Sociology of the Family Essay Example

One of the main institutions that can have the most impact on society is the family. The family by definition "a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of a man and woman and their offspring or two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place" (Mifflin 2000). In order to further elaborate on this institution we most look at the family on how it was before and how much it has changed to this date. One of main changes in the dynamics of families is the social changes in the Women's movement and the changes from a nuclear family to single parent homes. Families in the past consisted of a mother and a father most times children and a family pet. Like most societies in the world, the United States included, are patriarchal societies, this means that the males are at the head of the households. This principle was considered the norm and was accepted the natural or biological way of living. The man went out to work, and the wife would stay home and take care of the home and the children. Another ideology that has changed is the idea that people did not get divorced and believed in hard work and family loyalty in maintaining a healthy home. One of the important factors that contributed to the idea that people should not get divorced was the institution and importance of the church in many households. Another belief from the past that has changed and made a dramatic impact on society is the incline in family values. Some principles Garcia 2 of past family values is the idea that a woman had to be married by a certain age, respect for parent or guardians and religious commitment, also repress any sexual desires that are not the norm. The reason for social change is collective idea to bring upon change. According to Sagarin social change is "marked by unrest generated by dissatisfaction with current modes of living, together with