Skip to content
Class Notes

Class Notes for Families and Their Social Worlds, 3rd Edition

  • Sociology
  • 54 pages
  • Shared February 2025
  • 48 downloads

Class Notes for Families and Their Social Worlds, 3rd Edition is your go-to reference for efficient studying.

Preview 17 of 54 pages

See the first 17 pages exactly as they appear in the document.

  1. Page 1
    Read page 1 as text

    INSTRUCTOR’S MANUAL F AMILIES AND THEIR SOCIAL WORLDS THIRD EDITION Karen Seccombe Portland State University

  2. Page 2
  3. Page 3
    Read page 3 as text

    Table of Contents I : Introduction # Chapter 1: Families and the Sociological Imagination # Chapter 2: Families Throughout the World: Marriage, Family, and Kinship # Chapter 3: Families Throughout History # Chapter 4: Sex, Gender, and Families # Chapter 5: Social Stratification, Social Class, and Families # Chapter 6: Race, Ethnicity, and Families # Chapter 7: Courtship, Intimacy, and Partnering # Chapter 8: Marriage: A Personal Relationship and Social Institution # Chapter 9: Becoming a Parent # Chapter 10: Raising Children # Chapter 11: Families and the Work They Do # Chapter 12: Aging Families # Chapter 13: Violence and Abuse #

  4. Page 4
    Read page 4 as text

    Chapter 1: Families and the Sociological Imagination Chapter Context This chapter introduces a sociological imagination to the study of families and intimate relationships. Rather than seeing families as simply personal and private relationships that operate in a random fashion, we recognize that many seemingly personal family issues are related to broader social concerns. Outcome - based Outline Outcome Learning Objectives Interactivity Critical Thinking 1.4 Summarize differing opinions on how families have changed x.x [interactive] (if app) 1.6 Summarize five themes that explore the social side of families Knowledge of Subject Matter (or Discipline) 1.1 Discuss families and the diversity of families, and the interpersonal relationships contained within them 1.3 Analyze the relationship of society to shaping individual experiences and choices 1.5 Compare the differences in family policies between the United States and other nations Cultural Competence 1.2 Specify different definitions of family PowerPoint Presentation Download the PowerPoint Presentation for this chapter here . Discussion Question Bank This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1 - 2 per module) which are included for in - class use. Module Discussion Question (s) 1.1 Chapter Preview: Families and the Sociological Imagination 1. Considering your family of origin and the perceptions of the ideal family perpetuated from the 1950s to the 1990s,

  5. Page 5
    Read page 5 as text

    how did your family compare? How accurately do you think the media portrays family life? 2. Within your cir cle of friends and family, how diverse are families when compared to yours? Are you surprised by how much or how little diversity there is within your circle? 1.2 What Are Families? 1. What is your definition of family? If your definition has changed over time , why and how has it changed? 2. Think about w ho you consider family that you are not r elated to by blood or marriage. Why do you think fictive kin are included in the textbook’s definition, but not the Census Bureau definition? 1.3 The Sociological Imagination 1. Do you think mixed - methods would be suitable for research on families? What combination of methods would you use? 2. Based on your life experience, which theory best explains family structure and family dynamics? 1.4 Families and Social Change 1. How are your decisions/ideas about family life different from your parents and grandparents? How do you see these differences impacting families? 2. Considering the conservative, liberal, and feminist views, which view do you take on families? Why do you take this view? 1.5 The State and Family Policy 1. If the United States had universal programs such as Belgium, Denmark, France, and Canada, would families do better or would they do worse? Why do you think that ? 2. Do you think welfare reform has been successful? What factors are you considering most important in coming to your conclusion? 1.6 Themes of Families and Their Social Worlds 1. How do you envision a “ normal family ” ? If there is such a thing as a normal family , what does that imply about families that do not fit the description? 2. Which of the five themes are you most looking forward to learning more about? What most interests you about it? 3. Can you suggest a specific comparative approach for studying family sociology in America?

  6. Page 6
    Read page 6 as text

    Research Assignments The following research assignments pertain to the main topics and/or themes of the chapter. Please respond by writing a paper consisting of 1000 – 1500 words. [Research Assignment Title] Using 2 – 3 scholarly sources, discuss relevant factors from two of the themes discussed in the chapter and how those factors impact families and social change or impact the government and family policy . Experiential Learning Take a walking tour of the neighborhoods surrounding your campus or community to view a “snapsho t” of American families today. Before you go, use an online mapping program (like Google) to plan a route and measure the distance from you r classroom or campus entrance. Use your observational skills as you explore the social and family environment. Note the different types of housing and commercial buildings. Where are the sidewalks and crosswalks? Where are the main streets and highways? Where do you see people of different ages? What might this place be like for different types of families? Search the most recent U.S. Census data on cities and towns where you or family or friends have lived. What is the population of those areas? What is the median family income? What is the median price of a home? What is the unemployment rate? How far do people commute to work? Make a phone call to someone you know in one of these areas. Test their knowledge about the history of their city or town. Ask them about the characteristics of families and households in their area.

  7. Page 7
    Read page 7 as text

    Chapter 2 : Families Throughout the World: Marriage, Family, and Kinship Chapter Context This chapter reveals both the similarities and differences in marriage, family, and kinship patterns throughout the world. As a social institution, families reflect the environment, historical period, and culture in which they are found. Outcome - based Outline Outcome Learning Objectives Interactivity Critical Thinking 2.4 Evaluate how modernization and industrialization affected families x.x [interactive] (if app) Knowledge of Subject Matter (or Discipline) 2.1 Analyze the similarities and differences in the functions and structure of family relationships 2.5 Explain how families are influenced by the political and economic world system 2.6 Compare the differences among families in India, Japan, and Sweden Cultural Competence 2.2 Describe the most common features and functions of the family 2.3 Explain the differences in marriages and family patterns as found in different cultures PowerPoint Presentation Download the PowerPoint Presentation for this chapter here . Discussion Question Bank This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1 - 2 per module) which are included for in - class use. Module Discussion Question (s) 2.1 Chapter Preview: Families Throughout the World: Marriage, Family, and Kinship 1. How do you believe your family culture has influenced where /how you currently live? What advantages might be

  8. Page 8
    Read page 8 as text

    found in an extended family situation? 2. In your culture do you think married couples tend to have a closer relationship with the bride’s family or the groom’s? Why and how is this important? 2.2 Functions of the Family: Variations and Universals 1. Considering your own family, which function of families seems to be the most dominant? 2. Reflecting on the functions of the family which seems to be least important in American society? 2.3 Differences in Marriage and Family Patterns 1. How has endogamy and exogamy impac ted marriage choices and/or marital life in your extended family? 2. Reflecting on the customs and practices of marriage around the world, which , if any, do you plan on practicing? What are the advantages of some that you haven’t chosen to practice? 2.4 Modernization Theory: Social Change and Families 1. Considering the connection between modernization and the progressive loss of gemeinschaft, would you consider industrialization and modernization a positive factor or negative factor for the strength of families? Why 2. Reflecting on the changes to the conjugal nuclear family resulting from industrialization and modernization , think of an example from your family , friends, or community where jobs have taken family members away from extended kin. What

  9. Page 9
    Read page 9 as text

    impact did the situation have on the family? 2.5 World Systems Theory: Social Change and Families 1. R eflecting on families you know, choose a situation that demonstrates world systems theory. H ow does the situation demonstrate the theory? 2. Which theory better explains changes in families, world systems or modernization? Why do you believe that it explains change better? 2.6 Families Around the World: India, Japan, and Sweden 1. Assuming you could choose to participate in the marriage and family patterns of India, Japan, or Sweden which one would you choose? Why? 2. Which theory best explains family changes in India, Japan, and Sweden? Why? Research Assignments The following research assignments pertain to the main topics and/or themes of the chapter. Please respond by writing a paper consisting of 1000 – 1500 words. [Research Assignment Title] Choose one developed and one developing country. Using 2 – 3 scholarly resources , research how historical events and culture have changed marriage and family patterns including family functions. S ummariz e the event and the result ing change , and compare and contrast how modernization theory and world systems theory would explain these changes. Demonstrate your ability to apply these theories. Experiential Learning Conduct an informal interview with two people you know who grew up in different living situations. For example, find a friend or acquaintance whose biological or adopted parents have been married for 20+ years, one who lived (most of the time) with one parent, an unmarried couple, or grandparents. Ask them for their perspective on the functions of family. Listen for their responses to your open - ended questions. Do not prompt them with the “variations and universals” as described in your text. Jot down notes, and later compare their lists to the one devised by the theory of structural functionalism. What further research could you do to examine the modern functions of family in your community?

  10. Page 10
    Read page 10 as text

    Note: Always check with your professor about your college or university’s institutional policy on data collection for classroom purposes, and adhere to guidelines for the protection of human subjects in social research .

  11. Page 11
    Read page 11 as text

    Chapter 3 : Families Throughout History Chapter Context A look at history can provide us with critical insights about families today. Addressing whether recent family changes are good or bad can best be answered by taking an extended view of how families both promote and adapt to various changes in the larger society. Outcome - based Outline Outcome Learning Objectives Interactivity 3 . 5 Assess the effects of industrialization, immigration, and urbanization on U.S. families x.x [interactive] (if app) Knowledge of Subject Matter (or Discipline) 3.1 Identify how families have changed throughout history Cultural Competence 3.3 Describe family life in preindustrial societies 3.4 Analyze the differences in preindustrial family life among Native Americans, African Americans, and European colonists Information Literacy 3.2 Explain how family life can be researched from a historical perspective 3.6 Describe how twentieth - century events shaped the modern family 3.7 Recognize that current family issues have historical precedents PowerPoint Presentation Download the PowerPoint Presentation for this chapter here . Discussion Question Bank This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1 - 2 per module) which are included for in - class use. Module Discussion Question (s) 3.1 Chapter Preview: Families Throughout History 1. How is your family different than the family your parents

  12. Page 12
    Read page 12 as text

    or grandparents grew up in? What impact do you think those differences had or have on each famil y ? 2. Choose at least 2 ways your family is similar to the family your parents and grandparents grew up in and discuss the similarities. Why might those characteristic s have continued through generations? 3.2 Why Study Family History 1. Of the family function s listed in T able 3.1 which do you think has changed the most since your grandparent’s childhood? What evidence do you have of that change? 2. Why is it important to have researchers looking at specific areas of family life? 3.3 Families in Preindustrial Societies 1. Why would subsistence economies have little social division? 2. In preindustrial societies why was there a division between men’s and women’s work? Who would have more power in that society – men or women – and why ? 3.4 Family Life in Preindustrial United States 1. What are the similarities and differences in marriage s of Native American s , African Americans, and European colonists in preindustrial United States? 2. How would you expect the introduction of diseases from white settlers to impact the N ative American families? 3.5 American Families in the Nineteenth Century 1. How did industrialization change the structure of families? 2. Which era would you choose to live in, the preindustrial or early industrial? Why? 3.6 Families in the Twentieth Century: The Rise of the "Modern" Family 1. If you are a woman , discuss why you would or would not support women earning the right to vote as if you are a man living in that era. If you are a man discuss why you would or would not support women earning the

  13. Page 13
    Read page 13 as text

    right to vote as if you were a wom a n living in that era . 2. How might war change the makeup of the family and family roles? 3.7 Recent Family Issues and Their Historical Roots 1. How do economic difficulties potential ly change the roles of family members? How might this impact families ? 2. If you lost your job, how d o you think it would impact your family? What resources and support do you have? What services are available to help families? Research Assignments The following research assignments pertain to the main topics and/or themes of the chapter. Please respond by writing a paper consisting of 1000 – 1500 words. Comparing Eras Choose two eras discussed and one function of the family discussed in the chapter . Research this function in both eras , and c ompare and contrast the importance of the function in each era. Evaluate how the function influenced family roles specifically gender roles and the role of children. Experiential Learning Ask a close family member or friend if you can explore their collection of photos, holiday cards, letters, special clothing, or other memorabilia. Clean out a closet or an attic with an elderly relative. Voluntarily assist an elderly member of your community with cleaning out a garage or basement (with a classmate or friend if you prefer). Alternatively, sign up with an assisted living facility or a senior housing program to spend an hour or two with a resident. Ask them about their early experiences. What jobs (or chores) did they do when they were children? What were their responsibilities at home? What is the significance of their keepsakes and mementos to them? What do they see as today’s economic challenges for families in their neighborhood or community?

  14. Page 14
    Read page 14 as text

    Chapter 4 : Sex, Gender, and Families Chapter Context All social institutions, whether political, religious, economic, educational, or familial, distinguish between men and women in fundamental ways that extend far beyond biological sex differences. However, gender is largely a social construction, and a comparative approach shows us that expected masculine and feminine behaviors differ historically and cross - culturally. Outcome - based Outline Outcome Learning Objectives Interactivity Critical Thinking 4.3 Conclude where and how we learn gendered behavior x.x [interactive] (if app) 4.6 Conclude whether patriarchy exists in Western nations 4.7 Evaluate the implications of gender within family relationships Knowledge of Subject Matter (or Discipline) 4.1 Discuss sex and gender and their influence on families and intimate relationships 4.2 Differentiate between sex and gender 4.4 Identify the drawbacks of traditional gender identity 4.5a Explain how patriarchy influences women's lives 4.5b Hypothesize on the origins of patriarchy 4.8 Identify organizations that focus on strengthening family resilience through social policy PowerPoint Presentation Download the PowerPoint Presentation for this chapter here . Discussion Question Bank This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1 - 2 per module) which are included for in - class use. Module Discussion Question (s)

  15. Page 15
    Read page 15 as text

    4.1 Chapter Preview: Sex, Gender, and Families 1. Do you think Americans would be more or less likely to admit their preferences for a certain gender child when compared to other cultures? How come? 2. Reflecting on the research by Dahl and Moretti (2003), what antidotal evidence do you have to support or challenge their results? 4.2 Sex and Gender: What's the Difference? 1. Reflect on the behavior of men and women at your family get - togethers : what differences are there? Are these differences biological or environmental /social ? 2. When you first see someone, w hat characteristics do you look for when trying to determine gender? What does it mean to be a man or woman to you? 4.3 Where Do We Learn Gender? 1. As a child , w hat messages did adults give you about how to behave properly for your gender? 2. As a teen and young adult, what impact did the media have on your gender development and behavior? 4.4 The Pitfalls of Masculinity 1. Reflecting on toys, interests, and activities, what types of restrictions have you seen put on boys in your life? 2. How much, if any, have gender roles loosened up since your parents were children? 4.5 Institutional Sex Discrimination: Patriarchy 1. Why do women continue to support and participate in the practice of female genital mutilation? What would you do if you were in their situation? 2. Considering the practice of female genital mutilation, what societal changes would be necessary to end the practice? 4.6 Does Patriarchy Exist in Western Nations? 1. How many of your female friends and relatives change d their name when they married? Imagine that you are deci ding whether or not to change your name to be the same as your spouse. What factors would you consider? 2. What examples of institutional sex discrimination in the United States have impacted your life or the life of someone you love? 4.7 Implications for Families 1. Which of the income in equality statistics surprised you? What do you think is the biggest factor influencing the income differences?

  16. Page 16
    Read page 16 as text

    2. What evidence of unequal wages for men and women have you seen in the workplace? What reasoning did the employer use to explain the difference? 4.8 Social Policy and Family Resilience in Sex, Gender, and Families 1. Considering the evidence that family planning improves the lives of women, what factors are behind the power of those that oppose family planning? How might these forces be countered? 2. How has family planning changed the role of women in your family from your grandparents ’ time to the present ? Research Assignments The following research assignments pertain to the main topics and/or themes of the chapter. Please respond by writing a paper consisting of 1000 – 1500 words. Gender and the Media Choose either television commercials or children’s picture books and view a minimum of five and a maximum of seven . Review each for messages about gender roles, acceptable gender behavior, and display of emotions. Write a report consisting of an introduction paragraph, a minimum of one paragraph for each book or commercial viewed, and a concluding paragraph. Describe the gender messages contained and provide specific details about the book or commercial to back up your statements. Use 2 – 3 scholarly sources for background information regarding gender and the media . Experiential Learning Look at the community calendar in your campus newspaper or on a bulletin board in your local coffee shop. What types of programs, lectures , and services are geared towards the specific concerns of men, women, and LGBT groups? You may see a wide range of programs that appeal to different age groups, from family planning to employment assistance, health screenings, and even exercise classes. Attend one event or program that interests you. Take the role of unobtrusive observer or participant. What did you learn from attending? If you find nothing, consider designing an event or program of your own.

  17. Page 17
    Read page 17 as text

    Chapter 5 : Social Stratification, Social Class, and Families Chapter Context This chapter introduces the importance of social class to understanding families and close relationships. Subsequent chapters examine specific aspects of this relationship more fully. One’s social class position influences family lifestyle, goals, opportunities, values, choices, and constraints. Outcome - based Outline Outcome Learning Objectives Interactivity Critical Thinking 5.4 Summarize how Americans interpret the meaning of social class x.x [interactive] (if app) Cultural Competence 5.1 Discuss how social class and social stratification can shape family and intimate relationships 5.2 Determine how social class affects family relationships 5.3 Explain how social stratification affects a nation's population 5.5 Discuss how families in poverty differ from stereotypes of poverty 5.6 Determine how poverty and inequality can be reduced through social policy PowerPoint Presentation Download the PowerPoint Presentation for this chapter here . Discussion Question Bank This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1 – 2 per module) which are included for in - class use. Module Discussion Question (s) 5.1 Chapter Preview: Social Stratification, Social Class, and Families 1. How have your ascribed statuses influenced your opportunities, privileges, and constraints? 2. Reflecting on Ehrenreich’s

37 more pages in the full document

Unlock it once and it stays in your library, ready to chat with or turn into flashcards.

Unlock the full document

More Sociology study materials

See all

Study this document with CramX

Once it is in your library, every tool can work from it.