Sociological Relationships to Family Institutions - Essay Example

? Sociological Relationships to Family s July 23, Introduction The impact of social s within society alsoalter the way in which many look at the concepts that are associated with a given culture or lifestyle. The social institution of the family is one which defines specific attributes and how one relates to society, specifically from the aspects of the familial structures. Understanding and defining the viewpoints of social structure and understanding how the individual attributes of family relate to the growth and attributes within culture. Both the family and the concepts within society then reflect each other and are seen in the sociological theories that are attributed to different circumstances. Different formats of social structure are able to directly influence the way in which individuals relate to others and build a direct reflection between individuals. Social Institution of the Family The concept of family as a social institution is defined because of the structure and beliefs which come from the family as a unit. When one belongs to a family, there are specific beliefs and affiliations that are taught between each of the members, including political beliefs, religion and associations with economy. The social class as well as the way in which one affiliates with others in society is also created through the family first. This begins with the background of the individuals and the beliefs which they have. This is combined with the jobs which are in the family, activities which are created in the lifestyle and other components which are associated with the family. The social institution begins with the mother and father as the head of the structure, specifically which educate others in the family with specific beliefs and associations (Ebaugh, 2006). While there is a strong basis to the organization of the family and social components, it is also important to note that there are specific aspects which are impacted by the sociological trends within society. Family modernization is one which has changed because of expected lifestyles and the way in which these are associated with others in society. For instance, many family structures are now changing to single parent families, divorced families, religious basis’ for families and economic class that defines a family. These are determined by lifestyle, where one lives and the associations which one has in society. The important aspect is based on the familial involvement within society according to the needs of the lifestyle and how this is related to social change. The practical and cultural tasks of the family then link directly to the affiliations which one has in society as well as the organizational structure that one is familiar with in the household. The institution of the family is one which, through modern terms, is based on lifestyle needs and changes in the structure that have occurred (Ebaugh, 2006). Functionalism in the Family The concept of functionalism and family as a social institution is one of the most important aspects of the social relationship to society. Functionalism is based on the philosophy of the mind, meaning that the culture, structure, customs and associations in the family have a direct relationship to the mind and the way in which one relates to society. The first way in which this relates is by the structure of the family and the relationships which are within the lifestyle. When each individual hold a specific identity in the family, it becomes a part of the comfort and beliefs of what one has. The family experience then reflects in how an individual relates and functions to others in society, specifically because they continue to hold the same role in society while constructing a sense of presence by either attachment or loss to others in society. For example, if a child has a family which is divorced, then they will act and react in a specific manner because of the placement they hold in the family structure and because of the beliefs that are associated with this. The same reflection is then based on the mental beliefs one has toward society, which changes the attitudes and behaviors which one carries (Schmeeckle et al, 2006). The impact of the family system is the most important aspect of functionalism, specifically because it isn’t isolated within the family structure. The psychological associations that form through beliefs, actions, rituals and other foundational aspects also begin to alter the way in which one relates to society. The family that practices certain functions then creates an individual identity of those in society, specifically with many that begin to look at different ways to move into society. The functionalism becomes important because individuals will begin to reflect the social aspects outside of the home. As this is done, it creates micro formats of individuals who practice or believe in a specific way. This is combined with social groups that form from the functions, either with those who are marginalized in society because of beliefs or from main segments in society which all have similar functions in society. This changes the approach and perspectives which many have about their function not only within the home but also with sociological order (Turner, West, 2007). Conflict and Family Institutions Another aspect which relates to the family as a social institution is the conflict theory. In the conflict theory, there is an understanding that one doesn’t fit into the structure of the family and isn’t able to create the identity which is expected in terms of the functions of each of the individuals. The conflicts are usually associated with one changing their identity or actions within society. For instance, if one belongs to a specific economic class and this is altered by another individual in the family, then it can become conflicting and cause tension. In this instance, there is a direct association with quality of life and the foundation of the family as an institution. The conflict which is approached is based on new beliefs or opposition to the foundation which is in the family. The result is conflict of identity within the family structure as well as different social structures which are attached to within society (Greenhaus, Powell, 2005). The concept of family building a sense of conflict through identity is one which is important to note because it also alters the identity and relationships which one has to sociology. If the foundation of a family has specific rituals, beliefs and expectations, then these are reflected within society because of the foundational education which is a part of the identity. However, if there is conflict, then the foundational understanding and beliefs are no longer reflected. Instead, an individual within the social order begins to reflect an alternate set of ideals within society. The conflict which arises may begin in the household; however, it is often attributed to beliefs which are presented by other individuals which have specific relationships to the family identity. When this is presented to another individual, it can lead to change and alteration which one has within the social structure (Greenhaus, Powell, 2005). Interactionism and Family Structure Each of the components with functionalism and conflict lead directly to interactionism that is within society. The interactionism which occurs in the family is what forms the identity of individuals, specifically because the beliefs and understanding reflects what an individual is doing. However, the family structure also interacts with others within society. As this is done, it can change the family structure or lead to new beliefs and alterations in the foundation. This is combined with changes in decision making, expectations with the individual identities in the family structure and construction that continues to transform within the family as an institution. The changes usually occur between generations or as new identities merge and are formed within society. The social construction in society then reflects with the construction of the individual and the practices which are in society (Braithwaite, Baxter, 2006). The interactionist theory that is a part of sociology is one which is based on the ideologies of communication. The amount of communication that is within a family is able to directly create a dynamic influence and experience with those in the institution. The communication will positively or negatively affect those that are in society. This is combined with a meta theory that shows how the interactions within society also affect individual responses. As this is communicated to the family structure, it continues to change and influence the way in which individuals interact and the approaches which are taken within the family structure. This is furthered with actions and interactions which occur after the communication that occurs, either which changes the institution of the family or the overall communication that is used among others that are in the given scenario. Perspectives which are created from the interactionist theory are the main areas of influence that work with those in a given situation and which cause the individual perspectives to change both in the family institution and within society (Turner, West, 2006). Conclusion The different components of social institutions are reflected with foundational beliefs, expectations and actions that take place. In the family as a social institution, there is a direct relationship to the understanding of specific beliefs with various sociological theories. The individual beliefs include functionalism, conflict theory and interactionism that take place within the family. These are brought into the current society and create changes within individual and social identity. The social trends and beliefs create this through social identity and belief; however the institution of the family also provides a foundation of beliefs and actions that reflect within the individual identity in society. The concept of relating both of these sides then lead to the main views within society and the individual and creates an interaction of altering the social construction and identity which takes place. References Braithwaite, Dawn, Leslie Baxter. (2006). Engaging Theories in Family Communication: Multiple Perspectives. New York: Sage. Ebaugh, Helen. (2006). Handbook of Religion and Social Institutions. New York: Springer. Greenhaus, Jeffrey, Gary Powell. (2005). “When Work and Family Are Allies: A Theory of Work – Family Enrichment.” The Academy of Management Review 31 (1). Schmeeckle, M, R Giarrusso, D Feng, V Bengston. (2006). “What Makes Someone Family? Adult Children’s Perceptions of Current and Former Stepparents.” Journal of Marriage and Family 68 (3). Turner, Lynn, Richard West. (2007). The Family Communication Sourcebook. New York: Sage Publishers. Read More