Each Entry Should Highlight Ways In Which Various Topics

Each Entry Should Highlight The Ways In Which Various Topicsc

Each entry should highlight the ways in which various topics covered in this course have influenced the ways in which you think about the institution of the family, marriage, relationships, and other constructed identities. This assignment is an opportunity for you to consider how your individual lived experiences challenge and/or confirm contemporary scholarship on marriage and the family as discussed in this course.

Paper For Above instruction

The course material has profoundly shaped my understanding of the complex and constructed nature of family, marriage, and relationships. Reflecting on my personal experiences through the various journal entries reveals not only how my perspectives align with scholarly views but also how my lived realities challenge certain conventional notions.

In terms of the institution of the family and marriage, I have come to appreciate the diversity of familial structures and the myriad ways relationships can be forged and sustained. My personal experiences echo scholarship that emphasizes the social construction of family roles and expectations but also challenge norms that prescribe specific family models as universally ideal. For example, my conception of gender roles within familial contexts aligns with the idea that these roles are socially negotiated rather than biologically determined. This resonates with scholars like West and Zimmerman (1987) who argue that gender is performative.

When pondering relationships, I recognize how societal influences shape individual behaviors and choices, a theme prevalent in course discussions. Reflecting on my own relationships reveals that cultural and societal expectations significantly influence how I view commitment, trust, and love. This understanding is consistent with research indicating that social norms heavily influence relationship dynamics (Conley et al., 2011).

Impact of Personal Reflection and Scholarship

Engaging in these reflective exercises has allowed me to see the intricate ways social constructs influence personal identity and familial roles. For instance, imagining my grandparents' lives at my current age has emphasized how historical context and economic conditions shape life choices and perspectives on family. Such reflection underscores the importance of considering socio-historical factors in understanding family dynamics, a point frequently highlighted in the course materials (Cherlin, 2010).

Moreover, contemplating issues of social class and income equality fosters a deeper understanding of how economic factors underpin relational and family decisions. Recognizing that income disparities influence access to resources, educational opportunities, and even social mobility aligns with scholarly arguments about the intersection of socio-economic status and family stability (Edin & Shaefer, 2015).

Challenges and Confirmations of Contemporary Scholarship

My lived experience both challenges and confirms contemporary scholarship. While many of my views on parenting and family formation align with modern theories highlighting flexibility and diversity, I also observe that societal pressures and economic constraints often reinforce traditional norms. For example, the pressure to conform to certain wedding expectations reflects societal narratives around marriage as a significant social milestone, a theme discussed extensively in family studies literature (Cherlin, 2009).

In addition, my beliefs about the importance of emotional intimacy and mutual respect in marriage echo scholarly findings that successful marriages are rooted in communication and shared values (Gottman & Silver, 1999). However, I also recognize that external pressures—such as costs, familial expectations, and societal standards—can act as barriers to authentic relationship building.

Conclusion

Overall, these reflections and course concepts have enriched my understanding of the multifaceted nature of family and relationships. They demonstrate that personal experiences both shape and are shaped by broader social structures and cultural norms. Recognizing this interconnectedness encourages a more empathetic and inclusive perspective on family life, emphasizing diversity, resilience, and the ongoing social construction of relational identities.

References

• Cherlin, A. (2010). The Marriage-Go-Round: The State of Marriage and the Family in America Today. Vintage.
• Conley, T. D., et al. (2011). Marriage and Family: The Quest for Intimacy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Edin, K., & Shaefer, H. (2015). $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Three Rivers Press.
• West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125-151.