4 ESSAY QUESTIONS

Each essay should consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion/summary. Questions consist of several parts. Be sure to answer each part of the essay.

Essays should each be a minimum of 300words in length.

Question 1

Write a three part essay in which do the following:

1) Explain how the concept of "family" has evolved since the colonial period.

2) Explain what basic functions these "family arrangements" fulfill and aspects that may be considered dysfunctional.

3) Take and support a position on whether these changes are ultimately leading to stronger families or more unhealthy families.

Question 2

Explain what your textbook author means when she states that, "[u]nderstanding the family requires an appreciation of racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity both at home and around the world." Give specific examples to illustrate your sociological understanding of this statement.

Question 3

Explain the following statement made by your textbook author: "Although we like to think that our sexual behavior is spontaneous, sexual scripts shape most of our sexual activities, attitudes, and relationships." (This essay should incorporate much more than gender.)

Question 4

"As Americans, we tend to think of free choice as being a hallmark of the American system of mate selection. However, an observant visitor might doubt this is an accurate assessment. Social approval and pressures are very influential in determining mate choices." Demonstrate your understanding of the impact of social forces in mate selection by writing an essay that defends or refutes the above statement. You will need to discuss the sociological (e.g., class, race, etc.) and psychological factors at work influencing our choice of mates. To demonstrate a complete understanding of the issue, this essay should include a brief comparison to societies that support arranged marriage.