Asked by Faithe Wright Robinson on Jun 18, 2024
Verified
In the context of family structure, briefly explain the various ways by which family membership is achieved.
Family Structure
The composition and framework of a family unit, including its members and their relationships to one another.
Family Membership
The state or status of being part of a family, entailing roles, responsibilities, and a sense of belonging.
- Comprehend the principle of social roles and their official recognition and sanctioning within various communities.
- Explore different family roles, changes in these roles, and their effect on the dynamics of family life.
Verified Answer
FJ
Felicia Jackson-McCoyJun 25, 2024
Final Answer :
Answers may vary. Families are defined within a sociocultural milieu that prescribes acceptable ways in which family membership is determined, roles are allocated among family members, and the functions and obligations ascribed to families are carried out.
Underlying the definition of family is a shared understanding of two elements of family structure: how family membership is composed, and the various functions that the family serves as an enduring institution in society. Following are some of the varying ways in which family membership is achieved:
Marriage, which may be an arranged marriage
Remarriage, recoupling after a separation, or blended family
Birth, adoption, foster care, or legal custody
Informal relationship, biological and nonbiological kin, friends, social networks within communities and/or cultural groups
Nannies or other surrogates in the family
Variability in families and choices can mean that households consist of single parents or two parents of opposite or same sex, any of which may be multigenerational (Carter & McGoldrick, 2005; Crosson-Tower, 2004; Fredriksen-Goldsen & Scharlach, 2001; Sue, 2006). Multigenerational families can include parents and their children and grandparents or other kin. Also, there are generational families that consist of two generations, specifically grandparents and their grandchildren (Burnette, 1999; Goyer, 2006; Jimenez, 2002). Clearly, family configurations can be as diverse as family membership.
Underlying the definition of family is a shared understanding of two elements of family structure: how family membership is composed, and the various functions that the family serves as an enduring institution in society. Following are some of the varying ways in which family membership is achieved:
Marriage, which may be an arranged marriage
Remarriage, recoupling after a separation, or blended family
Birth, adoption, foster care, or legal custody
Informal relationship, biological and nonbiological kin, friends, social networks within communities and/or cultural groups
Nannies or other surrogates in the family
Variability in families and choices can mean that households consist of single parents or two parents of opposite or same sex, any of which may be multigenerational (Carter & McGoldrick, 2005; Crosson-Tower, 2004; Fredriksen-Goldsen & Scharlach, 2001; Sue, 2006). Multigenerational families can include parents and their children and grandparents or other kin. Also, there are generational families that consist of two generations, specifically grandparents and their grandchildren (Burnette, 1999; Goyer, 2006; Jimenez, 2002). Clearly, family configurations can be as diverse as family membership.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend the principle of social roles and their official recognition and sanctioning within various communities.
- Explore different family roles, changes in these roles, and their effect on the dynamics of family life.