Chapter 3: Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches

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Chapter 3:Marriage and the Family:

Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches


Disciplines Involved in Family Study

Anthropology Biology Child Development Counseling Demography Economics Education English Genealogy

History Home Economics Law Psychology Public Health Religion Social Work Sociology


Examines family groups and systems

Family sociology is concerned with: Social forms Social structures Contexts of human behavior

Sociology of Families


Uses of Family Sociology

Descriptive—describes families and family processes

Explanatory—explains why phenomena or events occur in families

Evaluative—recommends effective programs and policies


Assumes that social phenomena have certain regularities and uniformities that operate independently of the observer.

Uses objective empirical observation to establish general relationships between and among social phenomena.

Social Science Approach


The Scientific Process

The relationship between research and theory is a cyclical one.– Exploratory research involves induction—the

derivation of general and abstract knowledge from particular and concrete observations.

– Explanatory research involves deduction—the derivation of particular and concrete predictions from general and abstract theories.


Parts of Theories1. Assumptions—Fundamental truths about the world from

which all other aspects of theories derive their meanings.

2. Concepts and Variables— Concepts identify qualities, attributes or properties

of social behavior. Variables are concepts that represent degrees or

values.3. Propositions and Hypotheses—

A proposition is a statement about the nature of some phenomenon.

An hypothesis is a testable statement about the relationship between two variables.


Concepts and Variables Conceptual Frameworks are sets of

interrelated concepts used to describe and classify phenomena.

Typologies are clusters of concepts. Variables are concepts that represent

degrees or values. Operationalization is the process of

translating concepts to variables.


Types of Research

Qualitative Observation starts with observation and develops theory as a result. Focuses on qualities, rather than quantities.

Quantitative Research starts with theories and develops specific measures in order to test theories.


Quantitative Research Designs

Experiments—Standardized and highly controlled setting with randomized assignment to the experimental and control groups.

Surveys—Participants answer questions to measure their background characteristics and experiences. The researcher then looks for correlation between variables.


Sample Selection

Sampling is the process by which units of observation (sample) are selected to represent the total group (population).

Sample adequacy is judged by representativeness and generalizability.

In random selection each unit has a similar chance of being selected for the sample.


Measurement

Measurement is the process by which numbers are assigned to the characteristics or traits being studied.

Two concerns of measurement:1. Measurement reliability2. Measurement validity


Causal Validity

Causal Validity—the assurance that one variable causes the other.

In order to show causation:– Variables must show covariation.– Relationship must not be spurious.– One variable must precede the other.

Longitudinal designs measure phenomena over time; cross-sectional designs measure phenomena at only one point in time.


Ecological Validity

Ecological Validity—is the generalizability of research results to the natural settings of human behavior.

Surveys are higher in ecological validity than experiments.


Statistical Concepts

Five key statistical analysis ideas:1. Frequencies2. Means and percentages3. Positive and negative correlations4. Strength of correlation5. Generalizability


Theory

Macro Theories—assess families across societal contexts and see individual behavior as influenced by social structure.

Micro Theories—See marital and family phenomena as a result of negotiations.

Multilevel Theories—Attempt to incorporate both macro and micro level processes.


Assumptions of Structural-Functional Frameworks

There is a relationship between the whole and its interdependent parts.

Social structures carry out or result in basic functions.

Functions are consequences of social structures and activities.


Assumptions of Social Conflict Frameworks

Conflict is present in all social groups. Conflict shapes institutions and

relationships. Conflict is a source of both order and

change. Conflict can be positive.


Assumptions of Symbolic Interaction Frameworks

Humans act on the basis of subjective meanings.

Meanings are derived from social interaction.

Meanings are modified through interpretive processes.


Assumptions of Social Exchange Frameworks

Humans are rational hedonists who seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Humans use their expectations for rewards and costs to guide their behavior.

Standards used to evaluate rewards and costs differ from person to person and over time.

Norms of reciprocity exist. Participants to an exchange are interdependent. Changes in relationships guide exchanges over time. Exchanges are based on both attraction and dependence.


Assumptions of Family Systems Frameworks

Families are living systems that respond to environmental pressures while in a constant state of change or morphogenesis.

The sum of the family is greater than its parts. Family structures that best facilitate goal

achievement and system adaptation processes can be specified.– Olson’s model focuses on cohesion, flexibility, and

communication.


Assumptions of Developmental Frameworks

Families pass through stages during their life course.

Families must successfully complete tasks at each stage.

Failure to complete tasks results in:– Family unhappiness– Social disapproval– Difficulty with later tasks


Assumptions of Postmodern Perspectives

Rationality and science are not the foundations of all knowledge; scientific knowledge is grand narrative.

Grand narratives are shaped by those in power.

Central concepts are deconstruction and reflexivity.


Assumptions of Feminist Frameworks

Women are oppressed. The personal is political. Feminists need to be successful in the

current system while working to change oppressive practices and institutions.


Contemporary Family TheoryCan be Expanded by:

Integrating conceptual schemes. Reinterpreting their meanings. Engaging the tensions between positivism and

post-modernity. Acknowledging diversity and subjective

experience. Recognizing intersections of race, class, gender,

sexual orientation and age.

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Chapter 3: Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches