CHAPTER 3: Gender and Social Structure

A. Gender in the Family

 Nature and Notion of Family

- It is the natural form and function of the family
- its natural goods and goals.
- The natural rights and duties attach to husband and wife, and
parent and child.

 Theoretical Perspectives on Family

- There are three dominant theoretical premises which are
functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism.
Functionalism
- Is an approach that views society as a system of parts working
together to maintain a social equilibrium or balance.
- Socialize Children
- Regulate Sexual Reproduction
- Contribute to Social Stability
Conflict Theory
- Society is characterized by conflict between social groups.
- Structure is a factor in social inequality
- Reinforce class and Gender inequalities
- Conflict impacts individual in the society
Symbolic Interactionism 1
- A view of social behavior that emphasizes subjective
understanding and the interactions of the individual in the society.
 - A unit that shares understandings of their various situations
 Gender Equality in Family
- All members of a family must enjoy the same liberties and
rights regardless of gender or age.

 Gender and Family Relations

- Trends and patterns have been paralleled by changes in
gender roles

 Gender Role Assignment in the Family

- Is a social role encompassing a range behaviors and attitudes
that are generally considered acceptable, appropriate or
desirable for people based on their actual or perceived sex.
- Usually considered on conception of Masculinity and
Femininity

 Gender and Filipino Family

- Women in the Philippines is explained based on the context of
Filipino culture, standards and mindsets.
- The Philippines is described to be a nation of strong women,
who directly and indirectly run the family unit, businesses,
government agencies and haciendas.
- Women in the Philippine society have always enjoyed a greater
share of equality
- Filipino Family exhibit Filipino culture, traits and values of
which the most important value of family is family closeness.

 The State Play in Shaping Family Life

- Financially
- Behaviorally
- Intellectually