HDFS 120 Final - Application of Concepts

Sociological imagination

Jasmine thinks her parents' divorce is only about their personalities until she realizes job loss, changing gender norms, and weak safety nets shaped their conflict too

Structural functionalism

A town criticizes high rates of single motherhood because they believe "kids need a married mom and dad" to keep society stable

Conflict theory

When Malik loses his factory job while the company's executives get bonuses, his family's stress reflects unequal power and resources

Feminist theory

Priya notices her mother works full time and still does most housework, showing how gendered power structures shape family roles

Ecological perspective

Eliana struggles in school not just because of her parents' divorce but also unsafe housing, poor schools, and lack of community programs

Family development perspective

Jonah's family renegotiates roles, boundaries, and routines as they move from newlywed stage to parenting toddlers

Symbolic interactionism

Noah internalizes the label "problem child" after teachers repeat it, and his behavior starts matching that expectation at home

Social exchange theory

Carlos stays in a relationship where he feels underappreciated because he believes finding another partner would be too costly and uncertain

Family systems theory

When Sara's older brother sobers up, the entire family must adjust their roles because their interactions are all interconnected

Qualitative research methods

A researcher conducts in-depth interviews with divorced mothers to explore how they emotionally experience single parenthood

Quantitative research methods

A researcher surveys 2,000 couples to test whether cohabitation is statistically linked to later divorce

Race as a social construct

Kayla's multiracial family is treated differently in different neighborhoods, showing how racial categories are enforced socially, not biologically

Ethnicity

Two Black families share the same race but have different traditions, foods, and parenting norms because one is Jamaican and one is African American

Fictive kin

After being kicked out by her parents, Destiny is taken in by her best friend's family who call her their "bonus daughter"

Myths about the past

Liam's grandparents insist "families used to be perfect in the 1950s," ignoring high rates of hidden domestic violence and strict gender roles

Myths about self-sufficient families

When Maya's family refuses government food assistance despite struggling, they are acting on the belief that "good" families never need help

Micro-level influences on family

Sofia and Jonah's decision to delay having kids is shaped by their education plans and relationship communication

Macro-level influences on family

A recession forces whole communities to postpone marriage and childbearing because of unemployment

Nuclear family

After college, Jenna and Trey move out and form a household with just themselves and their new baby, separate from grandparents

Extended family

Andre, his wife, their kids, and his mother all share one home and pool income and caregiving

Endogamy

Mei's parents pressure her to marry someone from the same religion and culture, limiting her partner choices

Exogamy

Luca chooses to marry someone from a different race and social class, expanding his social networks

Social class

Two families in the same city parent very differently because one has steady salaries and benefits while the other works unpredictable low-wage jobs

Macro/micro connection

When childcare costs rise, Aiden and Zoe decide they can only afford one child, showing how national economics shape private choices

Multicultural perspective on families

A professor compares African American, Latino, and Asian American kinship networks to show diverse but equally valid family forms

Sex

Doctors assign baby Leo "male" at birth based on anatomy, even though nothing yet is known about his identity or expression

Gender

As Olivia grows, others expect her to be nurturing and soft-spoken because she was labeled a girl, shaping her behavior and opportunities

Intersex

At birth, Avery's sex traits don't fit "male/female," and medical pressure to "normalize" their body leads to later identity distress

Transgender

Alex is assigned female at birth but knows himself as a man, and conflict with family arises when they insist on using his old name and pronouns

Gender identity

Even though others see her as a "tomboy," Maya feels completely female and describes herself as a woman

Gender expression

Diego feels comfortable painting his nails and wearing earrings even though he identifies as a cisgender man

Gender role

When dinner is over, everyone expects Emma, not her brother, to clear the plates because "girls help in the kitchen"

Gender stereotypes

A teacher calls boys "natural leaders" and girls "naturally caring," pushing students into different future careers

Social learning theory (gender)

Mateo sees his father mocked for crying and learns that men should hide emotions

Cognitive development theory (gender)

As 3-year-old Chloe learns gender categories, she insists her brother cannot wear pink because "that's for girls"

Symbolic interaction (gender)

When coworkers call Janelle "bossy" for asserting herself, she gradually speaks up less in meetings

Feminist perspectives (gender)

A researcher studies how workplace policies assume an employee has a full-time caretaker at home, disadvantaging women

Parents as gender socializers

Noah's parents sign him up for football and his sister for dance, reinforcing gendered activities

Peers and gender

Classmates tease Liam for bringing a doll to school, pressuring him to conform to masculine norms

Schools and gender

Teachers subtly call on boys more in math and science, shaping who feels "naturally good" at those subjects

Media and gender

A teen learns that romantic movies show women changing themselves to keep a man, and she starts doing the same in her relationships

Instrumental role

When decisions about money are made, everyone defers to Dad because he is seen as the "provider" and "problem-solver"

Expressive role

Family members rely on Mom to remember birthdays, plan gatherings, and manage everyone's feelings

Traditional gender roles

Chloe quits her job after marriage because her husband believes "a good wife stays home with the kids"

Costs of traditional gender roles for men

Ethan feels he cannot ask for emotional support because he's been taught that "real men don't need help"

Costs of traditional gender roles for women

Bianca puts her career aside and later feels trapped financially when her marriage ends

Doing gender

In a group project, James volunteers to carry heavy items and fix tech issues to "act like a man" in front of others

Undoing gender

Erin and her partner intentionally split chores equally and model nontraditional roles to their kids

Global gender inequality

In one country, girls are pulled from school earlier than boys to help at home, limiting their future autonomy

Gender and politics

A qualified woman candidate receives questions about her "likability" and motherhood instead of her policy positions

Self-love

After therapy, Nia stops chasing partners who devalue her because she finally believes she deserves respect

Friendship vs romantic love

Jacob realizes his feelings for Leah are based on shared interests and support, not sexual attraction, so he chooses to stay friends

Long-term love vs romantic love

At year eight of marriage, Mia and Ben are less obsessed with each other but deeply committed, supportive, and stable

Attachment theory - anxious

Whenever Sam's girlfriend needs space, he panics and assumes she will leave him, texting repeatedly

Attachment theory - avoidant

Valerie ends relationships as soon as partners get serious because depending on someone makes her uncomfortable

Reiss's wheel theory of love

Camille and Jordan deepen their bond as they develop rapport, self-revelation, mutual dependence, and shared values over time

Sternberg - intimacy

After months of sharing secrets and fears, Aiden and Zoe feel emotionally close even when they are physically apart

Sternberg - passion

Maya and Luca feel strong sexual and physical attraction early on, even before they know much about each other

Sternberg - commitment

Even during stressful times, Layla and Chris deliberately choose to stay and work on the relationship

Lee's styles of love - ludus

Aaron dates several people at once, avoids emotional depth, and sees relationships as a game

Lee's styles - pragma

Hannah chooses partners based on education, religion, and career goals rather than intense feelings alone

Love vs lust

Talia realizes that what she called "love at first sight" was mostly attraction; they have little in common

Caring

When Jordan's partner is sick, he rearranges work and classes to take care of them without complaining

Intimacy

Lila feels safe telling Jonah about past trauma because she trusts he will respond with empathy instead of judgment

Commitment

After a big conflict, Marcus and Rory still plan their future together, demonstrating that their bond is deeper than one argument

Jealousy

Riley checks their partner's phone every night, interpreting small changes in behavior as proof of cheating

Narcissism in love

Theo expects his partner to sacrifice everything for him but offers little support in return

Controlling behavior

Avery constantly tracks Sky's location and demands immediate responses to texts, framing it as "caring"

Healthy romance

When they disagree, Natalie and Eli can stay respectful, compromise, and accept influence from each other

Romantic myths

Sasha believes "if it's true love, it will fix everything," so she ignores obvious red flags in her relationship

Love and physical health

After entering a supportive relationship, Jay's sleep and stress levels improve compared to when he was isolated

Cross-cultural love

Afiya's parents prefer arranged marriage, while she wants to choose her own partner, creating both conflict and opportunities to blend traditions

Arranged marriage

Hari meets his future spouse through family introductions and gradually develops affection after marriage rather than before

Love and technology

Devon feels closer to his long-distance girlfriend because they video chat daily, but they struggle when texting leads to misinterpretation

Manifest functions of dating

Grace dates to have fun, find a partner, and practice romantic skills in relatively low-risk situations

Latent functions of dating

Tyler realizes dating can raise his social status and help him access new friend groups

Push factors (into relationships)

Lola rushes into relationships whenever she feels lonely or insecure rather than out of genuine connection

Pull factors (into relationships)

Finn is drawn to Ava because of shared values and strong mutual attraction, not fear of being alone

Voluntary temporary singles

Jamal chooses to stay single for now while he focuses on law school, expecting to date later

Voluntary stable singles

Rosa is happy living alone with her friends and pets and has no interest in romantic partnership

Involuntary temporary singles

Elena really wants a serious relationship but has not found a compatible partner yet

Involuntary stable singles

After years of unsuccessful relationships, Owen resigns himself to long-term singleness even though he wishes he were partnered

Filter theory - homogamy

Lily and Daniel meet through their church, share similar education and background, and see each other as ideal mates

Heterogamy

Max chooses a partner from a different race, class, and religion, which brings both enrichment and unique tensions

Online dating

Harper filters profiles by religion and desire for kids, using apps to narrow down the marriage market

Speed dating

A campus event lets students meet many partners briefly, then match only if both say "yes," illustrating a structured modern dating practice

Cohabitation effect

Zoe and Nico move in because of convenience and money, later reporting more uncertainty and conflict in marriage

Sliding vs deciding

Taylor gradually leaves more belongings at Riley's place until they basically live together, but they never clearly discuss expectations

Selection effect (cohabitation)

Couples with fewer resources and more stressors choose early cohabitation and were already at higher risk for later breakup

Protection effect (marriage)

After marrying, Leon's health improves as his spouse encourages medical checkups and healthier habits

Myths about singlehood

People assume Jana is lonely because she lives alone, but she reports high life satisfaction and strong friendships

Benefits of singlehood

Amir uses his single years to travel, build a career, and cultivate hobbies, feeling self-sufficient and fulfilled

Types of cohabitation - trial marriage

Nina and Cole live together to test compatibility before deciding whether to marry

Cohabitation and children

A child living with cohabiting parents experiences instability when partners move in and out without legal divorce

Dating violence - power and control

Kyle pressures his girlfriend to stop seeing friends and uses jealousy as a way to maintain control

Breaking up - reasons

Tessa ends things with Jake when she notices patterns of disrespect, lack of effort, and different long-term goals

Breaking up - growth

After a breakup, Miguel reflects on what he wants in a healthier relationship instead of rushing into a rebound

Mate selection and family influence

Yara's parents strongly discourage her from marrying outside their ethnic group, shaping her dating choices

Engagement

After getting engaged, Dani and Omar use the time to discuss finances, religion, and future children, reducing surprises after marriage

Manifest reasons for marriage

Lily and Aaron marry because they are in love and want to build a life together