Difference between revisions of "426--Week 1 Questions/Comments--Thursday"
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The opening quote of the book by Bronislaw Malinowski I think best introduces some of the ideas touched upon by Mintz and Kellogg. It reads, “Marriage and the family are undergoing a change, nay, passing through a crisis. To close your eyes to it, to say that all is for the best in the best of matrimonial worlds, would be as shallow and as unscientific as to prophesy the downfall of the family. Some changes are necessary, but these will not affect the essential constitution of the family.” I think Mintz and Kellogg would agree that the families of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s as well as present-day families and families as far back as the 17th century have suffered a crisis. The family described as the “accepted family” which they establish as their norm is certainly not the “accepted family” of the 21st century. As described by Kellogg and Mintz the family is not a static structure, but a “fragile institution.” Yet, the idea of family still exists and while continuously changing has been and will arguably always be a component of society, particularly American society. – Mary Beth | The opening quote of the book by Bronislaw Malinowski I think best introduces some of the ideas touched upon by Mintz and Kellogg. It reads, “Marriage and the family are undergoing a change, nay, passing through a crisis. To close your eyes to it, to say that all is for the best in the best of matrimonial worlds, would be as shallow and as unscientific as to prophesy the downfall of the family. Some changes are necessary, but these will not affect the essential constitution of the family.” I think Mintz and Kellogg would agree that the families of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s as well as present-day families and families as far back as the 17th century have suffered a crisis. The family described as the “accepted family” which they establish as their norm is certainly not the “accepted family” of the 21st century. As described by Kellogg and Mintz the family is not a static structure, but a “fragile institution.” Yet, the idea of family still exists and while continuously changing has been and will arguably always be a component of society, particularly American society. – Mary Beth | ||
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| + | It appears that one of Mintz and Kellogg’s goals in this work is to find consistent patterns in families over time. Before reading their book and ascertaining what patterns they note, what can we come up with as consistencies about families, and consistent changes in family structures over time? What I mean is that Mintz and Kellogg certainly make it clear that the idea and concept of family had developed and changed, my discussion question is designed for us to hypothesize why and how. Past that, are their things that are the same about families? How do our families resemble those in the 19th century? -Stephen | ||
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| + | What exactly is a family? I am looking for a good working definition. Does that definition change across cultures/history? What remains the same? - Stephen | ||
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| + | Mintz & Kellogg note that families rely on mutual interest. Is this always the case? Are there not examples of family ties and relations not based on interest, for example the Civil War? -Stephen | ||
