1. Briefly, and in your own words, describe each of the four theories discussed in Chapter 1 of the text.
2. Think of an example (a situation or event that has to do with a marriage or a family) that has happened to you or someone you know fairly well and show how that situation or event could be explained and understood by one of these four theories.

The purpose of this assignment is to see if you understand the four theories well enough to explain them in your own words and apply at least one of them to a real-life situation or event. Be sure that your paper demonstrates this ability. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. No references to anything other than the text are required but if you use any references, including the text, be sure to cite them appropriately.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

For Topics 1-8, you will be provided with journal topics from the assigned readings. Reflect on those topics from your own personal experiences, but always be sure that your journal entry follows the instructions and covers the topics described.

These journal entries should not be in APA format. They are first-person accounts of experiences and your understanding of those experiences in light of the sociological concepts referred to in the instructions. The purpose of these journal reflections is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the concepts and can apply them to your own life and situation. Thus, you should always name and define the concept, but the focus should be on your own personal experiences with or of that concept.

Complete the “Topic 1 Marriage and Family Journal” worksheet.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

SOC-320 Topic 1 Journal Entry.docx

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Theoretical Framework of Marriage and Family

Introduction

In the United States, the theoretical framework of marriage and family has changed dramatically over time. In the past, Marriage and family were seen as two separate entities: Marriage was a religious and/or legal institution, while family was a private matter. The two were considered to be different spheres of life, and there was little interaction between the two. However, over time, the theoretical framework of marriage and family has shifted to a more holistic view. Now, marriage and family are seen as interconnected institutions that share common goals and values. This shift has been driven by changes in society, such as the rise of individualism and the decline of traditional values. Despite these changes, marriage and family remain important institutions in the United States. They provide stability and support in a time of rapidly changing social norms. If you are considering getting married or starting a family, it is important to understand the current theoretical framework of marriage and family so that you can make the best decisions for your future.

What is a theoretical framework?

A theoretical framework is a set of ideas that provides a way to understand, explain, and predict phenomena in a particular field. In the context of marriage and family, a theoretical framework can be used to better understand how families function and change over time.

There are many different types of theoretical frameworks that scholars use to study families. Some common frameworks include functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminism. Each of these frameworks offers a different perspective on the family and its role in society.

Functionalism is a structuralist theory that sees society as a system of interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability. This perspective views the family as one of the key institutions in society that helps to socialize children and meet basic human needs.

Conflict theory focuses on the ways in which power and resources are unequal within society, and how this affects family life. From this perspective, families are seen as battlegrounds where individuals compete for limited resources.

Symbolic interactionism is an individual-level theory that emphasizes the importance of communication and symbols in social life. This perspective views families as networks of individuals who interact with each other on a daily basis.

Feminism is a social justice theory that seeks to equality for all people regardless of gender. From this perspective, families are seen as patriarchal institutions that reinforce gender inequality. Feminists also focus on the ways in which mothers are often marginalized within the family unit.

Theoretical Framework of Marriage and Family

In the Western world, the nuclear family is the most common type of family. This family structure consists of a mother, father, and their children living in one household. The nuclear family is considered to be the foundation of society, and it is thought to provide stability and support for its members.

The nuclear family has its origins in the Industrial Revolution, when families began to move from rural areas to urban centers in search of work. This change in lifestyle led to a change in the roles of women and men within the family. Women were no longer able to rely on their husbands to provide for them financially, and they were expected to take on more domestic duties such as childcare and housekeeping.

The nuclear family is not without its critics. Some argue that this type of family structure is too restrictive, and that it puts too much pressure on both parents to perform all of the domestic tasks. Others argue that the nuclear family does not provide enough support for its members, and that it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Conclusion

It is evident that there is no one answer to the question of what a family should look like. Theoretical frameworks provide different lenses through which we can view marriage and family, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the various theoretical frameworks, we can better understand the complex nature of families and how they operate.