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Chapter 3:Marriage and the Family:
Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches
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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
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Examines family groups and systems
Family sociology is concerned with: Social forms Social structures Contexts of human behavior
Sociology of Families
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Measurement
Measurement is the process by which numbers are assigned to the characteristics or traits being studied.
Two concerns of measurement:1. Measurement reliability
2. Measurement validity
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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.
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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.
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Statistical Concepts
Five key statistical analysis ideas:
1. Frequencies
2. Means and percentages
3. Positive and negative correlations
4. Strength of correlation
5. Generalizability
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.