Defining the Family Institution

1

• Defining the Family Institution
• Family Structure Key Concepts
• Functional vs. Conflict Perspectives on the
  Family
• The Rise Decline of the Breadwinner System
  in the U.S. Japan
• Family Change Common Themes

2
Does Ferrante offer a definition of the family?

• The problem of universality
• kinship
• membership characteristics
• legal recognition
• social functions

3
Family Structure Basic Concepts Monogamy,
polygamy, polygyny, polyandry Endogamous vs.
exogamous marriage Patriarchal, matriarchal,
egalitarian Patrilineal, matrilineal, bilateral
descent Nuclear and extended families Families
vs. households Domestic partnerships Patrilocal,
matrilocal, neolocal residence See Ferrante p. 412
4
Functional vs. Conflict Analyses of the Family

• How do they differ?
• The issue of reproductive work status and
  division of labor

5
U.S. and Japanese Families
Discuss how are they similar and
different? Note Noriko Ikarashis testimony
(pp. 431-433)
6

• The Rise and Decline of the Breadwinner System
  in the U.S. and Japan
• what factors help explain this?
• what have been the costs and benefits?
• Examine Table 12.3, p. 418

7

• Family Change Common Themes
• The importance of long-term economic changes
• Randall Collins theory of sexual stratification
  and four types of families
• 2) The decline of parental authority
• 3) The changing status of children
• 4) The consequences of long life

8
Question Is the family in decline?