LESSON: FAMILY STRUCTURE

A. FAMILY STUDIES- Systematically explores the ways in which individuals influence

and are influenced by families, communities, cultures, institutions, and societies, and by
ideas, norms, and values.
B THEORIES AND CONCEPT OF FAMILY
1. .FUNCTIONALISM--perspectives on the family hold that families perform functions
such as socializing children, providing emotional and practical support, regulating
sexual activity and reproduction, and providing social identity.
2. COMPLEX--is a generic term for any family structure involving more than two
adults. The term can refer to any extended family or to a polygamy of any type. It is
often used to refer to the group marriage form of polygamy.

C. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

1. Meaning-Making-- Emphasizes that individuals create and interpret meaning

through their social interactions.
2. Shared Symbols- -Highlights the importance of shared symbols within a family.
Symbols can be words, gestures, or objects that hold shared meanings.
3. Role Expectations--recognizes that family members have expectations for the roles
they and others play within the family structure. These role expectations are shaped
by social interactions, cultural norms, and shared meanings.
4. Interaction and Communication- -Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the
significance of social interaction and communication in shaping family structures.
Family members continuously interpret and respond to one another's actions, words,
and gestures.
5. Family Identity- -Symbolic interactionism highlights the role of symbols and
interactions in the formation of family identity. Family members develop a shared
sense of identity through their interactions, rituals, and shared experiences.
D- SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY- Social exchange theory is a sociological and
psychological perspective that explains social interactions and relationships in terms of the
costs and rewards that individuals perceive and evaluate.
1. Rewards and Cost- Social exchange theory posits that individuals engage in social
relationships and interactions to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Rewards can
include companionship, emotional support, resources, and positive experiences,
while costs can involve time, effort, sacrifices, and negative experiences.
2. Comparison Level (CL) - The comparison level refers to an individual's expectations
about the rewards and costs they believe they deserve in a relationship. It is
influenced by past experiences, cultural norms, and personal values.
3. Comparison Level for Alternatives ( LCalt ) -The comparison level for alternatives
rers to an individual's assessment of the potential rewards and costs available in
alternative relationships or situations.
 4. Equity-- Social exchange theory also emphasizes the importance of equity in
relationships. Equity occurs when the rewards and costs are balanced and perceived
as fair by both individuals
5. Power and Dependence - Social exchange theory recognizes that power and
dependence can influence social interactions. The individual who has more resources
or control in a relationship may have more bargaining power and may be able to
influence the outcomes of the exchange
E.) Feminist form -Is a sociological conflict theory that believes society is in constant conflict
between men and women.
1. Society is patriarchal - it is based on inequalities between men and women; men
are in control of society and oppress women.
2. Patriarchy leads to gender inequality, which means men have more power and
status than women.
F. FAMILY STRUCTURE FORMS AND KIND
1. NUCLEAR FAMILY-is a family group consisting of parents and their
children, typically living in one home residence.
2. Single parent- The single family parent consists one parent raising one or
more children.
3. EXTENDED FAMILY- The extended family structure consists of two or
more adults who are related, either by blood or marriage, living in the same
home. This family includes relatives cousins, aunts or uncles, and
grandparents living together.
4. STEPFAMILIES- Over half of all marriages end in divorce, and many of
these individuals choose to get remarried. This creates the step or blended
family, which involves two separate families merging into one new unit. It
consists of a new husband, wife, or spouse and their children from previous
marriages or relationships.
5. CHILDLESS FAMILIES - Consist of two partners living and working
together without children.
6. GRANDPARENT FAMILIES -The grandparent family unit, also known
as a skipped-generation family, is sometimes due to parents' death,
addiction, abandonment, or being deemed unfit parents. Many grandparents
need to go back to work or find additional sources of income to help raise
their grandchildren.
 G.) FAMILY LEGACY-Family legacy refers to the collective impact, values,
traditions, and assets that are passed down from one generation to the next
within a family.

1. Values and Beliefs- Family legacy often revolves around a set of

shared values and beliefs that are passed down through generations.
These values can include principles such as integrity, compassion, hard
work, education, and philanthropy, which guide family members'
actions and decisions.
2. Traditions and Rituals-Family legacy is often reflected in the
traditions, rituals, and customs that are practiced within a family.
These can include celebrations, holidays, family gatherings, and
specific ways of doing things that have been passed down through
generations.
3. Stories and Narratives-Family legacy is often conveyed through the
stories, narratives, and oral histories that are shared within a family.
4. Achievements and Contributions- Family legacy can also be shaped
by the accomplishments, contributions, and impact that family
members have made in various fields, such as business, arts, science,
community service, or social activism. These achievements serve as
a source of inspiration and pride for future generations.
5. Family Assets- Family legacy can include the tangible assets, such
as financial wealth, property, heirlooms, and businesses, that are
passed down from one generation to the next. These assets can
provide opportunities and stability for future family members.
H. Summary of the lessons
Family structures are ways of describing and categorizing the kind of relationship and
members that form a given household. Historically, nuclear families where a mother and
father raise biological children have been considered the default or normally family in the
united states
I. References

1. Family studies
http://www.yrdsb.ca › Dept Programs Pages - Family Studies Department
2. Functionalism
https://simplysociology.com/functionalist-perspective-
family.html#:~:text=Functionalists%20perspectives%20on%20the
%20family,reproduction%2C%20and%20providing%20social%20identity.
3. Complex
https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Complex_family
4. Complex
https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Complex_family

5. Social exchange theory - Encyclopedia.com

6. Feminist form Feminism: Marxist, Radical & Postmodernist | Study Smarter
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/social-studies/theories-and-methods/
feminism/
7. Family structure forms and kinds https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/relationships/types-
family-structures
8. Family legacy theImportanceofFamilyLegacy.com