Sociology - Module 2 – Family - Topic 6: Problems Associated with the Family

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse between members of a household, usually intimate partners.

Causes of domestic violence?

Causes:

1. Increasing societal violence

2. Media influence

3. Drug trafficking

4. Economic pressures

5. Substance abuse

6. Normalization of violence

Effects of domestic violence?

Effects:

1. Physical and emotional harm

2. Cycle of violence

3. Impact on children

4. Social stigma

Domestic violence in the Caribbean context?

• Caribbean Context: Domestic violence has high rates in many Caribbean societies, often affecting women and children, and is linked to poverty, gender inequality, and substance abuse.

What is child abuse?

Child Abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.

Types of child abuse?

Types:

1. Physical abuse

2. Sexual abuse

3. Emotional abuse

4. Neglect (physical, emotional, educational)

Causes of child abuse?

Causes:

1. History of abuse

2. Substance abuse

3. Witnessing abuse

4. Low socio-economic status

5. Lack of social support

Effects of child abuse?

Effects:

1. Physical and emotional harm

2. Developmental problems

3. Cycle of abuse

What is conjugal separation?

Conjugal Separation: When married partners live apart but remain legally married.

What is divorce?

Divorce: The legal termination of a marriage by a court or other competent authority.

What is teenage pregnancy?

Teenage Pregnancy: Pregnancy occurring in girls between the ages of 13 and 19.

Causes of conjugal separation, divorce, and teenage pregnancy?

Causes:

1. Changing gender roles

2. Economic pressures

3. Lack of male support

4. Desire for independence

5. Lack of contraception or education

6. Social stigma

7. Abusive relationships

Effects of conjugal separation, divorce, and teenage pregnancy?

Effects:

1. Emotional distress

2. Economic hardship

3. Impact on children’s development

4. Health risks for teenage mothers and babies

5. Reduced educational and career opportunities

What is sexual orientation in the Caribbean family context?

Sexual Orientation: The growing LGBT community and debates over same-sex relationships challenge traditional family norms, while heteronormativity and homophobia can lead to discrimination.

Arguments for same-sex marriage?

Arguments For:

1. Human rights

2. Personal autonomy

3. Families can still perform essential functions

Arguments against same-sex marriage in the Caribbean context?

Arguments Against:

1. Seen as unnatural

2. Against religious teachings

3. Believed to be harmful to children

4. Seen as compromising the sanctity of marriage

What is social pathology in Caribbean sociology?

Social Pathology: A view that labels some Caribbean family forms as dysfunctional, but it is criticized for being ethnocentric and based on Western standards.