Institution Analysis:

Family
Kevin Chiu

History
Described as a kinship and a legal unit based
on relationships of marriage and biology.
Different Types of Family
Nuclear Consists of Mother, Father, and their
Children
Blended Remarriage that include step-parents
or step siblings
Extended Includes relatives beyond nuclear and
blended families.

Tied to Darwins theory of Evolution: Three

Stages
Savagery
Barbarism
Civilization

How we are perceived

Society views us as to be more productive.
Research shows that marriages lead more to happiness,
healthier, and more productive.
Provides better environment for their children.

Children establishes responsibility for parents and

society.

How we are perceived: Functionalist

View
According to William F. Ogburn, there are 6 functions of
Family
Reproduction Preserve the Family
Socialization Teach the norms, values, and the language to
children
Protection Needs constant care and economic security
Regulation of Sexual Behavior Defined in the family,
depending on time period or cultural values
Affection and Companionship Helping members with
satisfaction and security
Provision of Social Status Inherit a social position due to
family reputation

How we perceive ourselves: Conflict

View
Issues of power
Patriarchy Male dominant in family decision
Matriarchy Female dominant in family decision

Causes of Conflict:
Different ideologies from family members
Social Identity affects it members from reputation
Inner conflict from family
Money
Communication

Institutions changed over time &

Causes
As of now, nuclear family households have been in the
decrease.
There has been a drop of reproduction.
Single parents have been rising.

Diversity amongst families

Remarried families
Same sex families
Cohabiting Parents

Stable Features of Family

Distinctive Features of Family
Universality First institution existed.
Emotional Basis Based on emotions, affection, and
sympathy.
Limited Size Size of family is defined by biological conditions.
Influence Influences its members through different actions.
Nuclear Position Social structure is built from family groups.
Responsibility Learns the meaning of responsibility through
cooperation.
Social Regulation Performs functions that make social
relationships work.
Change and Persistence Family can change over time by

Improvements to Family
Improvements can be utilize by communication
amongst each other.
Two different ways of communication:
Instrumental Communication The exchange of information that makes
the family accomplish different functions.
Affective Communication The individual members that share their
emotions amongst there members.

Communicating frequently, being clear and direct, and being

an active listener can improve the family.

Roles of Family
Roles in the family can change through time.
Parents Teach responsibility, discipline, and provide for their
children.
Children Cooperate and respect their parents.

Types of Roles
Instrumental Concerned about provisional resources such as
clothing and food.
Affective Provide emotional support and encouragement to
other members of the family.

Family Dependence
Family can affect different institutions.
Those of a stronger marriage provides a healthy and motivate
future for children.

However other institutions can affect family through:

Religion
Education

Work Cited
"History of Family."- Gender, Theory, Development, Social, and Press. N.p., n.d. Web. 09
Oct. 2016.
Hammond, Ron, Paul Cheney, and Raewyn Pearsey. "Sociology of the Family." Sociology
Of The Family : 01 Changes and Definitions. N.p., 2015. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.
"Homage to the Home: Why Society Needs Strong
Families."Www.mormonnewsroom.org. N.p., 06 May 2013. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.
@ukessays. "Social Conflict Theories of the Family."UKEssays. N.p., 23 Mar. 2015. Web.
09 Oct. 2016.
Ray, Linda. "Conflict Theory & the Family."LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 31
May 2015. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.
Shah, Shelly. "Features of Family: 8 Distinctive Features of Family."Sociology Discussion
Discuss Anything About Sociology. N.p., 2014. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.
Peterson, Rick. "Families First-Keys to Successful Family Functioning: Family
Roles."Families First-Keys to Successful Family Functioning: Family Roles. N.p., 1 May
2009. Web. 09 Oct. 2016.