1. Briefly describe the family described in the book. Who are the members, what are their family roles i.e. mother, father, brother, sister etc.
LaJoe is the mother, and she has eight children, Lafayette, Pharaoh, LaShawn, Paul, and Terence. Then she also has four year old triplets, Timothy, Tiffany, and Tammie. All eight children have the same father, Paul.
2. Describe the housing project in which the family lives. Do you think it is conducive to a positive childhood for the children, why or why not? Give one example of how the project/neighborhood has either a positive or a negative effect on the children portrayed in the book.
The Governor Henry Horner Homes, or the "Projects" is where the family lives. They describe it as a "graveyard" and a "black hole", which is very negative. It is not a positive childhood for the children. There are no public libraries, movie theaters, skating rinks, or bowling alleys, in order words, there is not much for children to occupy themselves with. It is very isolated and the families within are not connected to each other. The majority of the people live below the poverty level.
3. Describe how the neighborhood surrounding the housing project has changed in terms of employment opportunities and the race/ethnicity of the inhabitants over time. What is the current state of the neighborhood?
In the 30s, 40s, and 50s, the section of the city became home to over half a million blacks that migrated from the south. There isn't much there when it comes to employment opportunities. There aren't many businesses there in general which makes it hard for the people living there. The state of the neighborhood is declining.
4.If you were asked to improve one or two aspects of the housing project or neighborhood to create better opportunities for this family, what social policy might you implement to enact positive change(s)?
If I were to improve the housing project I would add more businesses, such as restaurants, banks, stores, etc. I would also add places for the kids to go to on their free time such as movies, playgrounds, a mall, etc. Places for opportunities of employment.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Friday, November 6, 2015
Assignment 5
1) There are many individuals in the world today who are living under the definition of single. Give two of the examples of types of singles and briefly describe them in your own words. Why are more people single today?
Voluntary temporary singles are single people that place their lives before finding a mate. So they prioritize an education, career, etc. rather than getting married.
Involuntary temporary singles are people that prioritize getting married, and place that before anything else.
2) Go to http://www.census.gov/hhes/fertility/files/cps/Monte_Ellis_PAA_April-11-13-2013.pdf
and describe three ways that data collection has changed according to this report.
The age range has expanded, questions were asked about the timing of the first birth rather than the timing of the most recent birth, and questions about women's relationships at the time of the first birth.
3) According to your textbook, there are four types of cohabitation. Please list and describe two of these using your own words.
The four types of cohabitation are:
Dating cohabitation- A couple that is not yet married but decided to move in together.
Premarital cohabitation- Testing the relationship before they are actually married.
Trial marriage- Couple lives together to find out what being married is like.
Substitute Marriage- a long-term commitment to people who do not plan on getting married.
4) Would you ever consider cohabitation? Why or why not? If you would consider cohabiting, which of these meanings coincides with how you might view your own cohabiting relationship?
Yes, I would definitely cohabit in the future. I think it's necessary to live with someone before marrying them to see whether you want to spend the rest of your life with them. If you go straight into marriage without living with them for a little while you might realize how much you hate them.
5) Do you believe that cohabiting heterosexual couples should have the same rights as married couples? Why or why not? What if the couple are the same-sex and cannot marry in their state, should they receive the same benefits of married people. Why or why not?
Yes, I think they should have the same rights as married couples. It's the exact same thing but once you're married there's paperwork. Yes, I do believe that they should have the same benefits of married people.
Voluntary temporary singles are single people that place their lives before finding a mate. So they prioritize an education, career, etc. rather than getting married.
Involuntary temporary singles are people that prioritize getting married, and place that before anything else.
2) Go to http://www.census.gov/hhes/fertility/files/cps/Monte_Ellis_PAA_April-11-13-2013.pdf
and describe three ways that data collection has changed according to this report.
The age range has expanded, questions were asked about the timing of the first birth rather than the timing of the most recent birth, and questions about women's relationships at the time of the first birth.
3) According to your textbook, there are four types of cohabitation. Please list and describe two of these using your own words.
The four types of cohabitation are:
Dating cohabitation- A couple that is not yet married but decided to move in together.
Premarital cohabitation- Testing the relationship before they are actually married.
Trial marriage- Couple lives together to find out what being married is like.
Substitute Marriage- a long-term commitment to people who do not plan on getting married.
4) Would you ever consider cohabitation? Why or why not? If you would consider cohabiting, which of these meanings coincides with how you might view your own cohabiting relationship?
Yes, I would definitely cohabit in the future. I think it's necessary to live with someone before marrying them to see whether you want to spend the rest of your life with them. If you go straight into marriage without living with them for a little while you might realize how much you hate them.
5) Do you believe that cohabiting heterosexual couples should have the same rights as married couples? Why or why not? What if the couple are the same-sex and cannot marry in their state, should they receive the same benefits of married people. Why or why not?
Yes, I think they should have the same rights as married couples. It's the exact same thing but once you're married there's paperwork. Yes, I do believe that they should have the same benefits of married people.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Blog Assignment 4
1. Power is the ability to force someone to do something even against their will. An example of a person in power is a CEO of a company. They own all of it, and are in charge of all the workers.
Prestige is respect and status in society. An example of someone that is prestigious would be a celebrity, they are respected and admired in society due to their talents or achievements.
Privilege is special advantage of benefit enjoyed by individuals, but not all. An example of privilege is white privilege, which is societal privileges that benefit white people in Western countries beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same social, political, or economic circumstances.
2. Three variables that sociologists use to define social class are income, occupation and education.
3. I would consider my family to be middle class. My mom has a secure job with a steady paycheck. She went to both college and graduate school, and obviously I am fortunate enough to go to college as well.
4. According to the textbook the rich are getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, and working and lower classes are barely surviving.
5. I am 20 years old, female, and Hispanic. I graduated high school and am a full time college student. An opportunity that I have experienced in my life is being able to go to college. Being able to go to college is opportunity that not all Hispanic women are able to have.
Prestige is respect and status in society. An example of someone that is prestigious would be a celebrity, they are respected and admired in society due to their talents or achievements.
Privilege is special advantage of benefit enjoyed by individuals, but not all. An example of privilege is white privilege, which is societal privileges that benefit white people in Western countries beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same social, political, or economic circumstances.
2. Three variables that sociologists use to define social class are income, occupation and education.
3. I would consider my family to be middle class. My mom has a secure job with a steady paycheck. She went to both college and graduate school, and obviously I am fortunate enough to go to college as well.
4. According to the textbook the rich are getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, and working and lower classes are barely surviving.
5. I am 20 years old, female, and Hispanic. I graduated high school and am a full time college student. An opportunity that I have experienced in my life is being able to go to college. Being able to go to college is opportunity that not all Hispanic women are able to have.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Blog Assignment 3
1. I am of Latino origin, so I would check yes for number 8 on the census. My nationality is American, but my ethnicity is Guatemalan. I was born in the United States, in New Jersey, but both of my parents were born in Guatemala and moved here when they were very young. All of my grandparents were born in Guatemala as well.
2. Yes, my race/ethnicity is very important to me. It has helped to shape who I am as a person and has affected my experiences in life.
3. No, I am not of mixed race. I did not really have too many thoughts about it because I have helped my mom fill out the census before.
4. I didn't have much of a reaction because I already knew that society considers white and lighter skin tones to be more beautiful. Especially in the media. In magazines you see the models are all white, and when they do have someone on the cover that is not white, they're usually light skinned or their skin is photoshopped to look lighter.
5. What struck me the most about the video is the doll test they did with the kids. I have seen an experiment like this done before so I already predicted the outcome, but it still bothers me every time I watch it.
6. Just like I mentioned before, I think the media has affected these children. If all they see in advertisements, magazines, movies is white people, they are going to think that white is "normal", and any other skin color is not.
2. Yes, my race/ethnicity is very important to me. It has helped to shape who I am as a person and has affected my experiences in life.
3. No, I am not of mixed race. I did not really have too many thoughts about it because I have helped my mom fill out the census before.
4. I didn't have much of a reaction because I already knew that society considers white and lighter skin tones to be more beautiful. Especially in the media. In magazines you see the models are all white, and when they do have someone on the cover that is not white, they're usually light skinned or their skin is photoshopped to look lighter.
5. What struck me the most about the video is the doll test they did with the kids. I have seen an experiment like this done before so I already predicted the outcome, but it still bothers me every time I watch it.
6. Just like I mentioned before, I think the media has affected these children. If all they see in advertisements, magazines, movies is white people, they are going to think that white is "normal", and any other skin color is not.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Assignment 2
1. According to the structural functionalism perspective, what was the definition of the "instrumental leader" and what was the definition of an "expressive leader." What family roles were connected to each of these leader definitions?
The instrumental leader is the person that provides food and shelter for the family and being hardworking, rough, and competitive. The expressive leader is the "homemaker" or the person that provides the emotional support and nurturing that sustain the family unit. The instrumental leader is the father and the expressive leader is the mother.
2. What is the main criticism of the functionalist perspective?
The main criticism of the functionalist perspective is that it is too conservative in its emphasis on order and stability that it ignored social change.
3. In contrast to functionalist theorists, in your own words, what is the main theme of conflict theory?
The main theme of the conflict theory is the competition and struggle for power.
4. According to conflict theorists, where do family problems come from?
Conflict theorists says that family problems come from widespread societal problems rather than individual shortcomings.
5. Gender/Feminist theory is based on what main idea? Describe one way that feminist theory has led to more diverse understanding of families.
The Gender/Feminist theory is based on the idea of social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. The feminist theory has led to more diverse understanding of families because feminist scholars have endorsed greater equality between husbands and wives as well as unmarried partners, and have pushed for legislation that provides employed women and men with parental leave rights.
6. Social exchange theorists is based on ideas from economics. What is the main argument of social exchange perspective? Give two examples of "resources" people bring to a relationship?
The main argument of social exchange perspective is that people seek through their interactions with others to maximize their rewards and to minimize their costs. Two examples of resources that people bring to a relationship are money and energy.
The instrumental leader is the person that provides food and shelter for the family and being hardworking, rough, and competitive. The expressive leader is the "homemaker" or the person that provides the emotional support and nurturing that sustain the family unit. The instrumental leader is the father and the expressive leader is the mother.
2. What is the main criticism of the functionalist perspective?
The main criticism of the functionalist perspective is that it is too conservative in its emphasis on order and stability that it ignored social change.
3. In contrast to functionalist theorists, in your own words, what is the main theme of conflict theory?
The main theme of the conflict theory is the competition and struggle for power.
4. According to conflict theorists, where do family problems come from?
Conflict theorists says that family problems come from widespread societal problems rather than individual shortcomings.
5. Gender/Feminist theory is based on what main idea? Describe one way that feminist theory has led to more diverse understanding of families.
The Gender/Feminist theory is based on the idea of social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. The feminist theory has led to more diverse understanding of families because feminist scholars have endorsed greater equality between husbands and wives as well as unmarried partners, and have pushed for legislation that provides employed women and men with parental leave rights.
6. Social exchange theorists is based on ideas from economics. What is the main argument of social exchange perspective? Give two examples of "resources" people bring to a relationship?
The main argument of social exchange perspective is that people seek through their interactions with others to maximize their rewards and to minimize their costs. Two examples of resources that people bring to a relationship are money and energy.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Blog Assignment 1
1) Please tell us about yourself. What makes you interesting or unique or tell us a funny story about you.
I live in Hamilton, New Jersey, but I grew up in Lawrenceville. I am Guatemalan. Both of my parents were born in Guatemala, but I was born here. I am currently a junior at Montclair State. I love the beach and the outdoors. I love going kayaking, biking, hiking, and tubing. I also love to travel. This past summer I traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I have traveled to 8 countries so far.
2) Please tell us are you an FCST major or not. If so why did you choose this major? If you are not an FCST major, tell us about your own major and why you chose it.
I am a psychology major. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted a career that helped other people. In high school I took my first psychology class and I loved it so much. I then knew that I wanted to be some kind of counselor.
3) What are your current career plans or plans for graduate school? Or tell us if you plan to marry rich or travel the world!
Right after I graduate I want to travel for a bit, maybe for a few years. Then I want to come back to the US and settle down, and then go to graduate school for Counseling.
4) Next tell us about your family - for example - are your parents married or not, do you live with them, do you have siblings, pets etc? Or maybe you grew up in foster care, or you are cohabiting or married and live with your spouse and/or children.
I live with just my mom, my dad passed away when I was 15. I have a sister who is 27, and she just moved from an apartment to her first house with her boyfriend. I had a dog, Max, but he passed away this summer.
5) Please describe an activity you like to share with your family? etc.
We like to have family dinners. Since my sister just moved into her new house we have been going over there a lot to eat dinner.
6) Next choose 2 topics on the syllabus that interest you and tell us a few sentences WHY they interest you.
The two topics that interest me the most are race, ethnicity and family, and love and sexuality. Those are two topics that interest me in general, and it will be interesting learning about the family aspects of them.
7) Review quiz of syllabus:
A) What day and time does class meet?
Thursdays from 1-2:15.
B) How many blogs must you complete for full credit?
6
C) When are blogs assignments due?
Friday at 4 pm following the date they are listed on the syllabus.
D) What should you do before EVERY face-to-face class?
Read and check your email.
E) What is a topic of a class during week 3?
Methods of research on families.
F) Which week do we focus on Marriage?
week 9
I live in Hamilton, New Jersey, but I grew up in Lawrenceville. I am Guatemalan. Both of my parents were born in Guatemala, but I was born here. I am currently a junior at Montclair State. I love the beach and the outdoors. I love going kayaking, biking, hiking, and tubing. I also love to travel. This past summer I traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I have traveled to 8 countries so far.
2) Please tell us are you an FCST major or not. If so why did you choose this major? If you are not an FCST major, tell us about your own major and why you chose it.
I am a psychology major. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted a career that helped other people. In high school I took my first psychology class and I loved it so much. I then knew that I wanted to be some kind of counselor.
3) What are your current career plans or plans for graduate school? Or tell us if you plan to marry rich or travel the world!
Right after I graduate I want to travel for a bit, maybe for a few years. Then I want to come back to the US and settle down, and then go to graduate school for Counseling.
4) Next tell us about your family - for example - are your parents married or not, do you live with them, do you have siblings, pets etc? Or maybe you grew up in foster care, or you are cohabiting or married and live with your spouse and/or children.
I live with just my mom, my dad passed away when I was 15. I have a sister who is 27, and she just moved from an apartment to her first house with her boyfriend. I had a dog, Max, but he passed away this summer.
5) Please describe an activity you like to share with your family? etc.
We like to have family dinners. Since my sister just moved into her new house we have been going over there a lot to eat dinner.
6) Next choose 2 topics on the syllabus that interest you and tell us a few sentences WHY they interest you.
The two topics that interest me the most are race, ethnicity and family, and love and sexuality. Those are two topics that interest me in general, and it will be interesting learning about the family aspects of them.
7) Review quiz of syllabus:
A) What day and time does class meet?
Thursdays from 1-2:15.
B) How many blogs must you complete for full credit?
6
C) When are blogs assignments due?
Friday at 4 pm following the date they are listed on the syllabus.
D) What should you do before EVERY face-to-face class?
Read and check your email.
E) What is a topic of a class during week 3?
Methods of research on families.
F) Which week do we focus on Marriage?
week 9
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