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What is the sociological definition of a family? What is the sociological definition of a family?
Family is the setting for socializing children Family is the setting for socializing children
Family means a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction Family means a shared residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction
Family is dependency Family is dependency
Families are defined by what they do Families are defined by what they do
It depends on the type of family and approach It depends on the type of family and approach
Family has different meanings at different times Family has different meanings at different times
Families can take many forms Families can take many forms
Human infants are born with sensory capabilities, not innate reflexes Human infants are born with sensory capabilities, not innate reflexes
Families share these factors across cultures Families share these factors across cultures
Polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships are widespread Polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships are widespread
A common residence differentiates family from close friends A common residence differentiates family from close friends
The family is responsible for producing new members The family is responsible for producing new members
Families are dependent on each other for multiple forms of support. Families are dependent on each other for multiple forms of support.
Functional definitions of families are more inclusive Functional definitions of families are more inclusive
Families physically care for members Families physically care for members
Families control members Families control members
Families preserve a state of equilibrium Families preserve a state of equilibrium
Families provide support Families provide support
You cannot group all families under one sociological definition You cannot group all families under one sociological definition
Families of orientation vs families of procreation Families of orientation vs families of procreation
Micro, Macro, and meso definitions Micro, Macro, and meso definitions
The family unit is constantly evolving The family unit is constantly evolving
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What is the sociological definition of a family?
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Families are defined by what they do

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Families preserve a state of equilibrium

Families are by design forces that preserve the status quo.
David R. Mace
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Context

The family exists as a sub-system in the much larger societal system.

The Argument

A family is the oldest and most resilient institution known to humankind. Families are the basic, foundational social units in all human communities are the world, and healthy individuals within healthy families are at the core of a healthy society.[1] Inheritance is a large part of a family system as it allows for familial ties to pass on. It functions on an economic level if wealth is available as well as on a material level if a house, car, or any other material is available for inheritance. Sociologists and anthropologists use two concepts about family: structure and function. The structure refers to the number of family members and familial positions such as mother, father, son, daughter, grandmother, etc. The function refers to how the family satisfies each other in maintaining their domestic structure, such as providing sustenance, building a home as a family, emotionally and physically supporting each other. [2]

Counter arguments

One must have to maintain a healthy relationship with all members of the family to preserve a state of equilibrium. Unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships can create terrible problems that may persist from one generation to the next.[3] Unhealthy relationships may also affect inheritance and how family wealth might be distributed amongst the members, leading to animosity and jealousy between siblings, parents, etc.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] Inheritance is a sociological function of a family unit. [P2] Inheritance allows parents to pass their material wealth to other members of the family. [P3] This increases the likelihood that the family will retain its social and material standing in society. [P4] Therefore, the family is a force that preserves the status quo.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g1890.pdf
  2. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/orpc/vol6/iss3/3/
  3. https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g1890.pdf
This page was last edited on Wednesday, 16 Sep 2020 at 03:39 UTC

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