Life Course Theory and Feminist Theory

Flashcards highlighting key terms and concepts from Life Course Theory and Feminist Theory.

Life Course Theory

A theoretical framework that examines the long-term processes and transitions in family roles influenced by social, cultural, and political changes.

Transitions

Changes in family roles that individuals experience during their lifespan, such as becoming a parent or entering grandparenthood.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to make choices and influence their life course.

Linked Lives

The idea that individuals are interconnected through social ties and relationships, influencing each other's life trajectories.

Social Exchange Theory

A theory that examines the relationships in families based on reciprocity and the distribution of resources and rewards.

Feminist Theory

A theoretical perspective that critiques gender roles and the status quo in family dynamics, emphasizing social rather than biological influences.

Historical Influences

Factors such as government, religion, and economic conditions that shape the definition and structure of families over time.

Nuclear Family

A family structure consisting of two parents and their children, often viewed as the traditional family unit.

Cyclical Change in Family

The notion that family forms and roles evolve in interdependent cycles influenced by societal changes.

Polygamy

A marital practice where an individual has more than one spouse, often for social or economic reasons.