Title: Major theories in the organization of Families

Grade: 11-12

Description: In this lesson plan the teacher explores the major theoretical frameworks, and how each framework views the organization of families.

Expectations: It is expected that students learn the differing view points about families.


Student Groupings: Students work in groups of 3-4 to research information about a theoretical framework, and each member of the group is expected to participate in the presentation.

Teaching Strategies:
The teacher provides the following major theoretical frameworks concerned with families, with a brief introduction to each:
*Structural Functionalism
*Systems Approach
*Conflict/Political Economy Approach
*Symbolic Interactionism
*Social Exchange Theory
*Developmental Approach

After the introduction students form groups of three or four, and must research the following information for the presentation:
*Basic overview of the theoretical framework
*Underlying philosophical assumption.
*Strengths/Weaknesses of theoretical framework.
*Common issues investigated by the theoretical framework.
*Terms/Key words of the theoretical framework.
*Phrase to remember theoretical framework by.



Assessment: Each student is assessed on their participation in the group presentation. The group can be marked on the following criteria: content of information presented, use of resources, organization of ideas,etc.


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Resource: Baker, Maureen. Families: Changing trends in Canada. Toronto: McGraw-hill Ryerson Limited,1990

Submitted by: Natalia Charles