|
Marriage
and the Family
Series Entitled: "Portrait of A Family"
In the last two decades, those who live in the industrialized
West have witnessed dramatic changes in life conditions and
life styles. Technological developments have quickened the
tempo of everyday living, bringing people in closer contact
than ever before. Yet increased population, urbanization,
and economic uncertainty have left deep imprints of dissatisfaction
on personal and family interactions.
Portrait of a Family takes a close look at marriage,
family, and alternative life styles in the closing decade
of the twentieth century. Although the in-depth study of male
and female interaction is a relatively new development in
sociological scholarship, Portrait of a Family provides
a balance between the solid research and theoretical base
students need, and the practical examination of personal choice
and decision-making students want. It is a course people not
only take, but an experience they value and share.
Throughout the course, several interrelated themes are developed.
The first is the tension between the individual and the societal
environment, and the existence of contradictory cultural values.
Portrait of a Family maintains a life spiral perspective
that reflects the diversity of patterns of living and decision-making
people face in their lives.
Another major theme is the shift in focus that is taking place
from viewing marriage as an institution to viewing it as a
relationship in which one expects to find companionship and
intimacy. Increasing flexibility forces individuals to make
a greater number of choices, and these, in turn, help focus
peoples' attention not only on family values, but also on
individual values.
PROGRAM
DESCRIPTIONS
1) Family Portraits
A look at marriages and families in the closing decade of
the 20th century through the lives of four families.
2) The Seasons of Life
While no two people's lives are exactly the same, they tend
to share similar patterns. As adults continue to grow and
change, their marriages and families also change.
3) When I Grow Up
In the past, gender-related differences-the way males and
females look, think, behave--have been rather carefully prescribed.
But today, sex roles are less defined-expectations are changing-with
varying results, from relief to resistance and confusion.
4) Adam's Equal or Adam's Rib?
Almost from the moment of birth, people have different expectations
of males and females. This program explores the process of
gender identification and assumption of gender roles; the
evolution of self-concept, and the issue of androgyny.
5) Learning to Love
Love is essential to our mental and physical well-being. But
what is love, and how does it differ from other emotions?
This program looks at various forms of love and the needs
it fulfills.
6) The Pleasure Bond
From infancy to old age, people are sexual beings. Sexuality
affects the way people think of themselves and how they relate
to others, especially in highly personal relationships.
7) Epidemic Proportions
Responsible sex has been redefined since the onslaught of
AIDS. As this program illustrates, sexually transmitted diseases
are more than medical problems. They are conditions saturated
with social implications and consequences.
8) Going It Alone
In the past few decades being single has become a recognized
way of life. This episode looks at some reasons for this trend,
and the variety of single lifestyles that exist in our society.
9) The Marriage Market
Marriage is not something that happens to you because you
are struck by fireworks or butterflies; it is a decision and
a choice to be made. The series examines the social variables
that influence a person's choice of partners.
10) Variations on a Theme
No longer does a long-term marriage, two children, and a house
in the suburbs typify the usual family configuration. This
program examines the kaleidoscope of forms that exists today.
11) Great Expectations
...and they lived happily ever after. End of story? Not in
real life or in Portrait of a Family. The beliefs and expectations
individuals bring into a marriage have a direct influence
on their life together.
12) Intimate Connections
You've heard it before-the three most important things in
a relationship are communication, communication, and communication.
Whether you're dealing with a rebellious teenager, a disgruntled
spouse, or a stubborn two-year old, the way you interact affects
not only the relationship, but also the individuals involved.
13) For Better or Worse
Newlyweds who are convinced marriage is over after their first
argument haven't yet learned that conflict is a natural, even
necessary, part of married life. Learning to handle conflict
constructively deepens understanding and tightens the bond
between two people.
14) Power Plays
People associate power with military force, multinational
corporations, and highly political positions. According to
romantic myths, couples are exempt from power struggles, but
in reality couples often encounter power issues, as seen in
this program.
15) Behind Closed Doors
The statistics are alarming. Each year, in one out of every
six couples, one partner or the other commits an act of violence
toward their spouse. The scope of the problem, the definition
of abuse, the cycle of violence, and the means of escape are
explored in this program.
16) Working Husbands/Working Wives
Supporting a family has become a two-person job. The pattern
of home-maker turned breadwinner has evolved rapidly, and
for good reasons. But what is the social and personal impact
of two-career marriages?
17) To Parent or Not to Parent
Parenthood changes one's life in major and irreversible ways;
it's not a decision to be taken lightly. This program focuses
on the declining U.S. fertility rate, societal views of parenthood,
the personal impact of parenthood, and regulating conception.
18) One Plus One Equals Three
Parenting is part joy, part trial, and above all, a responsibility.
A parent may approach the task as a pal, a policeman, a teacher,
or a coach; they may be over-permissive, autocratic, or even
abusive. Building successful parent-child relationships is
a lifetime commitment.
19) For Richer or Poorer
Whether you're living from paycheck to paycheck or have managed
to set aside a little nest egg, managing family finances is
a difficult task in today's economy. Budgeting and use of
credit, housing and health care costs, social policies that
affect families are explored in this program.
20) Turning Points
Social scientists tell us that the happiest families are not
necessarily those with the easiest, most trouble-free lives,
but those with the capacity to weather stress and cope with
crisis. The definition of a crisis, the phases of crisis as
it affects families, the predictable crisis, and the ways
that families handle various kinds of critical transactions
are investigated in this program.
21) The Strained Knot
Some crises are not predictable. How families cope with unexpected
problems and tragedy is the focus of this program. The family
that deals constructively with crisis is likely to emerge
with a stronger sense of the family unit, communication lines
that are more open, and roles and relationships that are more
flexible.
22) Irreconcilable Differences
Divorce is an experience that undermines self-esteem, provokes
betrayals, and creates feelings of rejection and despair for
almost everyone it touches. Who gets divorced and why? What
are the economic, emotional, and social implications of divorce?
23) Single, Head of Household
Between 1970 and 1984, the number of children living with
one parent increased by 71 percent. The main reason: divorce.
This program examines the family and personal consequences
of divorce, the effects of divorce on children, custody arrangements,
and life in a single-parent family.
24) The Second Time Around
Eighty-three percent of divorced men and 75 percent of divorced
women eventually remarry. And the second time around, courtship
and decision-making are a little different, as illustrated
by this program.
25) Yours, Mine and Ours
Being a stepparent is a difficult and demanding role with
few sources to guide new family members. This program explores
the complications of step-parenting and adjusting to the new
family, balanced stepparent/stepchild relationships.
26) The Later Years
The old are getting younger all the time. Researchers suggest
that persons in their seventies today are leading lives comparable
to persons in their fifties a generation or so ago. The changing
elderly; myths and realities of old age; families and the
elderly; personal needs of the elderly; and challenges of
a graying population are investigated in this program.
|
