This paper aims to clarify the strengths of Parsons’ arguments, such as the functionality and effectiveness of certain systems within our culture, while contrasting the outdated viewpoints which he presents that might not be as applicable in today’s modern times considering the amount of social changes and open opportunities that are now available to both sexes. Parsons introduces his ideas on the “kinship system” by discussing the family structure, focusing in on the various life stages that a child goes through to emancipate themselves from the ties they have gained from their parents and other family members. The familiarity and comfort of such ties eventually become a burden and must be cut off in order for an individual to become a fully functional member of our society. The article goes on to state that one of the most difficult stages of growing older would be adolescence, where a “youth culture” is practiced, allowing for a passageway meant to ease “the difficult process of adjustment from childhood emotional dependency to full ‘maturity’” (Parsons 1943: 301). This serves to provide one
- If legal proceedings should occur then parents should continue to be involved with their children, even if the parents were separated or divorced. - The welfare of a child should be promoted by a healthy partnership between the local authority and by family involved. The most important ruling of the children’s act was the welfare of the child and it should be regarded paramount by a court in any question of the child’s upbringing. The following checklist must take place by a court when making a decision about a child’s future; - The wishes and feelings of the child/young person must be taken into consideration and that the child has a chance to expresses their concerns and opinions. - The physical, emotional and the educational needs of a child be taken into thought - e.g.
As these generations age, society changes as well as the family values. Adjustments are made to meet both individual and society needs. The three key processes in which children learn values and develop character should start with the forming of emotional attachments, teaching of pro-social behavior, and respect for authority; and abiding by the rules both within the family structure and society. The forming of emotional attachment should start at birth. First the infant bonds with its mother.
Parsons explains that if any of these fails then the family will not be equilibrium with other social systems in the United States (Morimoto, 2013). Parsons states that “The basic and irreducible functions of the family are two: the primary socialization of children so that they can truly become members of the society into which they have been born; second, the stabilization of the adult personalities of the population of the society” (Appelrouth & Edles, 2012). Parson believed it was important that children should be socialized into
Upon the leaving of Jason, Kay and Arnold have begun to experience issues with intimacy and communication. They have chosen to seek outside help to deal with these issues as well as personal issues of loneliness and inadequacy. Identification of stage of development: Both Kay and Arnold lay within many family stages that transition back and forth within their cycle. This statement is supported by the two basic concepts within Family Life Cycle theory which looks at the life cycle by way of emotional and intellectual stages that one must go through and the developmental tasks that enhance level of responsibility during these stages. To be successful throughout these cycles, family members need to adapt and change to ensure survival of the family.
Erikson introduced the idea of a psychosocial moratorium which is a temporary suspension of activity. During this time, adolescents try out different roles in order to decide which suits them best. This role sampling and resolution of role confusion leads to the establishment of the adult identity. The reason that it is so important to form an identity is that it enables the individual to cope well with the demands of life and to form adult relationships. If this crisis is not resolved then a lack of identity (or role confusion) results which can lead to four kinds of behaviour.
All the stages involve the fulfillment of libidinal desires that play significant roles in adulthood. In instances where a child fails to successfully complete the stages or a given stage, they are likely to develop a fascination that later on influences adult personality and behavior. Another theory on childhood development is the Cognitive theory put forward by Jean Piaget, which suggests that children reflect things differently than
|Figure 1. Adult Life Stages | Stage |Key Issues |Self-Image |Goal Focus |Relationships |Community | |Autonomy / Tentative Choices (18 - 26) |Autonomy vs. Dependence, Tentative vs. Lasting Choices |Developing sense of personhood as separate from parents and childhood peer groups |Defining self as an individual and establishing an initial life style |Testing out new relationships (e.g., love interests, peer groups, and friends) |Realigning focus from family of origin to new peers and groups | |Young Adult Transition (27-31) |Turmoil vs. Certainty, Settling Down vs. Keeping Things Open |Questioning sense of self and who/what we want to become |Re-assessing initial life style and making more permanent choices/ commitments |Sorting out and deciding which relationships will become more permanent |Re-thinking and evaluating commitments and connections | |Making Commitments (32-40) |Master vs. Apprentice, Permanent vs.
More couples are choosing either to not get married, get divorced or even homosexual couples are raising children and are considered to be a family. The trend is now more non-traditional than what would have been the norm fifty years ago. This essay will attempt to look at how the changes in family structure impact our children and the different family structures that now do exist and their consequences to mankind. The most important issue at hand is how this is all affecting our children. The children are the ones that will carry on our society and it is our jobs to teach them morals and values.
Socialization is the learning process to become a unique individual and capable member of society it is also about how people acquire those beliefs, attitudes, values and, certainly, behavior that finally become their way of thinking. A person is socialized from the moment he/she born and one of the most important stages in socialization occur during infancy. It is a stage which a child acquire social experience from their parents and learn to adopt behavior patterns of the community in which they live. So if child’s personality developed out of society it is impossible for them to survive because the child who live or grow up in the isolation from the society has many problems and they can’t lead a normal life. Based on what I have read children with poor socialization skills are less likely to form healthy intimate relationships with other people, they more likely to experience rejection from society.