Family as a Social Institution

Discussion: Family as a Social Institution
Course text: chapter 1
Allen, K. R., & Jaramillo-Sierra, A. L. (2016). Feminist perspectives on family relationships: Part 3. Sex Roles, 75(1-2), 1-3.
APA 7th edition formatting.
Who counts as family?
A close examination of theoretical perspectives and ways in which researchers gather data allows for a better understanding of how families work. Chapter 1 looks broadly at the term family and its varying definitions and interpretations. Two important questions in the sociology of family are focused on 1. how the family is defined (or, in practical terms, who counts as a family?) and 2. how does the question of what is a family matter for everyday life?
When we consider how it matters, we look at ways in which the family as an institution overlaps and interacts with other institutions, how and when a family must fit formal definitions, and requirements in order for a family to be seen as legitimate. For this discussion, consider Peterson’s 2013 article, “The Lies That Bind” which addresses types of families that have been historically required to conform to traditional models.
In your discussion, please address the following questions:
Is our society so historically and thoroughly embedded with heteronormativity that this standard is applied reflexively and uncritically?
What is the result of heteronormative standards in family interaction and in situations of family evaluation?
Select one social theory and discuss how it explains heteronormativity within a society.
Reference: Peterson, C. (2013). The Lies That Bind: Heteronormative Constructions of “Family” in Social Work Discourse. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 25(4), 486–508.
2nd page
Chapter 1 course text
Gottman, J. M., & Notarius, C. I. (2002). Marital Research in the 20th Century and a Research Agenda for the 21st Century. Family Process, 41(2), 159–197
Identify two examples of family conflict, dramatic events, or something that happens on a regular basis in your family or in a family that you know to fill in the table below and then answer the questions below the table.
Select two different theories for each example and discuss how that theory could explain the example.
Next, decide which two methods of gathering data could be used by researchers to gather information about the situation or event.
Example 1 Theory 1 (name of theory 1 goes here) Theory 2 (name of theory 2 goes here)
Discuss how this theory could explain the example.
3 or 4 sentences Discuss how this theory could explain the example.
3 or 4 sentences
Data Collection Method Which data collection method would you use and why? 2 or 3 sentences. Which data collection method would you use and why? 2 or 3 sentences.
Example 2 Theory 1 (name of theory 1 goes here) Theory 2 (name of theory 2 goes here)
Discuss how this theory could explain the example.
3 or 4 sentences Discuss how this theory could explain the example. 3 or 4 sentences
Data Collection Method Which data collection method would you use and why? 2 or 3 sentences. Which data collection method would you use and why? 2 or 3 sentences.
Use one of your examples to answer the following questions.
1. Did one data collection seem better suited to understanding your example? Why or why not?
What are the strengths and limitations of the research method you selected? 3-4 sentences
2. Did one theory seem better suited to understanding your example? Why or why not? What are the strengths and limitations of the theory you selected? 3-4 sentences
3. What are some ways in which bias could possibly interfere with the research method you selected? How can bias be avoided when collecting data?
Guidelines
Required Reading:
Chapter 1 course text
Gottman, J. M., & Notarius, C. I. (2002). Marital Research in the 20th Century and a Research Agenda for the 21st Century. Family Process, 41(2), 159–197.
Create two tables and fill in the information listed above. Once you have finished the two tables, answer the questions. Sentence requirements are provided.