Sociology of the Family Group 4 Presentation...

1. A Group Presentation on
“Modern Family”
Group 4, Sociology 271 (OP01)

2. The Traditional Family
“Traditionally anthropologists and
sociologists of the 1940-1970’s
defined the family as consisting of
two adults of the opposite sex, who
shared economic resources, sexual
intimacy, labour, accommodation,
reproduction and child rearing, and
provided each other with
The Brady Bunch
companionship, assistance, love and 1969-72
respect, heirs and social status.”

3. Present Day
Family not so easily defined as “traditional” families in the
past as they are not always connected by blood, name, love,
or connected by people who live in the same house.
Today’s families are all unique and are no longer defined in a
strict legal way due to the many arrangements present in
modern society.
Ex: single parent households, gay and lesbian couples,
unmarried couples, multiple generation (grandparents) living
the home.

4. A more modern definition of family
“A social group, an institution, and an intergenerational
group of individuals related to one another by blood,
adoption, or marriage and cohabitation.” (From our text
book)
Men and Women are no longer subjected to definite roles.
Men are becoming more commonly domestic, taking on the
role of the “homemaker”.
Feminist Movements are a big contributor to the role
“reversal”.

5. Introducing the Family
Family Tree
Dashed lines indicate divorce between characters
Dotted lines indicate parental relationship through adoption
or marriage
Modern Family TV Trailer

6. Expanding and Contracting
Deals with issues around an
expanding and contracting family
Divorce: DeDe and Javier not as
involved; removed from the family
Remarriage (Jay, Gloria and
Manny)
Adoption (Lilly), Pregnancy
(Gloria and Jay)
Moving Out/College (Haley)

7. Pros
Relates to real life problems
Jay
Married to a younger woman
Having a gay son
Claire
Stepmom her own age

8. Pros
Gloria
Dealing with stereo types
Mitch
Dealing with fathers acceptance
Phil
Cam

9. Male Gender Roles
Male Gender Roles
Jay
Phil
Mitch
Cam

10. Female Gender Roles
Controversy over whether or not female characters are truly
‘modern’.
Gloria: Has been said her character is a stereotype, however,
marriage to an older man of a different ethnic and cultural group
is a reflection of the changing definition of family.
Video clip about Gloria
Claire: Strong matriarchal character, but her family represents the
traditional definition, despite her strong efforts to act as the head
of the family.

11. Female Gender Roles
Is Cam considered the maternal figure in his
relationship with Mitch? Video of Cam being
sensitive(Feminine)
Tension between Claire and Gloria
Strongly enforced labels of teenage daughters.
Alex the smart one, Haley the pretty one.
Clip of Alex
Debate largely centered around the ability to
attain (or not) male attention

12. Technology and the Family
There have been considerable advances in technology throughout
recent years which continue to influence and effect generations, both
young and old. Our society has embedded technology into nearly
every aspect of daily life and this has become increasingly pronounced
within television, media and the internet. Modern Family and its
creators are aware of this era in technology’s growing popularity and
the impact it can potentially have in relation to families specifically.
Unplugged Modern Family
Phil and his iPad

13. Relationships and Sexuality
Haley and her boyfriend Dylan
Consequences of teens sex?

14. Gay & Lesbian Couples in Media
Stereotypes
Reception - Generally
positive
Criticism of Mitch and Cam’s
relationship
Issues they face are common
Raising an adopted child

15. Adoption
International adoption
Ignorance
Complications with adoption

16. The Over All Message
The considerable ties shared among the interrelated families
allow them to rely on each other when encountering difficult
or sensitive circumstances. It is these concepts of family unity,
understanding, support and love that endure throughout as a
message to be gathered.

17. Questions?
The End