Overview
This lecture explores the concept of the family as a social construction in the United States, highlighting how definitions, expectations, and inequities related to family forms arise through social processes and change over time.
Social Construction and Cultural Norms
- A social construction is an idea or value created and agreed upon by society, not determined by biology or nature.
- Examples include money and breakfast foods, which vary across cultures and time periods.
- Norms reflect what is considered typical or expected within a culture.
The Social Construction of Family
- The concept of a "normal" or traditional family is a social construction shaped by media, schools, government, and other institutions.
- The traditional nuclear family (heterosexual, White, middle-class, married couple with children) is often portrayed as the standard.
- Media and institutions reinforce this ideal, despite the increasing diversity of real families in the U.S.
Inequities and Social Differences
- Idealizing one type of family leads to less support for non-traditional families (single-parent, LGBTQ+, disabled, etc.).
- Social construction of difference assigns value or status based on characteristics like race, gender, or family structure.
- Systems and institutions perpetuate inequities among families through policy and societal expectations.
Equity vs. Equality
- Equity means providing each person what they need to reach similar outcomes, not simply treating everyone the same.
- Removing structural barriers is necessary to achieve equity for all families.
Comparative and Empirical Approaches
- The text uses comparative approaches to examine American families over time and across cultures.
- Empirical research and data analysis inform our understanding of family diversity and change.
Kinship and Changing Family Structures
- Kinship is broader than family and includes all social relationships formed by blood, marriage, or agreement.
- There is no single dominant family form in the U.S.; children live in a variety of family arrangements.
- Trends include later marriage, declining marriage and divorce rates, lower fertility rates, and more multigenerational households.
- More Americans expect to work past age 65, but many are forced out of work earlier.
Functions of Families and Societal Focus
- Families perform both private (emotional support, relationships) and public (caring for children, elderly, community involvement) functions.
- U.S. culture emphasizes private family life and individual achievement (individualism), while other cultures may prioritize collective well-being (collectivism).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social construction — Mutually agreed-upon meanings and values created by society, subject to change over time and culture.
- Culture — Shared values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors within a group.
- Nuclear family — Household consisting of two parents and their children.
- Social characteristics — Traits like gender, race, or religion that influence social identity.
- Social processes — Patterns of behavior and interaction within society.
- Social institutions — Structured units (like schools, governments) that meet societal needs.
- Social construction of difference — Assigning value to perceived differences, creating social hierarchies.
- Ethnicity — Shared cultural identity or national belonging.
- Inequity — Lack of fairness or equal access to opportunities.
- Equity — Providing what people need for equal chances of success.
- Comparative approach — Studying and contrasting different societies or times.
- Kinship — Social ties by blood, marriage, or other agreements.
- Public goods — Resources or services shared by the community.
- Individualism — Prioritizing individual achievement over group needs.
- Collectivism — Prioritizing the group’s well-being over individual interest.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read about forced retirement and its impact on older workers.
- Reflect on how your personal family experiences compare to societal norms.