Families are important in sociological contexts and research and have been the study focus for centuries. The interrelationships between people in a family unit may seem common to the insider, but an innate understanding emanates from objectively analyzing them. Families are studied in sociology to understand better human beings and how they function in society.
There are socially constructed definitions of a family, but each person has a subjective definition of the group of people that fits their description. Trends in families are reflected in a larger societal context regarding aspects such as discrimination, equality, and privilege (Greenstein & Davis, 2020). Grasping how these dynamics work in a family helps sociologists utilize their imagination to predict how other fields of life might react. Furthermore, healthcare recognizes that despite similarities between people, each family is unique and that quality creates specific identities or experiences (Greenstein & Davis, 2020). Rural families experience different challenges from those in an urban setting, and studying families exposes how healthcare, education, and transportation may be evenly distributed to achieve a balanced nation.
Listening and understanding are essential in studying families since circumstances vary between groups of people that rarely interact or meet. For instance, extending empathy to an immigrant family that has gone through a hazardous experience is easier when differences are acknowledged and appreciated (Umberson & Thomeer, 2020). Co-habitation and marital stability are constant worries to newlyweds, and researching current family units expresses their chances of success. These studies expose the need for relationship skills and bring about change by ensuring such lessons are imbued in children from a young age and ultimately impact their future potential families.
In conclusion, the definition of family can be subjective or objective depending on societal constructs or personal choice. It is necessary to study families since they help people understand themselves and the choices made daily. Additionally, it helps bring change to common problems such as education and healthcare by exposing societal patterns. Studying families is a vital aspect of sociology since its consequences extend to every facet of life.
References
Greenstein, T. N., & Davis, S. N. (2020). Methods of research on Human Development and Families. SAGE.
Umberson, D., & Thomeer, M. B. (2020). Family matters: Research on family ties and health, 2010 to 2020. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 404–419. Web.