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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
Debate Mini Map

What is the sociological definition of a family?
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It depends on the type of family and approach

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Micro, Macro, and meso definitions

Sociological definitions for a family vary depending on the sociological approach.
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Context

Depending on the sociological approach, the definition of a family will be difference.

The Argument

A macro approach would examine the relationship between a family and wider society. Macro sociologists will define a family by its impact on wider society. For example, Durkheim would argue that a family is a stabilizing force in wider society. A micro approach would look more closely at the power relations and dynamics within a family. They might deduce that a family is defined by the relationships between those within the family. A meso approach concerns itself with the sociology of mate selection. A meso-level approach may determine that a family is defined by the romantic relationship between two individuals.

Counter arguments

Premises

[P1] Families appear different when examining them through a macro, micro, or meso lens. [P2] Any sociological definition of a family can only convey one sociological approach. [P3] Therefore, it is impossible to have just one sociological definition.

Rejecting the premises

References

In the Wild

This page was last edited on Monday, 29 Jun 2020 at 00:37 UTC

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