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12.1 Explain basic sociological concepts of the family, marriage, and intimate relationships.

Video Link: Functions of the Family

Description: The video features different types of families and discusses the impact that the family structure has on each member of the group. Throughout the video, prominent American sociologists comment and explain the concept of family through a sociological lens.

Audio Link: Millennials Have Inherited The Black Marriage Gap

Description: The podcast discusses the marriage trend prevalent among African-American millennials (people born after 1980). Less than 50 percent of African Americans will be married by the time they are 40, less than any other racial demographic. The podcast explores the reasons behind this trend.

Web Resource: The All-or-Nothing Marriage

Description: The article discusses the rise of unmarried couples living and sharing a household together and the changing expectations of marriage.

 

12.2 Describe trends leading to the decline in marriage rates and changes in the family household, including single parenting, blended families, and lesbian and gay families.

Video Link: 2010's American Family Defined

Description: An ABC News documentary tries to redefine what family means in American society as alternative types of families emerge.

Audio Link: As Gay Marriages Rise, Now Comes The Case For Same-Sex Divorce

Description: The podcast discusses the impediments same-sex couples face in not only legalizing their marriage, but also in legalizing their divorce.

Web Resource: The Making of the Marriage Equality Revolution

Description: The article discusses the beginnings of the Freedom to Marry organization established by Evan Wolfson and his current push to promote same-sex marriage. He is preparing to argue to the United States Supreme Court whether states have a constitutional right to bar same-sex couples from marrying.

 

12.3 Apply structural/functional, conflict/critical, and interactionist theories to the social institution of the family.

Video Link: Sociology families and households

Description: The video summarizes the definition of family based on the major sociological theories. A sociologist explains the function of family, diversity within the family, power, control and domestic violence.

Audio Link: Examining Bill Cosby's Legacy As 'The Cosby Show' Turns 30

Description: The podcast discusses The Cosby Show and why it was revolutionary for its time. It was the first show that portrayed an African-American family in which the main characters were highly educated, working parents. The show was also not afraid to discuss family and race.

Web Resource: Family Crisis - Five Major Theories

Description: The webpage summarizes each of the social theories as they pertain to family: the Structural Functional, Conflict, Symbolic Interaction, Social Exchange and Developmental theories.

 

12.4 Describe current models of family conflict, forms of abuse and violence within the family, and the effects of poverty on family life.

Video Link: Leaders Questions Adoption Tracing Rights

Description: Leaders in Ireland have been examining the rights of adopted children and unmarried mothers who are the victims of illegal adoptions. Legislators have been creating barriers for those who are trying to trace their natural parents and children.

Audio Link: A North Dakota Family Breaks The Silence On Gay Marriage

Description: North Dakota is one of 13 states that still ban same-sex marriage in the United States. Melanie Hoffert was raised in a religious family. She talks about coming out as a lesbian and the conflict that it has brought to her and her family in her community.

Web Resources: Domestic Violence and Abuse

Description: The Help Guide is a non-profit international organization that provides support and resources for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

 

12.5 Identify the effects of globalization and global flows on the family today.

Video Link: Globalization and Families: Bahira Trask at TEDxWilmington

Description: Dr. Bahira Sherif Trask, a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Delaware, discusses the institution of marriage and how it has evolved in the United States and across the world.

Audio Link: To Model Manhood, Immigrant Dads Draw From Two Worlds

Description: For many immigrant men, the expected gender roles in their native country may not align with the gender norms in the United States. The podcast talks about their struggles to conform to American society and the cultural adjustments they must make when they visit home.

Web Resource: Exclusive Interview: Elian Gonzalez Wants to Come to the US

Description: Elian Rodrigues, the Cuban boy seized 15 years ago at the age of 6 from his relatives in Miami by U.S. government officials and deported, talks about his family connections in the United States.