Essay on Modern Family

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University of Pittsburgh *

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1450

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Sociology

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Apr 30, 2024

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docx

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3

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Jordan McGee Class: Introduction to Sociology: Instructor: Dr. Arnaud Lambert Essay on Modern Family For this sociological analysis, I have chosen to examine the television show "Modern Family" as it provides an interesting perspective on the concept of family. This show revolves around the lives of an extended family and their interactions, and I will analyze it through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals in society create meaning through their interactions with each other and with objects. It looks at how symbols and signs are used to communicate and construct shared meanings. In the context of family, this perspective emphasizes how family members interpret and give meaning to their roles and relationships. In "Modern Family," there are several distinct family units, each with its own set of norms and roles. There is the traditional nuclear family with Jay and Gloria, the stepfamily with Jay's son Mitchell and his partner Cameron, and Jay's daughter Claire's family. The show explores how each family unit interprets and constructs the roles of parents, children, and partners. What norms are assumed in this family? Norms are culturally specific expectations for behavior. In "Modern Family," we see a range of norms, from Jay's traditional views of gender roles to Mitchell and Cameron's more fluid and egalitarian approach. The show challenges and plays with these norms, demonstrating how family members negotiate and sometimes clash over them.
What roles do family members have? The characters in "Modern Family" embody a variety of roles within their respective families. For instance, Jay represents the patriarchal figure, and Gloria embodies the role of a young stepmother adjusting to a new family. Mitchell and Cameron challenge traditional gender roles in their same-sex relationship, highlighting the adaptability of family roles. Claire and Phil's family portrays a more conventional nuclear family with its own set of roles. How are the assumptions and points of view in this family understood through symbolic interactionism? Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of communication and shared meanings. In "Modern Family," the characters engage in continuous dialogues, negotiations, and misunderstandings, reflecting the way individuals within families construct their realities through interaction. Their interpretation of gender roles, parenting, and marital dynamics is influenced by their unique perspectives and backgrounds, making the show a microcosm of the broader society's evolving understanding of family. What argument do these families make about public perceptions of family behavior and structures? "Modern Family" challenges traditional public perceptions of family structures by presenting diverse family forms and dynamics. It suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all model for a family and that families come in all shapes and sizes. By featuring unconventional family units and emphasizing the importance of love and support over traditional roles, the show encourages viewers to question and expand their own views of family. What does this family say about society? "Modern Family" reflects the evolving nature of contemporary society. It suggests that society is becoming more accepting of diverse family structures and that individuals have the agency to define their own family norms and roles.
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