Sociology 4/5/12 Family -american heritage dictionary -a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents

and their children -two or more people who shares goals US Census -a group of 2 or more (one a householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together. -same sex couple with no children not considered a family (most states) Goode (1964) -two adults of opposite sex residing together -division of labor -economic and social exchanges -share things in common -children protection, cooperation, nurturance -relationships with siblings Why are definitions important -legal concerns Health benefits/other benifits -health concerns Medical decisions, medical responsibilities -economic concerns Child support/alimony/title of house/assets -demographic concerns What counts as family? -constructing the family survey (gage public opinions on the organization and structure of family) -heteronormative definitions of family (privilege same-sex couple) -importance of children (especially to same-sex and cohabitance couples) -uncertainty of cohabitation -overall illegitimacy of people without intimate relationship or children What counts as family? -Exclusionist -privilege traditional family form -excludes same sex and cohabitants -moderates -kids are important -inclusions -accept all except for views about roommates Family and Society -family only small part of social structure -but links individuals to other institutions -church -state

Sociology 4/5/12 -economy -structuration -family influence the social structure & the social structure influences the family -family supported by wide range of norms, values, laws, and social pressures -family has important institutional goals -reproduction -nurturance -socialization of children -economic cooperation -psychological support and protection of members -when is a family dysfunctional Types of families -family of orientation (family born into) versus family of procreation (family you going to have) -nuclear family versus extended family (generally dont live in the home) -monogamy versus polygamy -polygyny (single man and many women) versus polyandry (single woman and many men) Demographic changes -delaying or foregoing marriage -2011. Men-29 women-27 -increase in cohabitation -increase in divorce -increase in nonmarital childbearing -changing attitudes -increasing life expectancy -reduction in fertility rate -immigration -women entering labor market -particularly large increases for women with young children -all changes related.