Smith 2
Smith 2
Jack Smith
Casey Errante
SOC 213 (I03)
30 January 2019
Defining Families
Sociology is an exploration into the ever-changing structural development of humans and the functions or choices they make when interacting with others in society. Families being one of the main studies associated with Sociology, they attempt to understand and bring order and balance to what seems, sometimes to be chaotic and an unsustainable network of existence between the people who make up this society and what they deem as acceptable to be considered family. They have conducted studies and developed theories and perspectives to explain the family life and its evolution over time.
According to “Merriam-Webster”, the word “Theory” has a couple of general definitions, and for this student, the definition being used works best. “Theory – a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena” (MW). The word “Perspective” definition is for the purpose of this writing, “Perspective – the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed” (MW).
Defining families is made up of several theories and perspectives according to the textbook being used in this class study called “Sociology of the Family” (Cohen). All of which are based on generalized viewpoints. While reading this information, the thought came to mind that it is based on the reflection of the past, present, and future outcomes of the views and equality issues that people have on the topic of “family” and where it has been, how is it today, and what can we do to make it better for tomorrow.
To define the “personal family” is defining one’s own reliance on others to meet the qualifying standards in order to be considered part of their family. The “legal family” is defined by laws and policies which denies or gives credibility for the rights of and responsibilities of an individual as seen by society in the “laws of the land”, pertaining to others in their personal lives that are considered family. When defining “family as an institution”, combine all the interactions of a person’s overall social activity.
After taking a sh...
