Sociology 345—Sociology of the Family



Sociology 345—Sociology of the Family

Spring 2005

Dr. Diane Levy Study Questions –Exam 1

Describe several theoretical approaches to the sociology of the family. How does each view the family? What are some key questions of each? Discuss Collins’ property theory of the family. How can the family be viewed as a system of property? Discuss the three types of property.

What is a family? Compare Murdock’s, Stephans,’ and other definitions of the family, giving pros and cons for each. Why does it matter how we define family?

The incest taboo is a universal rule among human societies? Why?

What are some of the basic aspects of kinship? Be able to discuss rules of inheritance and descent, rules of residence, rules for marriage, and differing types of marriage.

Describe the difference between the “public” and the “private” family. Be sure to discuss concepts of children as a public good, issues of production and consumption, and personal fulfillment. How has the notion of the family changed over time in this context?

How do social scientist distinguish between “sex” and “gender”? Describe the “sex-gender system.” Why does Cherlin state that we must understand gender to understand family?

Why does Coontz refer to the 1950’s as an experiment in the family? What is it that we really miss about the 1950’s? Why do you think the 1950’s are considered to be so great? Were they?

Households and families have changed quite a lot from colonial times to the present in the U.S. Using the material from the text and lecture, describe major factors involved in these changes.

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