Introduction
The concept of family has evolved over the history of humankind, but it has preserved its primary significance. Studies in the 21st century focus on the sociological, biological, economic, and political dimensions. The family structure differs in most parts of the world depending on the culture. Traditionally, the ideal definition of a family is composed of a father, mother, and children. However, some cultures practiced polygamy through polygyny, whereby a man was allowed to have more than one wife, and polyandry, where a woman was allowed to have more than one husband (Cragun and Cragun 261). Although there are many definitions of family, Cragun and Cragun (260) define it as a group of domestic people connected through a common ancestor, adoption, or marriage. This study will focus on understanding the sociological perspective of marriage and why sociology is essential in studying this topic.
Dynamics of a Family
Families are different, each with varying needs, functions, and structures. Family functions have changed over time, moving from being only for romantic and sexual relationships to being political, social, and biological (Zeybek and Kasap 307). They define how the family’s needs are met and maintained over time. These functions determine the type and structure of the family that will be formed. In addition, since these functions are perceived, they are different in different cultures and may change according to political seasons and economic and sociological changes.
There has been an alteration in the family structure, which sociologists have heavily studied and grouped into four elements. They include differences in perception of family matters, increasing single parenthood worldwide, intermarriages or marriage to foreigners, and cultural changes (Zeybek and Kasap 307). Concerning the differences in perception of family matters, society has significantly changed its perception of marital relations. This has been fueled by the re-examination of the negative relations in families. One of the main reasons is economic problems, whereby women in the traditional family system were more likely to depend on males for financial purposes (Zeybek and Kasap 316). Married women in the past had to sacrifice their career ambitions to take care of households and depend on men for all financial needs (Cragun and Cragun 270). However, achieving financial freedom for women by focusing on their careers has weakened the patriarchal family structure. This has led to changes in social life, whereby men feel they do not have power over their women because they cannot control them financially.
The second aspect is the increasing number of single parenthood in society. The harsh living conditions have weakened the family structure and removed its reality of being a system of values. The main reasons for the rising rates of single-parenthood in society are an increase in the number of divorces, rising sexual intercourse among the youths, and a decrease in the number of marriages (Zeybek and Kasap 308). Divorces have increased in the community due to a lack of formal marriages. Many couples cohabit without an official marriage, making divorce easy (Cragun and Cragun 279). The traditionally followed values, such as no sex before marriage, have been overcome, and nowadays, it has become prevalent to have children before marriage. This has led to many children being born out of wedlock, adding to the issue of single parenthood. Thirdly, as stated previously, there is a reduced number of marriages, which contributes to a high number of single parenting. When people form partnerships without legal documents, it is difficult to share wealth and children after divorce.
Another emerging trend in the structure of the family is marriage to foreigners. Due to globalization, there have been high intermarriage rates as communities seek political, sociological, or biological benefits. Interestingly, intermarriages have led to the destruction of moral values in many cultures as people integrate them. While in the past, many cultures did not allow people to intermarry, nowadays, this has become a commonly accepted norm. Endogamy had been common, based on racism, such as in the Nazi era in Germany and the apartheid era in most parts of the United States and South Africa (Cragun and Cragun 275). Their laws did not allow them to marry people from other races. Even in the past, some cultures that practiced slavery allowed intermarriage but did not give foreigners any legal status (Cragun and Cragun 276). This shows a significant change in how intermarriage with foreigners was perceived in the past compared to how it is now. People are now more willing to marry foreigners than in the past.
The changes in family structure have brought many cultural differences in the community. When cultural change occurs, it is more likely to cause a change in the social network of families. Families are important in maintaining national or cultural values because it is where a child knows how to talk and other life experiences. The culture of society enables it to survive; thus, when it is eroded, the culture will not be long-lived (Zeybek and Kasap 308). It helps keep a society alive, and family is used to passing culture from one generation to another. The changes in family structures have significantly altered the culture of those nations. People have been forced to integrate their cultures to accommodate the cultures of their partners. For instance, polygamy has reduced considerably in the middle east due to western influence. This shows that they have lost their culture, which used to bind them together.
Importance of Sociology in Studying Families
Sociology is essential in studying families because it helps to understand the context of a family and trends in families. As seen from the essay, there have been significant changes in family structures, functions, and needs which shows that families are constantly changing. Sociology helps to understand why these changes are happening and their impact on society. For instance, one of the worrying trends is an increase in single parenthood in the community. A study has shown that children brought up by a single parent are likely to have behavioral problems (Cragun and Cragun 270). Thus, on top of understanding the trends, it provides the impact on society and, if possible, specific remedies which can be used to reverse unwanted trends. This will ensure that people live in healthy societies because of the family’s importance in socialization.
Conclusion
Family is essential in society as it enhances individuals’ mental and physical well-being. Families have existed since the origin of humankind; however, there have been different changes in the structures of families based on four factors. These include differences in perception of family matters, increasing single parenthood worldwide, intermarriages or marriage to foreigners, and cultural changes. Each element has impacted families differently, and through sociology, people can understand the reasons and impacts of these changes on humans. In addition, sociology unveils the reasons for changes in these trends.
Works Cited
Cragun, Ryan, and Deborah Cragun. Introduction to Sociology. 1st ed., Blacksleet River, 2006, pp. 1–436.
Zeybek, Tijen, and Fevzi Kasap. “Social Perspective for Family Functions in Society.” Revista de Cercetare Si Interventie Sociala, vol. 71, no. 2, 2020, pp. 305–24, Web.