Module 9 - Families and Intimate Relationships

What is a social institution?

A social institution is a specific type of social structure.

• Established/enduring patterns of organization

• Fulfill basic needs

• Regulate and guide behaviours

What is the “Canadian Family”?

Roles and relationships expected in a family in Canadian society.

• This is very nuanced.

• How we personally understand family is based on competing knowledge and influence.

What is a family?

In sociology, family is made up by Kinship; individuals who we are related to by blood, marriage, or legal obligation.

• The way family looks varies from culture to culture.

What is the purpose of a Family?

Family plays a major role in shaping our development and growth.

What is the traditional definition of a Family?

Sociologically and Anthropologically, families are defined around:

• Shared residence

• Economic dependence

• Sexual relationships

• Reproduction

• Socialization of children

What is the contemporary definition of a Family?

A contemporary family is a social group of at least 2 people that functions as a unit for the purpose of:

• Economic co-operation

• Socialization

• Companionship

• Emotional support

• Procreation (sometimes)

This is subject to change.

What might the word “Family” reference to?

A “family” could be in reference to:

• A single household

• Multiple households / larger groups

• Related peoples

What is the intended function of a social institution?

The function of a social institution is how it takes care of physical and psychological needs for survival.

In a family, this could include:

• Economic co-operation

• Procreation

• Companionship

What is the structure of a social institution?

The structure of a social institution refers to the members that make it up and the positions they hold.

In a family, this considers the following questions:

• Who is part of the family?

• What roles are the members taking on?

• Is marriage necessary in this family?

• How does family vary across cultures?

What is the study of Demography of Families?

The study of key characteristics and rates of change related to families, e.g.

• Marriage, Divorce and Birth rates

• Family member life courses

Why do we study the Demography of Families?

As the family characteristics change, how the structure of the family might change.

What is the study of Sociology of Families?

The study of the roles and relationships that make up families, e.g.

• Diversity of families

• Normative ideas of families

• How normative ideas have changed

• Household economies

• Household division of labour

What is housework and care work in sociology?

An important part of social reproduction revolves around the care of the members in the society; housework and care work are a major function in families. This includes more than just cooking and cleaning, e.g.

• Childcare

• Elder care

• Any work that meets the needs of the family members

What is Concerted Cultivation?

Concerted Cultivation is a parenting style where the parents are actively cultivating their children’s abilities and talents; typical for middle class families.

This is a family ritual that focuses on the family’s role as agents of child socialization.

What is Natural Growth?

Natural Growth is a parenting style in which the parents are less involved in their children’s education and development; typical for working and lower class families.

This is a family ritual that focuses on the family’s role as agents of child socialization.

What is the family ritual of Consumption, or Buying Together?

This is when families engage in a sort of ritual activity that revolves around buying together. Consumption and buying habits are an important part of our modern socialization, as contemporary families are units of consumption (as opposed to production).

What is the family ritual of Commensalism?

Commensalism is the social act of eating together, not just the act of eating; ritual activities embedded in cultural traditions, social structures and interpersonal relationships, important for:

• Maintaining the social fabric of families

• Fostering relationships

• Teaching and continuing cultural traditions