ch. 13: Family and Marriage

What are practical benefits of defining family?

1.Practical benefits: health insurance, employment policies 2. Legal and Economic implications: property rights, ect 3. Protection 4. Social Acceptance: people know family names, love no matter what.

Same-sex couples

1/3 supports, 1/2 support civil unions w/ rights

one parent:

30% under age 18

cohabitation:

6.2M, about half aged 25-44

Singlehood

9 out of 10 marry, 27% or 31M

Census Bureau definition of family

A family consists of two or more people (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption residing in the same housing unit (married couples or parents & kids)

Social Exchange Approach reasons:

Courtship and marriage as a negotiation Shop around and find the best 'deal'

Marriage

legal relationship, usually involving $ cooperation, sex, & children

Define Family:

"A social institution found in all societies that unites people in cooperative groups to care for one another, including any children."

Census Bureau definition of household:

A household consists of all people who occupy a housing unit regardless of relationship. A household may consist of a person living alone or multiple unrelated individuals or families living together.

Causes of Divorce:

Individualism Romantic love gone Women are less dependent Stress Socially acceptable Legally easier *3/4 remarry

real marriage problems:

Over 90% of men and women re: fidelity Almost 25% of men and 10% of women cheat!

Social-Conflict and Feminist Analysis reasons:

Property and Inheritance Patriarchy Race and Ethnicity

Structural-Functional Analysis reasons:

Socialization Regulation of Sexual Activity Social Placement Material & Emotional Security

Kinship

social bond based on ancestry, marriage, or adoption