In Units 1-4, Many Societal Issues Impacting The Family ✓ Solved
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In Units 1-4, many societal issues impacting the family
In Units 1-4, many societal issues impacting the family have been discussed. They include the unique constellation of families, the impact of social class, how families have evolved over the years as impacted by social movements, family crisis and stress, domestic violence, the decision to remain single, choose a life partner, and cohabitation. In this assignment, you will look at your life through this lens.
Based on your research, describe the following: What concepts from the course you see in your own family? What has impacted your family’s constellation, and has it changed over time? How are partners chosen, and how has the family responded to times of stress? It is important you provide concrete examples and connect them to outside literature references to support your key points.
Your essay will be in a Word document, at least three, no more than five pages in length, in APA format, not including title and reference pages. At least three outside resources.
Paper For Above Instructions
In examining the impact of societal issues on family dynamics, I reflect on my own family and how various concepts from sociology inform our experiences. Throughout my life, social class, family structure, and interpersonal dynamics have shaped who we are, and these frameworks are essential to understand the changes we have undergone over time.
Course Concepts Reflected in My Family
One of the primary concepts from the course that resonates with my family's experience is the idea of the family constellation. My family consists of a diverse arrangement of members, including single parents, stepfamilies, and extended relatives living together. This unique structure illustrates how modern families are no longer defined solely by traditional nuclear arrangements. According to Cherlin (2010), contemporary families can be characterized by their complexity and the various configurations influenced by social movements and cultural shifts.
Additionally, our family's evolution over the years highlights how social class plays a crucial role in shaping familial relationships. Economic factors have affected our ability to maintain stability, leading to varying degrees of educational and professional successes among family members. The family's experiences reflect the broader social classes described in the literature, demonstrating how economic mobility (or lack thereof) has significant implications for family dynamics (Sampson, 2012).
Impact on Family Dynamics Over Time
My family's constellation has undoubtedly changed over time, influenced by various external and internal factors. The aggressive social movements of the past few decades, such as those advocating for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, have affected my family's attitudes towards relationships and partnerships. For instance, while earlier generations may have preferred traditional unions, my siblings and I have embraced more diverse and accepting views regarding partnership choices. This shift reflects societal changes, as noted by Amato (2014), who argues that such transformations in family patterns challenge and redefine the roles and expectations of family members.
Moreover, significant events such as economic downturns and personal crises have prompted my family to reassess its priorities and adapt their structures. The influence of these stressors aligns with the course insights regarding family resilience and the need for adaptability in challenging times (Walsh, 2016). My family has learned to cope with crises collectively, approaching issues with a sense of team cohesion and open dialogue instead of division and conflict.
Choosing Partners and Responding to Stress
A significant aspect of family life is how partners are chosen and the manner in which the family reacts to stress. Partner selection in my family has increasingly leaned towards individual preference as opposed to social expectations. For example, my parents' generation often married based on familial approval or economic security, while my generation prioritizes personal compatibility and emotional connection. This evolution in partner selection mirrors broader societal trends, where love and partnership are becoming central themes in relationship formation (Lammers & Stoker, 2011).
Despite varying styles in partner choice, the family has consistently responded to stress through open conversation and support. To illustrate, during my parents' divorce, family meetings were organized, allowing everyone to voice their feelings and concerns. This approach aligns with the concept of family systems theory, which posits that each member's actions and emotional states affect the whole family unit (Bertalanffy, 1968). Support structures within our family underlined the importance of maintaining relationships during crises, emphasizing the necessity for emotional intelligence in fostering resilience.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my family through the lens of sociological concepts highlights how societal issues impact our understanding of relationships, partnership selection, and coping mechanisms during stress. The significant role of social class and the evolving family constellation illustrate our adaptation to changing societal norms. Ultimately, embracing the complexities of family life provides an enriched perspective that acknowledges both personal experience and the broader social landscape.
References
- Amato, P. R. (2014). The implications of divorce for children. Journal of Family Issues, 35(3), 389-411.
- Bertalanffy, L. V. (1968). General systems theory: Foundations, development, applications. New York: George Braziller.
- Cherlin, A. J. (2010). The marriage-go-round: The state of marriage and the family in America today. Knopf.
- Lammers, J., & Stoker, J. I. (2011). Power Increases Infidelity Among Men and Women. PloS One, 6(9), e24060.
- Sampson, R. J. (2012). Great American City: Chicago and the enduring neighborhood effect. University of Chicago Press.
- Walsh, F. (2016). Family resilience: A framework for clinical practice. Family Process, 55(4), 616-632.
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