Interactionism - Theories of the Family

Question 1

Smart:

Answer 1

Criticises structural theories for having a narrow frame of mind in regards to the family and assuming that people cannot make their own choices.

Argues that there are important relationships beyond ‘blood and marriage’.

Question 2

Personal Life Perspective:

Answer 2

Interactionists see people as active agents with free will, who can freely think and choose how to interpret the world around them.

Not focused on what is traditionally seen as the ‘family’, but on every aspect of personal life.

Evaluation = ignores what is special about ‘blood and marriage’. Also can criticise with Giddens.

Question 3

Smart 2.0

Answer 3

Criticises Giddens by proposing a connectedness thesis which states that we are still connected to people after we break up with them.

“it becomes impossible for relationships to simply end”.

When you study someone’s life, you have to look at their ‘web of relationships’. E.g: women more likely to have custody of children after divorce, so cannot simply start a new relationship.