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.