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Families in Canada
HHS 4C
Individual
Family
Society
Ms. Gibbons – St. Paul Catholic Secondary
School
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The Scope of the Social Sciences
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The social sciences are not concerned with ‘absolute truth,’
and do not pretend to be.
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All disciplines within the social sciences (Anthropology,
Sociology, Psychology) report on patterns or trends of
behaviour.
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Once a pattern / trend can be identified, predictions can be
made about future events.
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In order to identify a pattern / trend, many subjects (people)
need to be observed over a long period of time.
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Because there are no absolute
truths…
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Please do not take offence to the course material.
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Everyone has their own story, and our perceptions of the
world are largely based on our experiences.
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Education informs our decisions, but ultimately it is you, the
individual, who makes the choices that concern your lives.
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In the Social Sciences, do our
opinions really matter?
NO!!!
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“Canadians view families as
essential to personal and social
well-being” (Bibby, 2004)
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With your elbow partner, discuss both of your views
regarding this point, and suggest three reasons why you feel
this may be true.
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Share Your Answers with Class.
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What constitutes a family?
(pg. 5 of text)
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The actual nature of families. And the desirable nature of
families based on the social policies of that culture.
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Definitions of family is used to determine who qualifies for
the benefits of families.
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Who should be responsible for the obligations of family. For
example who should support the needs of children.
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In groups of 4…
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Define the word “Family.” Try to be as specific as possible…
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After you have discussed and made notes, select one
representative of your group and have them go to a white
board and communicate your groups thinking by either a
brainstorming diagram or in paragraph form
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Homework
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Please read and complete ‘Definitions of the Family’