Family Development in Three Generations essay
The sociology of the family is based on some theoretical traditions: the structural-functional analysis of the family as a social institutional and the social-conflict perspective on the family. Actually, these theoretical traditions have very much in common, but at the same time, there are certain differences between them. Both of these approaches are focused on the study of the key family issues. However, each of these approaches views families in different ways, providing different definitions to the term “family”. In general, both the structural-functional analysis of the family and the social-conflict perspective on the family are based on the study of the family, but from different perspectives. The major goal of this paper is to compare and contrast the structural-functional analysis of the family as a social institutional to the social-conflict perspective on the family.
The structural-functional analysis of the family refers to the concept of the family as a social institutional. According to researchers, “a structural-functional approach defines family in terms of the functions it serves for society”(Kain, 2007, p. 110). In other words, the family can be viewed as a social institution that bears responsibility for a wide range of social problems, activities and actions including “procreating, socialization of the next generation, regulation of sexual behavior, protection of members, personality development, and placement of members within the society’s stratification system” (Kain, 2007, p. 110). Structural-functional theorists place emphasis on the role of family socialization, regulation of sexuality within a family context (the taboos of incest, or sexual relations or marriage between blood relatives) (Hill, 2010). In general, structural-functional analysis gives explanation to the fact that human society depends on families. This approach has some limitations regarding the diversity of the family life in the U.S., as well as the inability of other social institutions to meet the same human needs. Besides, structural-functionalist approach overlooks some obvious negative aspects of the family life, e.g. patriarchy and family abuse.
By contrast to the structural-functional analysis of the family, the social-conflict perspective on the family views the family as “an oppressive institution, which maintains the status quo of unequal power relations – between men and women and between different age groups” (Kain, 2007, p. 110). This approach explores the connection between inequality and the family, focusing on the ways that the family can benefit society. In other words, conflict theorists explore the ways how the family may perpetuate social inequality. The following issues are discussed by conflict theorists: “property and inheritance”, the role of patriarchy and race and ethnicity issues (Hill, 2010). Social-conflict analysis is based on demonstration of the other side of the family life, placing emphasis on the role of the family in social stratification. In general, the family may be closely connected with social inequality, as the family performs some societal functions that cannot be executed by other means.
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to conclude that the structural-functional analysis of the family as a social institutional and the social-conflict perspective on the family view the family in different ways, and solve various family problems differently. Nevertheless, there are some common goals of the structural-functional analysis of the family and the social-conflict perspective on the family. These common goals are concluded in the study of family problems to improve the life of men and women, as well as the development of their children. Both approaches help to solve various social problems connected with family issues.
Do you like this essay?
Our writers can write a paper like this for you!
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...