Lec 4. Chapter 2. Theories

III. Structural Functionalism: families must stay intact to fulfill functions

1. threats to fam:change gender roles,increased dual-earner &single-parent fam

2. biological analogy: treats society as if living organism,

3. different subsystems: major institutions, e.g. fam, perform survival functions

a. functions: provides members for soc through procreation; socializes

4. gender division of functions: men work outside home & have instrumental

traits: competitive, cool, self-confidence, rationality; women expressive traits:

warmth, emotionality, nurturing, sensitivity, appropriate for inside home.

a. Efficient: each specializes, minimizing competition, duty conflict

5. Critique: theory not empirically testable, function of trad D of L efficiency or

subordination?, role reversal sometimes be more efficient?, is vital function lost

if schools take over socialization?, conser bias—nontrad roles dysfunct; too abstract

IV. Conflict Theory:conflict,disagree not bad;natural part fam life; can be compete goals

1. 4 sources of power:

a. legitimacy: belief that persons entitled to prevail by right

b. money: men have more than women

c. physical coercion: of children (spanking) and in abuse of women

d. love: can coerce (“if you loved me”) or be gift given to enhance rel

2 Critique: no talk of power of love/bonding& willing sacrifice; differences may

not lead to conflict but tolerated/appreciated; most fam conflict regulated

V. Men’s Studies: focuses how men’s experience shaped by masculinity or challenge to

a. Men overlooked: it is argued in the study of families

VI. Family Systems Theory:combo struc funct,symb interact for psychotherapeutic theo

1. 4 subsystems: spousal, parent/child, parental (rel to hus/wife parents), personal

2. separation: subsystems for family to function well; spousal conflict no spill over

child/parent; incest when parent go to child for spousal affection, etc.

3. critique: its basic concepts still in dispute: apply healthy fams outside clinincal

setting? E.g., healthy families seek homeostasis (theo) or well-being?

VII. Family Development Theory:examines 8 seq. stages;critique:downplays diversity