Friendship, Marriage, and Social Relationships: Key Concepts and Theories

What is Dunbar's Number?

150 for humans, indicating the number of stable relationships one can maintain.

What are the main factors that draw people together?

Common interests, common values, and shared history.

How do friendships evolve from childhood to adolescence?

In childhood, friends are chosen based on play; in adolescence, self-disclosure becomes important.

What is the typical time spent with friends during early adulthood?

10-25 hours per week.

What significant change occurs in friendships during middle age?

Friendship-based relationships tend to decline as family focus increases.

What is 'friendfluence'?

The positive impact friends have on happiness, creativity, and overall well-being.

What is emotional contagion in the context of friendships?

The phenomenon where one person's emotions can influence the happiness of others.

What are the health benefits of friendships?

Reduced heart disease, cancer rates, memory loss, and obesity.

What is the impact of chronic loneliness on health?

It is twice as deadly as obesity.

How do women typically approach friendships?

They emphasize emotional support, care work, and self-disclosure.

What challenges do men face in friendships due to toxic masculinity?

They often experience low levels of emotional support and self-disclosure.

What is propinquity in the context of relationship formation?

The tendency for people to form relationships with those they encounter frequently.

What are the three spaces where friendships can develop?

1st space: home (private), 2nd space: school/work (structured), 3rd space: informal public spaces.

What is the significance of '3rd spaces' for social connections?

They provide neutral ground for social interactions without predefined roles.

What is the concept of 'mate value' in dating?

Surface-level attractions that do not necessarily correlate with being a good partner.

What is the importance of sex in relationships?

It fosters pair-bonding, non-verbal communication, and serves as a barometer for relationship health.

What are the limitations of abstinence-only sex education?

It fails to delay sexual activity, reduce STI spread, and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

What is 'abstinence plus' sex education?

A program that includes information on contraception alongside abstinence.

Who popularized the concept of the white wedding dress?

Queen Victoria.

What societal change did Queen Victoria's wedding signify?

It normalized marrying for love rather than practicality.

What is the role of trust in friendships?

It allows for the exchange of confidences and deeper connections.

What is the 'friendzone'?

A situation where a person's romantic expectations are not met by a friend.

What is the impact of social media on loneliness?

It has contributed to increased feelings of loneliness and decreased close friendships.

What is the significance of 'dormant ties' in networking?

Past friendships can still be valuable for job opportunities and social connections.

What is the relationship between individualism and loneliness?

Increased individualism can lead to greater feelings of loneliness and isolation.

What is instrumental intimacy?

The ability to share and develop new ideas collaboratively with friends.

What are the primary reasons for marriage?

Love and companionship, economic partnership, social legitimacy, and legal rights.

What is the 'marriage premium'?

The benefits of marriage that include being healthier, wealthier, and happier.

What is the ideal positive-to-negative comment ratio for a good marriage?

5 positive comments to 1 negative comment.

What is the fundamental attribution error?

The tendency to judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.

What are the two types of divorce rates mentioned?

Higher rates for the poor, those who marry before 25, and those without a college degree; lower rates for middle/upper class, those who marry after 25, and college-educated individuals.

What is a nuclear family?

A traditional family structure consisting of a heterosexual marriage with multiple children.

What is the 'sandwich generation'?

Adults who are taking care of two generations at once, typically their children and their parents.

What is the significance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)?

ACEs are linked to risky health behaviors and can lead to early death, with poverty being the biggest factor.

What is conspicuous consumption?

The act of displaying and buying goods/services to flaunt wealth and social status.

What does the Bechdel Test measure?

It assesses whether a work of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than men.

What is toxic femininity?

The portrayal of only one type of female body, which can lead to disordered eating and body image issues.

What is the role of media in shaping societal perceptions?

Media serves as a window to life experiences of others and a mirror reflecting our own experiences.

What is the 'white savior narrative'?

A narrative that reinforces societal beliefs that people of color are passive and need saving.

What are the functions of religion according to Durkheim and Weber?

Religion gives meaning and purpose, promotes social cohesion, and provides social control.

What is liberation theology?

A mix of Christian theology and Marxist principles emphasizing social concern for the poor and political liberation for the oppressed.

What is the impact of media on body image?

Media can create unrealistic body standards, leading to body image issues, especially among young women.

What is the significance of the term 'profane' in religion?

Profane refers to the mundane, everyday parts of life, contrasting with the sacred.

What are the legal rights conferred by marriage?

Over 1,100 legal rights and privileges are associated with marriage.

How has the age of first marriage changed over time?

The age of first marriage decreased during WW2, increased afterward, and has since decreased as people wait longer to marry.

What is the role of family in sociology?

Family is a domestic group linked by common ancestors, marriage, or adoption.

What is the impact of media on perceptions of poverty?

Media often portrays concerns of the poor as unimportant and promotes a meritocratic view.

What is the significance of social legitimacy in marriage?

Marriage provides social legitimacy and pressure from family and culture.

What are the characteristics of blended families?

Households with stepparents or half-siblings, often resulting from divorce.

What does 'assume positive intent' mean in relationships?

Believing that your partner has good intentions, which is crucial to avoid divorce.

What are the consequences of media representation of POC?

Stereotyped portrayals can lead to societal misconceptions and reinforce negative narratives.