Chapter 9 Learning Objectives

In this chapter, students should learn to do the following:

1. Understand the different make-up of kinship groups and families, and how these relationships are defined.
2. Explain the myths that exist regarding families, and why they are considered myths instead of facts.
3. Explain the basic features that are shared (or expected to be shared) among families, including the type of relationships they share and the type of care they provide.
4. Understand how families in Aboriginal communities and same-sex couples both follow and challenge the characteristics of the ideal “typical” family.
5. Understand the fertility trend in Canada and explain why it is on the decline.
6. Understand how five different theoretical perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminist theory, and social constructionism) explain families and their roles in society.
7. Explain the social consequences of family life, including how changes in the labour market and family structure have all impacted the family.
8. Understand how divorce rates have changed over time and explain the effects of divorce on families.
9. Explain the “boomerang effect” and how it impacts the family. Also, explain why this may be considered a social problem.
10. Understand how domestic violence can impact families, and why this occurs.
11. Explain how the health of families is influenced by changes in family structure, including marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
12. Explain the possible solutions to social problems related to families and the possible challenges of implementing these solutions.