Family is arguably one of the first things that people come to understand. Sociologists define a family as a basic unit of socialization comprising of individuals affiliated by a blood relationship (consanguinity), co-residence, or affinity (Johnson-Hanks et al., 2011). The family is considered to be the “first focal socialization agency” for children. Everything that children learn about society comes from the family unit, and it is integral to the development of children. The main difference between a nuclear family extended family is based on their different scopes. This can be summed up as; a nuclear family is a conjugal family comprising only a husband, wife, and their unmarried children (under-aged) while an extended family consists of members of a kinship (those descended from the same ancestor) (Johnson-Hanks et al., 2011). The traditional western family is typically composed of a husband, wife, and dependent children. The extended family is more extensive and comprises relatively more members from grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Americans Believe
Studies show that 99.8% of Americans believe that a family unit is comprised of parents (husband and wife) and their children. However, this statistic does not represent the situation on the ground. There are many variations of the family units since only an estimated 66% of children under seventeen years live in a household with two married parents. This shows a record 11% decline from the 1980 statistic showing that 77% of children under seventeen years lived with both married parents (Laughlin, 2014). Some of the variations in the family structure include; single parents, stepparents, cohabitation, same-sex couples, and staying single. Single-parent families are where children live with only one of their parents. Stepparent families are where children live with a biological or adoptive parent and a stepparent. In cohabitation, two parents live together in a sexual relationship without marriage. Same-sex couple families are where members of the LGBTQ community get married and raise a family (Saez, 2011). There is an increasing trend in the deviation away from a nuclear family model and adaptation of the other variations of the family structure. Based on the description provided, I would describe my family structure as a single-parent household. This is because my sister and I were brought up by our mother.
Secularization
Secularization is generally seen as the opposite of religiousness within society. It can be described as the transformation of society away from identifying and following religious institutions, beliefs, and values towards the adoption of non-religious values and institutions (Martin, 2017). For the longest period, western society has been built around religious beliefs, values, and institutions. The church has been a consistent factor in western civilization. In earlier times, the church had a tremendous influence on society and its structures, including the government, but through secularization, this influence has gradually been eroded. Religious systems no longer have the power to shape or spark innovation or influence art and architecture. I believe that despite the church’s best efforts, the United States is becoming more secularized, especially with the new generations (Generation Y and Z).
A simple comparison between my generation and that of my grandparents shows that attendance to church service has drastically been reduced. Churches are finding it increasingly difficult to attract the young generation, and this has contributed to more secularization. The evolution of acceptance within society has resulted in the young, increasingly challenging religion and its purpose in society. Things such as tithing have become aspects of the past. While the earlier generations remain committed to their religious obligations, the young are increasingly detached. Religion is also frequently criticized due to the vast number of religious institutions and pastors who profit from their followers by promising them the intangible.
Conflict Theory
The theory that best explains my view of education is the conflict theory. I agree that instead of reducing social inequality, public schools are reinforcing and perpetuating these inequalities on a grand scale (Collins, 2004). When looking around, it is possible to note that the educational opportunities and facilities afforded to students in marginalized districts are different from those in affluent areas. Furthermore, the social class of students affects their school work, and the public education system has no way of catering to the differences. For instance, consider a student from a single-parent family who has to help around the house and do odd jobs competing for similar opportunities with a student who has no obligations and whose parents can afford to get him or her a tutor. This scenario provides an excellent example of the perpetuation of social inequalities.
The most stigmatized health issues in our culture relate to mental illnesses. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses has been in existence for a long time and has had a tremendous effect on access to healthcare and acceptance. There are numerous cases where parents lock away their children to escape the stigma of mental illness and thereby deny them the care they need to get better and live life. Other health issues that are stigmatized are disabilities. Disabled people in society are treated as “less than” and they are denied inclusion in social activities and events and this affects their sociability and mental health (Conrad Baker, 2010). Some of the least stigmatized issues include cardiovascular diseases and other organ failure diseases.
Contributing Factors
Some of the contributing factors for obesity-related diseases include; genetic and biological factors, psychological factors, and general lifestyle choices such as exercising, dietary makeup (nutrition), and frequency of eating. Socioeconomic status also contributes to obesity since it is more expensive to eat well-prepared balanced diets than it is to eat junk food. Conflict theory best explains the sociology of health within society. It is because people from marginalized communities are increasingly more likely to receive poor and inadequate healthcare. Furthermore, they are at a disadvantage since they are unable to afford how to lead a healthy life by affording proper meals and getting ample time for exercising.
