Institution Analysis:

Family

Sociology 1
Presented by Shuai Wang, Jiacheng Liu
 Define Family
➔ A family is one of the institutions of our society.
➔ It can be defined as whether a nuclear family (consisted
only of a husband, wife, and children), or extended family
(such as grandparents, aunts) or blended family (created by
remarriage)
➔ In additions, the composition of the family could consist of
adoption or those who live together in an intimate
relationship
The Origin of Family(3)

1 2 Judeo-Christian 3
Creation Myths Nobility
Tradition

● Ancient Greek believed ● According to the Bible's ● Kinship relationships

the human beings are book of Genesis, the
the creation of Greek first woman and man
gods. were created by God.
● Only the descendants of ● The ancients often had
gods can qualify the practice of having
privileged social status. multiple spouses at the
same time, Polygamy.
●
● King Henry VII of
England assigned a
church to
record-keeping of the
genealogy.
Recaps Functionalism

1. Functional Perspective emphasizes that a social institution

must perform its functions to maintain social stability.
2. Each part of society functions have to contribute to the
whole
Basic Functions of Family

Economic Support Emotional Support

➔ Including food, ➔ Members share

clothing, shelter, and confidences, love, trust,
other essentials. comfort, help in times of
emotional distress.
Additional Functions of Family

Socialization Sexual Activity and Sexual

Reproduction
➔ Family is the primary unit
in which it happens. ➔ Ensure infants have
➔ All the older family adequate practical care,
members help socialize and emotional support.
children ➔ Prohibit sex between
relatives
Recaps Conflict Theory

1. Conflict Theorists view social structure as inherently

unequal, for example: Women strive for equality in a
male-dominated society.
2. Conflicts or contradictions can lead the evolution of the
society
Family under Conflicts Theory

● As a social institution, Family contributes to social inequality by giving

its children social identities; hence affect their life changes. It reinforces
the social stratification as children could inherit wealth from their
families. (1)
● Family can have conflicts among its own members. The new story of
family is no longer illustrated as happy and harmonious groups, but
emotional cruelty and physical violence are involved.
Gender Roles- Segregation, Old Features(2)
1 Father
● High professional qualification
● Participation of man in
housekeeping is only partially
wanted
● Making decisions over housing,
schooling for children
● It is not necessary for men to
take care of children.
2 Mother
● Professional qualification is not
necessary because the
professional advancement is
unimportant for women
● Housekeeping and child care are
major jobs of the woman
● Women does not have the last
say
● Women suppose to take care of
the children in largest part
Gender Roles- Functionalism, Conflict Theory

1 Functionalism 2 Conflict Theory

❏ Social norms surrounding ❏ It will bring conflicts and

family are strictly
importants.
❏ This structure can offer
their children the best
possible chance for
socialization, and
stability.
lead to divorce because
women and men should
share the same amount
of rights in performing
functions in family.
New Features: Sexuality of Family

➢ In nowadays, people have pursued equality, even in sexual

behaviors, such as homosexuality. (5)
➢ What is considered as “normal” becomes a question to
everyone. (6)
➢ The same-sex parents are being understood in recent
years(7)
Sociological Perspectives on Homosexuality

➢ Functionalism ➢ Conflict Theory(4)

It cannot be promoted Legal marriage is a

and acceptable as
heterosexuality.
It will eventually cease
procreation.
fundamental right for
everyone and it cannot
be denied based on
sexual orientation.
 Works Cited
1.[Author removed at request of original publisher]. “Sociology: Understanding and
Changing the Social World.” University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, University
of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition, 2016. This Edition Adapted from a Work
Originally Produced in 2010 by a Publisher Who Has Requested That It Not
Receive Attribution., 8 Apr. 2016,
open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/15-2-sociological-perspectives-on-the-family/.

2.Marks, Jaime et al. “Family Patterns of Gender Role Attitudes” Sex roles vol.
61,3-4 (2009): 221-234.

3.Sociation Today Spring/Summer 2011, Volume 9, Number 1,

www.ncsociology.org/sociationtoday/v22/family.htm.
 Works Cited
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Nayirah. "MAYBE BABY: Parenting isn't only meant for cisgender people." The Advocate, Oct.-Nov. 2018,
p. 5. Gender Studies Collection,
http://link.galegroup.com.ezp.pasadena.edu/apps/doc/A557705158/PPGB?u=pasa
19871&sid=PPGB&xid=ba695d84. Accessed 23 Nov. 2018.
6."The rise in single-parent women-headed families in US." WIN News, Winter 1993, p. 75. Gender Studies
Collection, http://link.galegroup.com.ezp.pasadena.edu/apps/doc/A13795339/PPGB?u=pasa1
9871&sid=PPGB&xid=9a5958fe. Accessed 23 Nov. 2018.

7.Weiser, Jay. "Foreword: the next normal-developments since marriage rights for same-sex couples in
New York." Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, vol. 13, no. 1, 2004, p. 48+. Gender Studies Collection,
http://link.galegroup.com.ezp.pasadena.edu/apps/doc/A117259249/PPGB?u=pasa
19871&sid=PPGB&xid=d66037a0. Accessed 23 Nov. 2018.