Question 1

The American family takes on many forms today.  The ______ approach encourages researchers to ask how well these new forms perform basic family functions.

Accepted Answer

The structure-functional approach focuses on how well different types of family structures perform basic family functions. It is concerned with the roles and expectations of family members within different family structures, rather than analyzing conflicts or power dynamics.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a style of relating, according to attachment theory?

Accepted Answer

Attachment theory identifies three primary styles of relating - avoidant, insecure/anxious, and secure. Compliant is not a recognized style in attachment theory.

Question 3

The conflict and feminist theories call attention to __________ within groups-including families-and within the larger society.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory emphasizes the role of power and competition in social relationships, including those within families and larger societies. Feminist theory focuses specifically on the unequal power dynamics between men and women. Both theories call attention to the ways in which power imbalances can lead to conflict and inequality.

Question 4

Family systems theory emphasizes that family systems seek _________, or stable balance and symmetry.

Accepted Answer

Family systems theory emphasizes that families seek equilibrium, or a stable balance and symmetry. This means that family members strive to find a balance between autonomy and interconnectedness, maintain consistent patterns of behavior, and regulate their emotional reactions to stress and change in order to maintain stability within the family system. Conflict and interaction are important aspects of family dynamics, but equilibrium is the overarching goal of the family system. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

Question 5

The __________ perspective is focused on several things, including confronting and reducing oppression and patterns of subordination based on such factors as social class, race, and ethnicity, age and sexual orientation.

Accepted Answer

The feminist perspective is concerned with reducing and confronting various forms of oppression and subordination based on factors such as race, social class, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. This perspective aims to create a more equal and just society for women and other marginalized groups.

Question 6

The __________ perspective looks at the family as a whole; where change in one part sets in motion a process to restore equilibrium.

Accepted Answer

The family systems perspective views the family as an interconnected system, in which every member affects and is affected by the others. Therefore, a change in one part of the system sets in motion a process to restore equilibrium or balance in the family. This perspective also identifies different subsystems within the family, such as the parental subsystem or the sibling subsystem, and explores how they interact with each other.

Question 7

The view that the family is an enduring social institution because of the important tasks it performs for society-economic security, emotional support, socialization of children-is the __________ perspective.

Accepted Answer

The structure-functional perspective emphasizes the important role that the family plays in performing essential tasks for society, such as providing economic support, emotional support, and socialization of children. This perspective views the family as an enduring and highly important social institution. The feminist perspective, on the other hand, focuses on the ways in which societal inequalities and power imbalances affect families, while the interactionist perspective focuses on the interactions and relationships within families. The family systems perspective views the family as a complex system of interdependent individuals and relationships.

Question 8

Exchange theory stresses the importance of __________ in family relationships.

Accepted Answer

Exchange theory emphasizes that family members use their resources, such as time, money, and emotional support, to engage in mutual exchanges and negotiate each other's needs and expectations. These exchanges are not just about material goods but also about emotional and social support. Ultimately, the theory suggests that family relationships are based on a system of rewards and costs, where family members try to maximize their benefits and minimize their losses.

Question 9

The structure-functional theoretical perspective views the family as performing at least three important functions. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

Accepted Answer

While promoting genetic material may be viewed as important in other contexts, it is not typically considered a primary function of the family from a structure-functional theoretical perspective. The other options (raising children responsibly, providing economic support, and providing emotional security) are typically considered key functions of the family.

Question 10

A central focus of the feminist theory is on__________ issues.

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory focuses on gender issues, particularly on the ways in which gender inequalities are perpetuated in society. It aims to challenge patriarchal structures and promote gender equality. Practical, interpretation, and environmental issues may also be addressed by feminist theory, but they are not its central focus.

Question 11

According to the family life course development framework, the __________ stage of the family life cycle comes to an end with the arrival of the first child.

Accepted Answer

The newly established couple stage of the family life cycle is characterized by the formation and adjustment of the marital relationship. It typically begins with the wedding or commitment ceremony and ends with the arrival of the first child. Once a child is born, the family moves into the next stage of development, known as the families with young children stage. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Question 12

What marks the end of the family life cycle, according to the text?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What marks the end of the family...

Question 13

The conflict perspective is the opposite of the___________; it assumes that not all family behaviors and practices contribute to family well-being.

Accepted Answer

The structure-functional theory assumes that all family behaviors and practices contribute to family well-being, while the conflict perspective assumes that not all family behaviors and practices contribute to family well-being. The biosocial theory and family systems theory are not directly related to this question, while feminist theory is a social and political movement that focuses on gender-based inequalities in society.

Question 14

The question of how two previously separate individuals come together and over time create a shared view of themselves as a couple would be best answered using which perspective?

Accepted Answer

The interaction-constructionist perspective focuses on how individuals in a relationship create a shared understanding of their relationship through their interactions and communication over time. This perspective recognizes that the process of becoming a couple is an ongoing and dynamic one, shaped by the individual histories, cultural backgrounds, and personality traits of each partner. Therefore, it is the best perspective to answer the question of how two separate individuals come together and create a shared view of themselves as a couple.

Question 15

The __________ perspective once argued for the functionality of specialized gender roles.

Accepted Answer

The structure-functional perspective views the family as a system with interdependent parts that work together to promote social stability and order. It argues for the functionality of specialized gender roles, where men are expected to provide for the family and women are expected to care for the household and children. This perspective places strong emphasis on maintaining traditional gender roles and preserving social norms.

Question 16

According to the interaction-constructionist theoretical perspective, ______________ is how family members adapt culturally understood roles to their own situations and preferences.

Accepted Answer

According to the interaction-constructionist perspective, family members engage in role-making, which involves adapting culturally understood roles to fit their personal situations and preferences. Play-acting may occur within role-making, but it is not the overarching concept. Role-mocking is not a concept within this perspective, and watching family television shows may influence role-making, but it is not the primary factor.

Question 17

The process by which family identity, traditions, and commitment emerge through interaction within a particular family, is an important part of which perspective?

Accepted Answer

The concept of interaction-constructionist perspective focuses on how family identity, traditions, and commitment emerge through interactions within a family. This perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, shared meaning, and experiences in shaping the identity of the family.

Question 18

A recent study among immigrants found that relationships "based not on blood or marriage but rather on religious rituals or close friendship ties" can serve as a functional alternative to the nuclear family. According to the text, what are these relationships called?

Accepted Answer

The relationships described in the study are called "fictive kin."

Question 19

Within exchange theory, the _________ refers to the relationship between commitment to the relationship and power in the relationship.

Accepted Answer

The principle of least interest within exchange theory suggests that the partner who is less committed to the relationship holds more power. This is because they have less to lose in the relationship and are therefore less dependent on their partner. As a result, they have more leverage in negotiation and may be able to manipulate the relationship to their advantage. Therefore, the principle of least interest is a key concept in understanding power dynamics within relationships.

Question 20

Though there is no "typical" American family today, advocates supporting the __________ perspective frequently argue that the heterosexual nuclear family is the norm, while their opponents refuse to view the nuclear family as normal, natural, or best.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Though there is no "typical" American family...

Quiz 2: Exploring Relationships and Families

The American family takes on many forms today. The ______ approach encourages researchers to ask how well these new forms perform basic family functions.