The relation of socio-economic status and kin relationships is complex. Discuss whether and
how kin work varies by social class.
Analyze your own family from the perspective of
women's kin work, including who does it, what is done, and how it effects the lives of the
whole family.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary with student attention to this chapter, but also with their life experience. It
is revealing and comforting to many women to think of kin work as women's work, a viable
and valued part of any network. Applying known class characteristics to this idea is greatly
enhanced if the instructor prepares the students for this exercise by reviewing the
characteristics of class and gender before making this assignment. Idiocentric narratives are
often an impediment in class, but in this case short narratives can add insights not easily
developed in any other ways, especially if the class is quite heterogenous. It is suggested that
students share main ideas in their work in a class discussion following the essay writing.
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Andrew, a sociologist, claims that acculturation among Latin American families poses many benefits. However, his colleague, Matt, argues that acculturation also brings its share of negative consequences. Examine the following choices and select the correct response.
A) Andrew is right because during the acculturation process, first and later generations often acquire the necessary English language skills, competitive values, and education that increase the likelihood of moving up the economic ladder. B) Andrew is right because acculturation, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, may result in lowering the rates of delinquency and crime among Latino adolescents. C) Matt is wrong because there has been a reduction in the divorce rates among married couples in Latin American families who have acculturated to U.S. society. D) Matt is wrong because middle-class Latinos who have acculturated to U.S. society tend to be less permissive in raising their children, thereby instilling a sense of discipline among their youth.
Couples who live together in intimate relationships outside of legal marriage are involved in:
a. polyandry. b. a concubine relationship. c. cohabitation. d. polygyny.
Which of the following is a valuable workplace skill often acquired by studying sociology?
A. the development of philosophical thought B. the ability to interpret social change C. the increased use of critical thinking D. the regulation of research to meet a desired outcome
Which of the following is true of quantitative research?
A. It generally involves small sample sizes. B. It relies on focus groups, participant and nonparticipant observation, interviews, content analysis, and archival research. C. It generates in-depth knowledge of social life, institutions, and processes. D. It offers insight into broad patterns of behavior.