11Soc Chapter 11 - Family

Define the family.

Outline the two basic types of families.

Examine the patterns of family structure.

Families of all types and sizes across all cultures tend to have similar patterns of behavior relating to common family questions such as inheritance, authority, and place of residence.

Inheritance, which involves the passing on of the family name, property, and membership in an ethnic group, can be patrilineal (from father to son), matrilineal (from mother to daughter), or bilineal (equally through both parents).

Examine the patterns of family structure.

Explain authority as a pattern of family structure

Explain Residence as a pattern of family structure

The authority figure in a family may be the oldest man living in the household (patriarchy), the oldest woman living in the household (matriarchy), or an even split between husband and wife (egalitarian).

Culture may expect a new couple to reside near the husband’s parents (patrilocal), near the wife’s parents (matrilocal), or at a new location (neolocal).

Marriages take many forms, and cultures may allow one or more than one spouse, but whatever form and ritual is involved, the marriage ceremony announces to the community that a new family has been formed and that any children of the couple can legitimately inherit the family name and property.