BLOG POST ASSIGNMENT 2

1. According to the structural functionalism perspective, what was the definition of the "instrumental leader" and what was the definition of an "expressive leader." What family roles were connected to each of these leader definitions?
Instrumental leader is the father or husband. It is also someone who provides food and shelter for the family, and is hardworking. An expressive leader is the mother of the household. The expressive leader is usually the homemaker and provides emotional support and nurturing qualities. These qualities bring the family unit together and supports the father or husband.

2. What is the main criticism of the functionalist perspective?
The main criticism of the functionalist perspective is that it is so conservative in its emphasis on order and stability, that it ignored social change all together. Functionalism shows not how families interact from day to day but looks at the bigger picture on a macro level.

3. In contrast to functionalist theorists, in your own words, what is the main theme of conflict theory?
The main theme of conflict theory is how it shows how people and families disagree and compete for resources and power. Conflict theorists see changes in the power of traditional roles in the family, such as switching from the husband having the most power to the wife having the most power, desirable. They also promote values throughout families that are less oppressive.

4. According to conflict theorists, where do family problems come from?
Conflict theorists view family problems coming from big issues such as widespread societal problems, rather than individual problems.

5. Gender/Feminist theory is based on what main idea? Describe one way that feminist theory has led to more diverse understanding of families. 
Feminist Theory is based on the idea of how men and women should behave that of which can shape relations between the sexes in things such as politics, the economy, religion, education and family roles. One way that feminist theory has led to more diverse understandings of families by accepting love between all genders of people and accepting and having more interracial and interethnic couples/families.

6. According to the Ecological Perspective, what is the microsystem versus the macrosystem? Use your own words.
The microsystem is the influences on a child's daily life based upon their families/parents connected behaviors and relationship. The macrosystem is based upon the bigger society and cultures instead of just based on the individual family.

7. Social exchange theorists is based on ideas from economics. What is the main argument of social exchange perspective? Give two examples of "resources" people bring to a relationship?
The main argument of the social exchange perspective is for people to stay involved in their relationships and interactions with others in order to gain rewards and minimize their costs. Two examples of "resources" that people bring to a relationship are money which one partner may use the other partner for and social status.