents
Is Sexuality Education Effective?
Premarital Sexual Behavior
Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents
Sexual Behavior, Alcohol, and College
Marital and Extramarital Sexual Behavior
Sex Within Marriage
Marital Styles and Sexual Behavior
Infidelity
Toward Sexual Health
Sexual Problems and Dysfunctions
Sex Therapy
Chapter Seven: Gender Roles and Power in the Family
 Intimacy, Strengths, and Diversity
 Gender Roles and Marriage
 Gender Roles
Distribution of Family Work by Gender
Emotion Work in Marriage and Family Life
Two Gallup Surveys of Male and Female Traits
Traditional Versus Contemporary Views of Gender Roles
The Move Toward More Equalitarian Roles
An International Perspective
 Gender Roles Across Ethnic Groups
Mexican American Culture
African American Culture
American Indian Culture
Asian American Culture
 Theories About Gender/Roles
Social Learning Theory
Cognitive Development Theory
Family Systems Theory
Feminist Framework
 Power in Families
The Three Faces of Power
Types of Power Patterns
Equalitarian Roles and Marital Satisfaction
Communication and Power Dynamics
Suggestions for Minimizing Power Issues
Chapter Eight: Managing Economic Resources
 Money and Happiness
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Couple Strengths and Financial Issues
Diversity and Financial Style
The Stresses of Finances
Finances: A Family Problem
Coping with Financial Stressors
The Cost of Divorce
Why Do Finances Cause Problems?
Money: A Taboo Topic
Common Financial Pitfalls
The Meaning of Money
Family Income and Expenses
Family Income
Annual Household Expenses
Family Net Worth
Does It Pay to Work Outside the Home?
Smart Money Management
Creating a Budget
Pooling Money: Pros and Cons
How to Save Money
Credit: Uses and Abuses
Credit Cards—Dangerous Plastic
Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit
Purchasing a Home
Credit Overextension
Avoiding Debt and Bankruptcy
Financial Counseling
Part Three. Stages of Intimate Relationships
Chapter Nine: Friendship, Intimacy, and Singlehood
 Friends versus Lovers
the Fabric of Friendship
the Tapestry of Love
Contrasting Friends and Lovers
the Love Triangle
Three Perspectives on Love
Jealousy: A Green-Eyed Monster or Real Love?
 Exploring Intimacy: From Experience to Relationship
Paths to Intimacy Differ in Males and Females
Intimacy and Communication
Intimate Experiences Versus an Intimate Relationship
The Paradox of Marriage and Intimacy
 Developing Intimacy
Traits of Intimate and Nonintimate Relationships
Couple Relationship Strengths
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Intimacy Games
Constructive Intimacy Games
Destructive Intimacy Games
Limiting Destructive Games
Being Single
Increase in Singlehood
Singlehood as an Alternative to Marriage
Characteristics of Successful Singles
Making Singlehood Work
Chapter Ten: Dating, Mate Selection, and Living Together
 Courtship Patterns
Parent-Arranged Marriages
Dating: An American Creation
Hanging Out and Hooking Up: The Contemporary Trend
Internet Dating and Match-making Services
Dating Among Older People
 Criteria for Choosing a Mate
Physical Attractiveness
Age and Finding a Mate
Interracial and Interfaith Marriages
 Theories of Mate Selection
Homogamy Versus Complementarity
The Filter Theory
The Stimulus-Value-Role Theory
Reiss's Wheel Theory of Love
 Conflict and Violence in Dating
 Living Together
Cohabiting Dramatic Increase
Why Cohabiting is Increasing
Types of Cohabiting
Living Together is Replacing Dating
Cohabiting as Preparation for Marriage?
Chapter Eleven: Marriage: Building a Strong Foundation
 Perspectives on Marriage Today
The Benefits of Marriage
The Decline in Marriage
 Formula for a Successful Marriage
 Reasons for Marrying
Positive Reasons
Negative Reasons
 Marriage Education
Premarital Education
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What Constitutes an Effective Premarital Program?
Predicting a Successful Marriage
Importance of Families of Origin in Marriage
Kathy's Family of Origin
Jim's Family of Origin
Goals for the Marriage
The Wedding and Newlywed Years
The Wedding
The Transition of Marriage
Keeping Marriages Strong
Five Types of Marriage
Changes in Marital Satisfaction Over Time
Why Marriages Drift Apart
Keeping Your Marriage a Top Priority
The Role of Forgiveness in Marriage
The Role of Sacrifice in Marriage
Federal Healthy Marriage Initiative
Changes in Policy and State Laws to Strengthen Marriage
Chapter Twelve: Parenthood: Choices and Challenges
 Roots and Wings
 Couple Strengths and Issues in Parenting
 The Challenge of Parenthood
Conventional Wisdom About Parenting
The Transition to Parenthood
Financial Issues and Children
 Adoption
 The Child-Free Alternative
 Styles of Parenting
Democratic Style
Authoritarian Style
Permissive Style
Rejecting Style
Uninvolved Style
Democratic Parenting Works Best
 Theories of Child Rearing
 Issues in Parenting
Discipline and the Lack of It Today
Corporal Punishment and Its Consequences
Child Care
Coparenting
Single Mothers
Gay and Lesbian Parenting
Fatherhood and Motherhood Today
When a Child Dies
Chapter Thirteen: Midlife and Older Couples
Intimacy, Strengths, and Diversity
 Family Life in the Middle Years
Defining Middle Age
Middle Age: A Crisis or Opportunity?
The Middle-Aged Person and the Working World
Sexuality in Middle Age
The Middle-Aged Marriage
Increasing Divorce During the Middle Years
Empty Nest, Spacious Nest, or Cluttered Nest?
Caught in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
Grandparenthood
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
 Family Life in the Later Years
Defining Old Age
Conventional Wisdom About Old Age
Retirement
Long-Term Marriage
 Changes in Family Dynamics in the Later Years
Part Four. Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter Fourteen: Stress, Abuse, and Family Problems
 Intimacy, Strengths, and Diversity
 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Couple and Family Stress
 Characteristics of Stress
The Curvilinear Nature of Stress
Stress and Life Events
Stress Pileup
Boundary Ambiguity and Family Stress
Stress Across the Life Cycle
Common Stressful Issues
 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A Roller Coaster Course of Adjustment
Family System Changes Before and After the 9/11 Attacks
 Family Coping Strategies
Theoretical Perspectives
Coping with 9/11
 Domestic Violence
Incidence of Domestic Violence
Diversity and Domestic Violence
National Survey of Domestic Violence
Relationship of Physical Abuse and Psychological Abuse
Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence
Patterns of Domestic Violence
Treatment and Prevention of Domestic Violence
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Physical Abuse and Neglect of Children
Incidence of Child Abuse
Impact of Abuse on Children
Transcending Abuse
Families at Risk
Treatment and Prevention of Child Abuse
Sibling and Child-to-Parent Abuse
Sibling Abuse
Child-to-Parent Abuse
Alcohol Problems in Families
Alcohol as a "Cause" of Family Violence
The Family's Reaction to Alcohol Abuse
Treatment and Prevention of Alcoholism
Acknowledging the Dangers of Legal Drugs
Chapter Fifteen: Divorce, Single-Parent Families, and Stepfamilies
 Intimacy, Strengths, and Diversity
 Divorce in Today's Society
Statistical and Historical Trends
Legal Trends
 Understanding Divorce
The Culture of Divorce
Why Couples Divorce
Unhappy Versus Happy Couples
The Impact of Divorce on Parents
The Impact of Divorce on Children
Divorce in High Conflict versus Low
 Adjusting to Divorce
Emotional Divorce
Legal Divorce
Economic Divorce
Coparental Divorce
Community Divorce
Psychological Divorce
How Long Does It Take to Adjust?
 Single-Parent Families and Stepfamilies
Increase in Single-Parent Families
Family Terminology
Growing Family Complexity
Differences Between Nuclear Families and Stepfamilies
 Types of Single-Parent Families
Mothers with Custody
Fathers with Custody
Split Custody
Joint Custody
Coping Successfully as a Single Parent
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Stepfamilies
Stages in the Formation of a Stepfamily
Boundary Ambiguity of Stepfamilies
Stepfamilies in Later Life
Guidelines for Stepfamilies
Chapter Sixteen: Strengthening Marriages and Families
 Couple and Family Strengths
 Premarital and Marriage Programs
Premarital Programs for Marriage
Couple Programs
 Marital and Family Therapy
Common Problems in Couple Relationships
Problems Related to Closeness and Flexibility
How Effective is Marital and Family Therapy?
Choosing a Marital and Family Therapist
Keys to Family Resiliency
Family Therapy Case Study
 Strengthening Your Marriage and Family Relationships
Building a Stronger Marriage
Building a Strong Family
 The Future of Your Family