“enduring and complex social structures that meet basic human needs” (brinkerhoff, p. 77)....

CHAPTER 11CHAPTER 11

FAMILYFAMILY

““enduring and complex social enduring and complex social structures that meet basic human structures that meet basic human

needs” (Brinkerhoff, p. 77).needs” (Brinkerhoff, p. 77).

INSTITUTIONSINSTITUTIONS

Kin group is a set of relatives who interact on the basis of shared social structure.

“Family is a relatively permanent group of persons linked together in social roles by ties of blood, adoption, marriage or

quasi-marital commitment and who live together and cooperate economically and in the rearing of children”

(Brinkerhoff, p. 246).

“Marriage is an institutionalized social structure that provides an enduring framework for regulating sexual

behavior and childbearing,” (Brinkerhoff, p. 246).

Six Functions of the Family

1. Replacement through Reproduction

2. Regulation of sexual behavior

3. Economic responsibilities for dependents

4. Socialization of the young

5. Ascription of status

6. Provision of intimacy

Historical Stages of U.S. Families:

1.Family-based Economy

2.Family-wage Economy

3.Family-consumer Economy

Family-based Economy

• Pre-industrial, 18th century

• no distinction between economic and family life

Family-wage Economy

• 19th century, industrialization

• economic activity removed from home

Family-consumer Economy

• Modern• Family becomes a

consumer unit

Doctrine of Two Spheres

• married women should spend their life within the home and be "domestic,”

• men should devote their time outside the home to earning a living.

A “family wage” is the idea that a man should earn enough from a

job to support his wife and children.

• “Homogamy is the tendency to choose a mate similar to oneself” (Brinkerhoff, 253).

• “Propinquity is spatial nearness” (Brinkerhoff, p. 252).