SOC244H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Family Therapy, Childlessness, Conflict Theories
Document Summary
Structural-functional theory: society is comprised of different institutions, and they all serve a certain purpose for the society to run smoothly, 2 classes: exploiting and exploited class. Symbolic-interaction theory: based on face-to-face interactions, one develops more personal ties with the other, more microlevel theory. Why people marry (or don"t marry?: economic reasons immigrant status children help on the farm, love, culture/religion/tradition. Why people want to have children (or remain childless?: children help on the farm and reduce stress on the family. In science, the word theory is used as a plausible general principle or body of principles offered to explain a phenomenon. A theory is a set of interrelated propositions that explains a particular phenomenon and guide research. A theory provides a framework of ideas that can be used to answer questions about the world. Theories can be used singly or in combination with other theories. Functionalism focuses on the structure and working of society.