Sociology 339U:
Marriage and Intimacy
Student Handout
Matthew J. Geraths
Portland State University
Winter Term 2015
Ways Of Knowing
Epistemology
or
theory of knowledge
A branch of philosophy that studies
the nature, methods, limitations,
and validity of knowledge and
belief.
(i.e., How we know what we know)
3 Ways Of Knowing
(Pp. 38-42)
1. The Un-testable
2. The Personal
3. The Inalienable
Barriers to Understanding
Family and Related Issues
1. “That’s the way we do it around here!”
2. “Don’t air your dirty laundry
3. “When you talk about it, you make
it it less special, less sacred!”
SAPIR-WHORF HYPOTHESIS
people who speak a particular language
must necessarily interpret the world
through the unique vocabulary and
grammar that language provides
“When we acquire language, we acquire ways
of thinking - conceptual systems or grids…”
Values
evaluative standards used by
members of a society to determine
abstract issues such as what is
desirable/ undesirable;
good/bad/ugly.
Family vs. Individualism
1. Togetherness
1. Self-fulfillment
2. Loyalty
2. Urgency
3. Stability
3. Personal Change
Myths
Cultural beliefs about the way
things are; often inaccurate.
“Agreement reality”, p. 38
Myths Associated with the
Family:
1) The Typical Family
2) Natural Family
3) Ideal Marriage
4) Happy Family