Deck 18: E: Families

Question 1

Any family is really many families as it changes over time.Consider how families typically change as people move through the life course.What are the major traits of family life beginning with courtship,settling in to marriage,child rearing,and later life.What special opportunities and challenges can you see in each stage?

Answer 1

no answer

Question 2

Outline the characteristics of those most likely to divorce.Given these,how can you reduce your risk of divorce? Explain fully.

Answer 2

no answer

Question 3

Why do some analysts (especially those guided by the structural-functional approach)describe the family as "the backbone of society"? That is,what important things do families do for society? To what degree could other social institutions (including government)perform these tasks in place of the family?

Answer 3

no answer

Question 4

Looking ahead fifty years,predict the state of the Canadian family.As you see it,how will families differ from how they are today? In what ways will they be the same? Consider factors such as the popularity of marriage,the likelihood of divorce,the number of children people will have,gender differences in marriage,and the need for caregiving (especially of the old).

Question 5

Sociologists tell us that families in Canada are diverse.Exactly how are they diverse? Describe differences in marriage and family life that are linked to (a)class, (b)gender, (c)race and ethnicity,and (d)personal choice.Why are families becoming more diverse? Do you view this trend as positive or negative? Why?

Question 6

Why do some analysts (especially those guided by the social-conflict approach)describe the family as a system that perpetuates social inequality? Consider (a)class stratification, (b)gender stratification,and (c)racial and ethnic stratification.Does family encourage or discourage meritocracy? Why? Can you imagine a family form that would not play a part in supporting social inequality? Explain.

Question 7

Explain how new reproductive technology is a good example of "cultural lag".That is,how do changes in technology outpace our ability to comprehend and assess the possible uses of this new technology?