You learned about the different types of families and our economic systems. You learned about the changing of the family to include many types of family structures beyond the traditional nuclear family. You learned theories that explain the major role that family plays in the structure of society. You also learned about the troubles that families face today. In this discussion, you will analyze the family and the economy, linking the macro- and micro-sociological levels of analysis to show the way institutions shape social life.
Answer the following questions.
1. What are some of the changes in the U.S. family structure that are most notable to you?
2. How might the economy have contributed to these changes?
3. Pick one of the theories that you learned in this module and apply it to your understanding of the relationship between the family and the economy.
Required Readings:
Conerly, T.R., Holmes, K., & Tamang, A.L. (2021). Chapter 18: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-3e/pages/18-introduction-to-work-and-the-economy
Conerly, T.R., Holmes, K., & Tamang, A.L. (2021). Chapter 14: Relationships, Marriage, and Family (Links to an external site.). In, Introduction to sociology 3e (pp. 409-429).OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-3e/pages/14-introduction.
McFeely, S., & Pendell, R. (2018, August 16) What workplace leaders can learn from the real gig economy (Links to an external site.). Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/240929/workplace-leaders-learn-real-gig-economy.aspx
Cummins, D. (2016, June 28) Working parents have two jobs — and both are important to the economy (Links to an external site.). PBS Newshour. PBS https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/column-working-parents-have-two-jobs-and-both-are-important-to-the-economy
Livingstone, G. (2015, December 30). It’s no longer a ‘Leave It to Beaver’ world for American families – but it wasn’t back then, either (Links to an external site.). Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/12/30/its-no-longer-a-leave-it-to-beaver-world-for-american-families-but-it-wasnt-back-then-either/
Horowitz, J.M. (2019, September 12) Despite challenges at home and work, most working moms and dads say being employed is what’s best for them (Links to an external site.). Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/12/despite-challenges-at-home-and-work-most-working-moms-and-dads-say-being-employed-is-whats-best-for-them/