The family is considered the fundamental unit within sociology, encompassing the larger society.
The family plays a crucial role in shaping the stability, continuity, values, and norms of society as a whole. Without a functional family unit, society's existence is at risk. Therefore, it is important to examine and understand the dynamics of the family unit to gain insight into society (Bales ; Parsons, 2014). By closely examining my own family within this study's context, I can gather firsthand information about family sociology and the interplay between the family and society.
According to Lamanna, Mary, Agnes, & Susan (2014), the family is comprised of individuals who are related by marriage, blood, or adoption. Within sociological theories on families, a family can be either patriarchal or matriarchal. In my case, my family is a patriarchal family in which the father holds overa
...ll authority. However, in this pre-modern society, my father's authority has gradually become limited as most family decisions are now made through discussions and compromise between my mother and father. There are no longer any absolute or exclusive decisions made solely by my father. My family tends to exhibit structural functionalism, wherein collaboration allows us to achieve anything and ensures the satisfaction of each individual.
According to Lamanna, Mary, Agnes, and Susan (2014), divorce may become an option if disagreements persist. The dynamics of my family mirror those of society as a whole, and we strive to uphold the ideals of an ideal society. In addition, our relationships with extended family members are critical for our family structure. My parents and grandparents support close connections among cousins, uncles, and aunts (James & Prout, 2015). We foster these relationships
through frequent communication using telecommunications and social media platforms. Occasions such as birthdays and school graduations serve as important events for extended family get-togethers.
Despite some aunts and uncles in my family showing reluctance to have children, this has led to the presence of many cousins, both biological and adopted. It is important to consider the economic dynamics within our family. Based on the conflict theory, the nuclear family came about due to the rise of private property. In my family, both men and women actively participate in economic activities, particularly through salaried employment. However, there continues to be an ongoing struggle in attaining a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life.
The economic life of my family seems to reflect the principles of capitalism according to Marxist theories, which also contribute to the overall class system in society.
References
- Bales, R. F., ; Parsons, T. (2014). Family: Socialization and interaction process. Routledge.
- Bott, E., ; Spillius, E. B. (2014). Family and social network: Roles, norms and external relationships in ordinary urban families. Routledge.
- Clark, S.
C. (2001). Work cultures and work/family balance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 58(3), 348-365.
James, A., ; Prout, A. (Eds.). (2015). Constructing and reconstructing childhood: Contemporary issues in the sociological study of childhood.
Routledge.
Lamanna, Mary Ann, Agnes Riedmann, and Susan D. Stewart,2014. Marriages, families, and relationships: Making choices in a diverse society. Cengage Learning.
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