Children, Families, and Schools

 This chapter on Children, Families, and Schools looks at how families and schools have changed over time and the roles they play in society. A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or commitment who provide emotional support (help and comfort during stressful or tough times) and socialize children (teaching them the rules, values, and behaviors they need to fit into society). Families today are different from the past, with higher divorce rates, more couples living together without being married, and more women working outside the home than ever before. Schools also serve many people, but differences in funding, resources, and expectations create challenges for some students. From a functionalist perspective, families and schools are important because they help people grow, fit into society, and provide support. Conflict theory shows how they can reinforce inequality, while symbolic interactionism focuses on how everyday interactions between family members, teachers, and students shape experiences and problems. These perspectives help explain the social challenges that families and schools face today.

A sociologist studying the changing nature of families could use data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) to examine the rise in cohabitation, or couples living together without being married. According to the NSFG, about 13.9% of women and 12.0% of men aged 15–49 were currently cohabiting with an opposite-sex partner in 2017–2019, while roughly 58.9% of women and 54.3% of men in the same age range had ever cohabited (NSFG-Key Statistics). This information helps sociologists understand how family structures are shifting and how these changes may influence social problems such as family stability, child socialization, and access to emotional support. Demographic factors like age, income, and education level also shape these patterns; cohabitation is more common among younger adults and those with lower income or less formal education. From a functionalist perspective, this trend reflects how families adapt to modern social and economic pressures while still trying to fulfill essential roles like providing care and stability. In contrast, conflict theory emphasizes that cohabitation may reflect inequality, as economic hardship can make marriage less attainable for some groups. Meanwhile, symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals define and experience cohabitation through everyday interactions, communication, and shared meanings. Overall, NSFG data on cohabitation gives sociologists valuable perspectives into how families continue to evolve and what challenges arise from these changes in modern society.

Family Promise of Brevard (FPOB) is a nonprofit that helps families in Brevard County overcome housing instability so children can thrive. Their mission is to keep families housed by providing shelter, case management, and community support while helping them build long-term economic stability. In 2024, the organization served over 3,700 families, with 97% maintaining stable housing, and volunteers contributed more than 12,000 hours of service. Through these programs, Family Promise of Brevard addresses the social problem of housing insecurity, which directly affects family well-being and children’s success in school. HOME | FPOB

References:

Children, Families, and Schools.pdf: 202540-SYG-2010-21Z-40363-Social Problems

NSFG - Listing C - Key Statistics from the National Survey of Family Growth

Caption: Here is a beautiful family holding hands at the sunset. This image symbolizes unity, love, and the emotional support that families provide. The image reflects how families help socialize children and adapt to the changing structures of modern family life. It serves as a reminder that strong family bonds remain essential for emotional well-being and stability.