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 fami...