Assignment 3

1. According to functionalist theory, what was the definition of the "instrumental leader" and what was the definition of an "expressive leader." What family roles were connected to each of these leader definitions?
According to the functionalist theory, an "instrumental leader" is one who leads the group discussion and how to go about solving tasks at hand. Fathers were the "instrumental leaders" because they were the families source of income. An "expressive leader" keeps the groups spirit uplifted and warm. Stay at home mothers were the "expressive leaders" because they provide emotional support to their children and husbands.
2. What main demographic change during the 1960s and 1970s led theorists to be critical of the functionalist perspective?
During the 1960s and 1970s, women starting to work outside the home and let theorists to be critical of the functionalist perspective.
3. In contrast to functionalist theorists, in your own words, what is the main theme of conflict theory?
The functionalist theorists looked at a group of individuals and how they work together and what roles they take on. The conflict theorists, in contrast, look at how certain people dominate others and why. For instance, if there was a group of people, a functionalist would look at how that group accomplished a task where as a conflict theorist would analyze how "stepped up" to take charge and how fell into the background; and why. 
4. Social exchange theory is based on ideas from what discipline (not sociology). What do exchange theorists say about husbands bargaining power versus that of wives?
The exchange theory is based on the ideas of an economist model on human behavior.  Exchange theorists believe that if one person has values that another person needs, but does not have the resources to get, then that person is dependent on the other. If a wife does not work, she is dependent on her husband. However, if a wife works then her dependency decreases and the husbands power over her decreases as well. 
5. Feminist theory is based on what main ideas?
The Feminist theory is based on uncovering the gender inequalities that have be culturally (not biologically) constructed. Feminist theorists believe that what a man's idea of happiness is not always what makes a women happy. And some theorists even believe that a family is an "artificial creation that has been organized to maintain male dominance".

6. After reading about the various methods or ways that we collect data to study the family, tell us:

A) A research question about family/relationship interaction.
Do stay at home fathers feel resentment towards their wives?
B) Do you want to study the family at the micro or macro level?
Macro level.
C) What method will you use to collect data? Refer to the methods listed in the lecture slides.
I would like to use the survey method of research. 
D) How many people will be in your study? Remember we use large samples for demographic studies and surveys, smaller samples if we are going to observe a sample or interview family members.
I would like to survey 200 fathers. 
E) Devise 3 questions you will ask them to answer your research question.

How has your relationship with your wife changed after you had children?

Are you attracted to your wife?

One day your wife comes home and tells you she got a promotion, how does this make you feel?