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The Family and Intimate Relationships


In this chapter, you will find the following items:

The family, in its many varying forms, is present in all human cultures. This chapter examines the state of marriage, the family, and other intimate relationships in the United States and considers alternatives to the traditional nuclear family.

After studying this chapter you should be able to:


1.
Explain the differences between the nuclear family and the extended family.
2.
Discuss the differences between monogamy, serial monogamy, polygamy, polygyny, and polyandry.
3.
Outline the six paramount functions performed by the family, according to William Ogburn.
4.
Explain why the conflict theorists see the family as a reflection of the inequality of wealth and power found within the larger society.
5.
Differentiate between edogamy and exogamy.
6.
Discuss how family life in the United States varies across social classes.
7.
Summarize what the text tells us about racial and ethnic differences in family life.
8.
Present an overview of the statistical trends in divorce.
9.
List some of the factors associated with divorce.
10.
Discuss the following lifestyles: cohabitation, remaining single, lesbian and gay relationships, and marriage without children.
11.
Explain the issues surrounding gay marriages.





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Schaefer, Sociology Brief, 6/eOnline Learning Center

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