CHAPTER 1
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY: AN INTRODUCTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
1. Identify the elements that define marriage and the different types of marriage.
2. Define “family” according to the U.S. Census Bureau, specify who is excluded by this
definition, and why the definition of “who is family?” is important.
3. Describe various types of families including the family of origin, family of procreation,
nuclear family, binuclear family, extended family, and the
traditional/modern/postmodern family.
4. Identify the differences between marriage and the family in the United States.
5. Explain how the Industrial Revolution affected family life.
6. Describe how marriages and families have changed since 1950.
7. Discuss various theoretical frameworks for viewing marriage and family, including social
exchange, family life course development, structure-function, conflict, symbolic
interaction, family systems, and feminist frameworks.
8. Identify the various issues to keep in mind when making interpersonal choices.
9. Understand global, structural, cultural, and media influences on choices.
10. Discuss how one’s family of origin, unconscious motivations, habit patterns,
personalities, and previous relationship experiences influence choices in relationships.
11. Identify the various stages in conducting a research project.
12. Identify caveats to keep in mind when reading/evaluating a research article.
TEST QUESTIONS
Multiple Choice
1. According to Pryor et al. (2008), the top goal of U.S. college undergraduates is
a. raising a family.
b. making a contribution to society.
c. enjoying one’s career.
d. financial success.
ANS: d
PG: 3
OBJ: 1.1
2. What relationship involves a legal contract and a public ceremony?
a. marriage
b. family
c. domestic partnership
d. cohabitation
ANS: a
PG: 4
OBJ: 1.1
3. These marriages result from a heterosexual couple living together and presenting
themselves to the community as married. They are legal in 10 states and the District of
Columbia.
a. domestic
b. civil union
c. common law
d. polygamous
ANS: c
PG: 4
OBJ: 1.1
4. One form of ___________ (generic term) is ____________ (the specific term).
a. polygamy; polygyny
b. polyandry; polygamy
c. polygyny; polyandry
d. polyandry; polygyny
ANS: a
PG: 5
OBJ: 1.1
5. Polygyny is legal in
a. Hawaii.
b. Utah and Arizona.
c. California and Nevada.
d. no state.
ANS: d
PG: 5
OBJ: 1.1
6. The Oneida Community of the 19th and 20th centuries is known for
a. homogamy.
b. polygyny.
c. polyandry.
d. pantagamy.
ANS: d
PG: 6
OBJ: 1.1
7. This term means that one woman is married to several men.
a. polyandry
b. pantagamy
c. polygyny
d. polyamory
ANS: a
PG: 6
OBJ: 1.1
8. The Census Bureau defines family as a group of two or more persons related by all of
the following EXCEPT:
a. law.
b. blood.
c. marriage.
d. adoption.
ANS: a
PG: 6
OBJ: 1.2
9. How many states recognize the marriages between same-sex individuals?
a. 0
b. 8
c. 25
d. 50
ANS: b
PG: 7
OBJ: 1.3
10. Your family of orientation is
a. the same as your family of procreation.
b. the family in which you begin a new family.
c. the family you marry into—your new spouse and in-laws.
d. the family into which you were born.
ANS: d
PG: 7
OBJ: 1.3
11. __________ are pair-bonded relationships given legal significance in terms of rights and
privileges.
a. Civil unions
b. Polygamous marriages
c. Binuclear families
d. Legal families
ANS: a
PG: 7
OBJ: 1.3
12. This type of family is known as a “universal social grouping.”
a. nuclear family
b. biparental family
c. monogamous marriage
d. polygamous marriage
ANS: a
PG: 8
OBJ: 1.3
13. The family you begin when you marry and have children is your
a. family of origin.
b. family of procreation.
c. monogamous family.
d. family of choice.
ANS: b
PG: 8
OBJ: 1.3
14. In contrast to the traditional family, what is an example of a postmodern family?
a. a dual earner family where both spouses work outside the home
b. a role reversal family where the wife earns the income and the father rears the
children
c. a gay couple rearing children
d. a single income family where the husband is the breadwinner
ANS: c
PG: 8
OBJ: 1.3
15. You, your parents, and your siblings are an example of
a. a polygamous family.
b. a binuclear family.
c. a nuclear family.
d. an extended family.
ANS: c
PG: 8
OBJ: 1.3
16. In contrast to the traditional family, an example of the modern family is
a. a dual career family where both spouses work outside the home.
b. a role reversal family where the wife earns the income and the father rears the
children.
c. a gay couple rearing children.
d. a single income family where the husband is the breadwinner.
ANS: a
PG: 8
OBJ: 1.3
17. The Industrial Revolution provided the context for the development of
a. familism.
b. individualism.
c. hedonism.
d. relativism.
ANS: b
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.5
18. Which of the following is NOT a change in the last half century?
a. death rather than divorce as the way most marriages end
b. increased use of technology
c. delay in marriage
d. rise in feminism
ANS: a
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.6
19. Which perspective argues that changes in the institution of marriage have few negative
consequences for individuals or society?
a. marriage resilience
b. modern
c. neo-feminism
d. industrialized
ANS: a
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.6
20. What is the theoretical framework that focuses on the transfer of resources?
a. social exchange framework
b. biosocial framework
c. structure function framework
d. family life course development framework
ANS: a
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
21. The family life course development framework emphasizes
a. how families change over time.
b. alternative family forms.
c. generational patterns in family dynamics.
d. the comparative study of families across cultures.
ANS: a
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
22. Which theoretical framework is concerned with transitions and tasks?
a. family life course development
b. social exchange
c. symbolic interaction
d. structure-function
ANS: a
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
23. The _________ framework looks at mate selection/interaction in terms of profit and
loss.
a. symbolic interaction
b. structure-function
c. systems
d. social exchange
ANS: d
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
24. Which theoretical framework views the family as an institution to stabilize society?
a. conflict
b. structure-function
c. family system
d. symbolic interaction
ANS: b
PG: 13
OBJ: 1.7
25. This theoretical framework looks at how marriage is beneficial to the society.
a. structure-function
b. symbolic interaction
c. social organization
d. conflict
ANS: a
PG: 13
OBJ: 1.7
26. Which of the following is NOT one of the identified functions of the family?
a. physical care
b. regulation of sexual behavior
c. status placement
d. acceptance of diversity
ANS: d
PG: 13
OBJ: 1.7
27. Conflict theorists regard conflict as
a. bad for families.
b. necessary to stop before escalation begins.
c. destructive for children as well as adults.
d. natural, normal, necessary for change and growth.
ANS: d
PG: 14
OBJ: 1.7
28. The self-fulfilling prophecy is part of the __________ framework.
a. family systems
b. family development/family life cycle
c. structure-function
d. symbolic interaction
ANS: d
PG: 15
OBJ: 1.7
29. According to the “looking-glass self,” children who are often criticized by their parents
a. make poor grades.
b. develop negative self-concepts.
c. improve themselves in order to gain parental approval.
d. have high expectations of a mate.
ANS: b
PG: 15
OBJ: 1.7
30. Which of the following is NOT part of the symbolic interaction framework?
a. definition of the situation
b. mating gradient
c. looking glass self
d. self-fulfilling prophecy
ANS: b
PG: 15
OBJ: 1.7
31. The __________ framework is concerned with family rules of interaction and
boundaries.
a. structure-function
b. family systems
c. social exchange
d. conflict
ANS: b
PG: 16
OBJ: 1.7
32. This theoretical framework uses the concepts of inequality and oppression in reference
to women.
a. social inequality
b. feminist
c. stratification
d. social class
ANS: b
PG: 16
OBJ: 1.7
33. “Not to decide is to decide” means that not making a decision
a. is a mistake.
b. is a negative way of making a decision.
c. is to reverse the decision making process.
d. is making a decision by default.
ANS: d
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
34. According to your text, if you don’t make a decision to be faithful to your partner,
a. you will become hedonistic by default.
b. you have made a decision to be vulnerable to cheating.
c. your partner will not reciprocate your promise of fidelity.
d. your lack of moral values will reflect negatively on you.
ANS: b
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
35. The central theme of your text is
a. choices in relationships.
b. everything changes in marriage and the family.
c. the pursuit of marriage is being replaced by the pursuit of singlehood.
d. the moral fabric of the institution of marriage must be strengthened.
ANS: a
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
36. Which of the following is close to an irrevocable choice?
a. deciding to marry
b. deciding to have a child
c. deciding to give up religion
d. deciding to end the relationship with one’s parents
ANS: b
PG: 18
OBJ: 1.8
37. The phrase “Most choices are revocable” means that
a. choices can be changed.
b. choices have both positive and negative outcomes.
c. choices are influenced by society.
d. choices are dictated by unwanted authority.
ANS: a
PG: 18
OBJ: 1.8
38. The most common decision making style of 148 college students in the Allen et al. study
was
a. “I am in control.”
b. “I am experimenting and learning.”
c. “I am irresponsible.”
d. “I am struggling but growing.”
ANS: a
PG: 18
OBJ: 1.8
39. Generation Yers tend to be all of the following EXCEPT
a. they focus on fun.
b. they live with parents.
c. they sacrifice through hard work to achieve economic stability.
d. they focus on the here and now.
ANS: c
PG: 19
OBJ: 1.8
40. The price of oil in the Middle East impacting family vacation choices reflects
a. materialistic values resulting in moralistic choices.
b. the interconnectedness of the European common market.
c. Obama economics.
d. global influences on choices.
ANS: d
PG: 20
OBJ: 1.9
41. Individuals in which country report the highest life satisfaction?
a. Switzerland
b. United States
c. Canada
d. Australia
ANS: a
PG: 20
OBJ: 1.9
42. The family and education are
a. role relationships.
b. social institutions.
c. normative networks.
d. status relationships.
ANS: b
PG: 20
OBJ: 1.9
43. Which of the following is a universal institution?
a. education
b. economy
c. family
d. religion
ANS: c
PG: 21
OBJ: 1.9
44. Which of the following is NOT a member of your primary group?
a. your sibling
b. your boss at your primary place of employment
c. your mother
d. your father
ANS: b
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
45. All of the following are secondary group members EXCEPT
a. your boss
b. your roommate
c. your teacher for this course
d. your sibling
ANS: d
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
46. Two types of _________ include primary and secondary.
a. social institutions
b. social groups
c. social statuses
d. social roles
ANS: b
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
47. Your coworkers in a job context are an example of a
a. primary group.
b. secondary institution.
c. peer role set.
d. secondary group.
ANS: d
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
48. A mother in a family is an example of a
a. role.
b. norm.
c. status.
d. function.
ANS: c
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
49. Our _________ identify who we are; our ________ identify what we do.
a. statuses; roles
b. roles; statuses
c. functions; beliefs
d. beliefs; functions
ANS: a
PG: 22
OBJ: 1.9
50. If your child needs to go to the doctor and you have a final exam, you are experiencing
a. family dysfunction.
b. status conflict.
c. primary group conflict.
d. role conflict.
ANS: d
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
51. Role conflict exists when
a. the expectations of one role conflict with the expectations of another role.
b. a person is uncertain about the expectations of a particular role.
c. a person intentionally disregards his or her role expectations.
d. a person has not properly identified status responsibilities.
ANS: a
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
52. Two central elements of culture include
a. roles and statuses.
b. beliefs and values.
c. primary and secondary groups.
d. functions and institutions
ANS: b
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
53. Which tends to be valued by Hispanic American families?
a. collectivism
b. individualism
c. familism
d. relatism
ANS: c
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
54. The “sociological imagination” shows how _________ affect(s) individual lives.
a. individual values
b. biological instincts
c. unconscious motivations
d. social structure and culture
ANS: d
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
55. Mike chose a career and wife similar to his father’s career and wife. This reflects which
influence on one’s personal choices?
a. family of origin
b. unconscious motivations
c. habit patterns
d. operant learning
ANS: a
PG: 24
OBJ: 1.10
56. The family you visit when you go home for the holidays is your
a. family of procreation.
b. family of origin.
c. family of familiarity.
d. family of kinship.
ANS: b
PG: 24
OBJ: 1.10
57. Why are random samples important in research?
a. They provide for generalization of findings to a larger population.
b. They increase the reliability of the research.
c. They decrease the likelihood that respondents provide distorted answers.
d. They remove the criticism of cohort issues.
ANS: a
PG: 26
OBJ: 1.12
58. What is the time lag from a completed research study and the article in print?
a. two months
b. two years
c. six months
d. five years
ANS: b
PG: 26
OBJ: 1.12
59. Most researchers use “convenience” samples which means an overabundance of
a. grade school data due to the captive audience.
b. high school seniors who are willing to complete questionnaires.
c. diverse college students from different social classes, religions, and races.
d. white, Protestant, middle-class students.
ANS: d
PG: 26
OBJ: 1.12
60. In research, the group not exposed to the independent variable is known as the
a. convenience group.
b. random group.
c. experimental group.
d. control group.
ANS: d
PG: 27
OBJ: 1.12
True-False
1. The one social institution that focuses on fulfilling the emotional needs of its members is
the family.
ANS: T
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.7
2. The conflict framework views individuals in relationships as competing for valuable
resources.
ANS: T
PG: 14
OBJ: 1.7
3. Definition of the situation and looking-glass self are concepts relevant to the conflict
framework for viewing the family.
ANS: F
PG: 15
OBJ: 1.7
4. The primary themes of the feminist framework are inequality and oppression.
ANS: T
PG: 16
OBJ: 1.7
5. Rules, boundaries, subsystems, and openness are concepts relevant to the life course
theoretical framework.
ANS: F
PG: 16
OBJ: 1.7
6. Not to make a decision to end an abusive relationship is to decide to stay in it.
ANS: T
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
7. A person who drinks, is sexually active, and does not use contraception has made a
decision by default to become a parent.
ANS: T
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
8. More college students are “in control” than “experimenting and learning” when making
decisions.
ANS: T
PG: 18
OBJ: 1.8
9. Generation Yers are more serious than their “immediate gratification” parents and feel
more dedicated to get credentials to ensure their economic survival in a recessionary
economy.
ANS: F
PG: 19
OBJ: 1.8
10. Approximately two years elapse between the end of a research study and its
publication.
ANS: T
PG: 27
OBJ: 1.12
Short Answer
1. Identify the benefits of marriage and the liabilities of singlehood.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 5
OBJ: 1.1
2. Compare and contrast the terms marriage and the family.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 6
OBJ: 1.4
3. Discuss the changes in U.S. marriages and families in the last sixty years.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.6
4. Give examples of how the choices you are facing are influenced by where you are in the
family life cycle.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
5. Use the concepts of social exchange to explain the reasons for your staying in your
current relationship or leaving your last one.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
6. What functions/benefits does the family provide for the larger society?
ANS: Will vary
PG: 13
OBJ: 1.7
7. What are the two primary foci of the feminist framework for viewing marriage and the
family?
ANS: Will vary
PG: 16
OBJ: 1.7
8. Discuss and give five examples of how “not to decide is to decide.”
ANS: Will vary
PG: 17
OBJ: 1.8
9. Discuss how global and media influences impact relationship choices.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 20
OBJ: 1.9
10. Using the “sociological imagination” explain how your choice of a marriage partner is
influenced.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 23
OBJ: 1.9
Essay
1. Discuss the functions of marriage for the individual and for society and predict whether
marriage will or will not continue as a viable social institution.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 10
OBJ: 1.1
2. Discuss the social exchange view of relationships. What social exchanges are occurring
in your current or past relationships?
ANS: Will vary
PG: 12
OBJ: 1.7
3. Using the looking glass self concept, discuss how your self-concept develops and is
maintained.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 15
OBJ: 1.7
4. How do social structure and culture affect relationship choices?
ANS: Will vary
PG: 20
OBJ: 1.9
5. Review the steps in conducting a research project and the issues to keep in mind when
evaluating a research article.
ANS: Will vary
PG: 25
OBJ: 1.11