The Breadwinner-Homemaker Family Model

There are several different theories in sociology and each theory serves a purpose. The purpose of theories are to structure the way subject matters are thought of and discussed, to create a pattern for a set of facts and lastly to generate ideas for further research and understanding. In terms of theories relating to the family, there are two very old perspectives and several newer theories. The consensus perspective is as the name describes – a consensus. There is a shared common expression of norms and values and it focuses on stability instead of change. The breadwinner-homemaker family model is an example of this theory in use as it examines American family life in the 1950’s. This is when there is an employed father, and unemployed …show more content…
The theory seeks to understand and reduce inequality between men and women because the inequality ultimately plays a role in family life. The feminist theory explains that gender perspectives are no longer consistent and that race and ethnicity (as well as social class) affect gender roles and family life in general. On the other hand, there are also contemporary feminists that believe that the traditional breadwinner-homemaker model is necessary in ethnic families. With ethnic families who have immigrated to the United States, the family arrangement exists because both are united in the common goal of surviving in a new country. This idea of familism serves as the basis for the family as an …show more content…
Symbolic interactionism is concerned with how people view themselves and their roles through the eyes of others and then act on those expectations. This theory holds true whether one is from an immigrant family, a non-immigrant family or a racially integrated family. Symbolic interactionism also has a lot to do with the jobs that a person will take on. For example, women are expected by others to work in jobs that relate to the homemaker role. Similarly, this holds true for immigrant families. Members of immigrant families’ financial resources are often limited because they typically take on the roles that are expected of them rather than branching out to a higher source of income.
The modernity theory isn’t specifically related to the family; however, it has a lot to do with individuality and how individuals shape their personal and institutional relationships. This theory is particularly important in the area of race. In the old days, marriage outside of one’s race was not generally very accepted. In more modern times, marriage outside of one’s race has become more and more common. Subsequently, endogamy is not expected and exogamy is not unlikely. As time has shown, the individual identity will change, as will social norms. With the change in social norms has come a change in family