Explain the significant differences between the functionalist and the conflict and feminist perspectives on the family
What will be an ideal response?
Conflict and feminist analysts view functionalist perspectives on the role of the family
in society as idealized and inadequate. From the conflict and feminist perspectives,
families do not operate harmoniously and for the benefit of all members, but rather are
the source of social inequality and conflict over values, goals, and access to resources
and power. According to some conflict theorists, families in capitalistic economies are
similar to workers in a factory. Women are dominated by men in the home in the same
manner that workers are dominated by capitalists and managers in factories. Although
childbearing and care for family members in the home contribute to capitalism, these
activities also reinforce the subordination of women through unpaid (and often
devalued) labor. Some feminist perspectives on inequality in families focus on
patriarchy rather than class. Women's activities in the home have been undervalued at
the same time as their labor has been controlled by men. In addition, men have
benefited from the privileges they derive from their status as family breadwinners.
Conflict and feminist perspectives on families focus primarily on the problems inherent
in relationships of dominance and subordination. Specifically, feminist theorists have
developed explanations that take into account the unequal political relationship between
women and men in families and outside of families. Some feminist analysts explain
family violence as a conscious strategy used by men to control women and perpetuate
gender inequality.
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The country of Ohana is a highly developed and technologically advanced country. Corporations in this country constantly search for other less-developed countries that can provide cheaper labor and can serve as sources of raw materials. Ohana is a _______
a. peripheral nation b. third-world country c. semi-peripheral nation d. core nation
Contemporary child-rearing strategies share which of the following tenets?
a. Dominance b. Lack of consequences c. Open communication d. Physical punishment
During a lecture about race in his sociology class, Tomas becomes confused. He recently discovered, on his birth certificate, that he was labeled as white, yet his much younger brother, Carlos, is classified as Hispanic on his birth certificate
What could best explain this discrepancy in labels? a. How social institutions choose to label and identify racial and ethnic groups changes over time. b. Tomas's parents did not want Tomas to experience discrimination so he was labeled white. c. Tomas's parents felt that the Hispanic label would open doors for Carlos in education and employment. d. By the time Carlos was born, the U.S. was more accepting of diversity and welcoming of Hispanics.
According to the text, the treatment of immigrants most often fluctuates based on:
A. their skin color. B. whether they are legal or illegal. C. the amount of labor shortage in the country. D. whether they belong to a group perceived to have a higher proportion of illegal immigrants.