Marriages and Families - Essay Example

Marriages and Families Introduction ‘Marriages and Families’ by Mary Ann Lamanna, is indeed one of the bestselling books in issues related with marriages and families. The text in the book related with marriage and family, maintains a well balanced blend of scholarly as well as realistic applications. The book bears within its periphery, a unique theme that can be easily related with the dynamic and global environment of the present day. This 10th edition of this brilliant sociological document encompasses within its limited scope, both sociological and ecological perspective of family system with the key theme of “Making choices in a diverse society”.

This social document also bears an extensive coverage of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. In order to present these multilayered themes in the book, Mary takes the refuge of brilliant wit, humor, a different kind of warmth and a highly engaging presentation that leads subsequently to the creation of a text which presents a perspective that is insightful on the diversity of our modern society and at the same plane, also includes a wide-ranging topic like that of different traditions prevailing in various ethnicities, marriages and family systems.

Theoretical Perspectives The theoretical perspective that is presented in the book is about making choice for the right kind of mate or family. This is presented through many critical theories and reasoning. This chapter cites a wide range of thought. Starting with the basic evolution of the family structure, Mary discusses the ecological perspective of a family and thereby proceeds, touching the issues like safety and risk management in a family environment. The perspectives pertaining to family development, structural development, exchange theory, family system theory and most importantly, the feminist perspective and the conflict associated with it are catered in this chapter of this diversified book.

Along with these, a family structure is also judged from the bio - social perspective. External factors and more specifically, issues related with environment plays key role in selection of a mate. The issue of religion is also instrumental in terms of selecting a life partner. A major tendency is found to get married within the same religion. There is no doubt that the inter religion marriage is very rare even in contemporary time. Social class and income level too plays a vital role in the case of marriage.

People are more attracted to the blue - collar jobs and there is also a good tendency to settle among the same income level. Ethnicity and race are the other important facets guiding the choice of mate. There are many factors that guide the selection of a mate. Personal decisions are always guided by more external factors compared to internal. Cultural beliefs and values play major role in determining or guiding our decisions. Societal or structural differences are very much responsible for limiting our opinion regarding the option for selection.

This is because we live in a society which is marked by considerable change and diversity. Also, familial and individual values along with the political philosophies play a pivotal role for the purpose of selecting or dating a mate. Conclusion Choice of mate or life partner is a call from the soul. Yet, a thorough study of myriad factors, shaping and determining the choice for life partners, enables its readers to cure many inhibitions or shallow feelings related to it. Bibliography Lamanna, Mary Ann & Riedmann, Agnes.

Marriages and Families: Making Choices in a Diverse Society. Cengage Learning, 2008.