Notes on Sociology topic

1. introduction to sociology

Sociology is the systematic study of human society, social behavior, and social institutions. It seeks to understand how individuals interact with one another, how social structures shape behavior, and how societies change over time.

Key Aspects of Sociology

1. Society and Social Groups – Sociology examines different types of societies (e.g., traditional, industrial, and post-industrial) and how people organize themselves into groups.

2. Culture and Socialization – It explores how cultural norms, values, and beliefs influence human behavior and how individuals learn these through socialization.

3. Social Institutions – Sociology analyzes institutions such as family, education, religion, economy, and government, which shape human interactions and maintain social order.

4. Social Stratification and Inequality – It investigates how wealth, power, and opportunities are distributed among different social classes, genders, and ethnic groups.

5. Social Change – Sociology studies the causes and effects of changes in society, including technological advancements, globalization, and social movements.

2. TOPIC ONE FAMILY AND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS IN EDUCATIONMeaning of a family: Is a group of related kin linked by blood, marriage and adoption, who occupy a common household and cooperate economically. TYPES OF FAMILY There are several types of family structure

Meaning of a family: Is a group of related kin linked by blood, marriage and adoption, who occupy a 
common household and cooperate economically.
TYPES OF FAMILY
There are several types of family structures, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some 
common types:
Nuclear/ Monogamous Family: Consists of two parents and their children living together.
Extended Family: Includes additional relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as 
grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Single-Parent Family: One parent raises one or more children, often due to divorce, separation, 
or the death of a partner.
Blended Family: Formed when one or both partners in a relationship have children from 
previous relationships, and they come together to form a new family unit.
Childless Family: Couples who do not have children, either by choice or due to circumstances.
Foster Family: A temporary family setting where children are placed in a home due to various 
circumstances, providing care until they can be reunited with their biological families or 
adopted.
Adoptive Family: Families formed through the legal adoption of children who are not 
biologically related to them.
Manandrous family
This is when a woman marries one man. The woman is in control of the household and the children belong 
to her.
Polygamous family: A man marries more than one wife. The man has control over the members and the 
household. Common in African societies.
Polyandrous family: The woman marries several men at a time and they belong to her domain. She 
controls them.
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Group family: This is where by arrangement of a group of men marry a group of women. When the 
children grow up, they have sexual relations within the groups. Eg the Aiyetoro community of Ondo state in 
Nigeria
NB: Though the types of families vary widely in their dynamics, roles, and relationships among 
members, only the types of families stipulated in Constitution of Kenya (2010) are recognized in 
this unit as guided by the occupational standards.
FAMILY FUNCTIONS
Family functions refer to the various roles and responsibilities that families fulfill in society. The functions 
are essential for the well-being of individuals and the overall stability of society. Here are some key 
functions of a family:
Emotional psychological Support: Families provide love, care, and emotional security, helping 
members develop a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Socialization: Families play a crucial role in teaching children societal norms, values, and 
behaviors, helping them learn how to interact with others.
Economic Support: Families often share resources and provide financial assistance, 
contributing to the economic stability of their members.
Reproduction/ Child bearing: Families are responsible for producing and rising the next generation, 
ensuring the continuation of society.
Education: Families serve as the primary educators of children, imparting knowledge, skills, 
and cultural heritage.
Protection and Security: Families offer a safe environment, protecting members from external 
threats and providing a sense of security.
Social Identity: Families contribute to an individual’s identity, influencing their social roles, 
cultural background, and community connections.
Values and Beliefs: Parents and family members instill cultural, moral, and educational values, 
which influence a child's attitude toward learning, their work ethic, and their approach to 
challenges.
Health and Well-being: Families contribute to the physical and mental well-being of children 
by ensuring proper nutrition, sleep, and health care. This directly affects a child's ability to 
concentrate, learn, and succeed academically.
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Modeling Behavior: Parents and family members serve as role models. Children often imitate 
the behaviors, attitudes, and practices they see at home, including how to handle stress, manage 
time, or approach problems, all of which affect their educational outcomes.
Communication with Schools: Active communication between families and educational 
institutions strengthens the support system around the child. Parents who are engaged in 
school events, meetings, and their child’s academic progress can provide valuable insights and 
advocate for their child's needs.
FAMILY AND SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION
Supportive Home Environment: Families create a conducive environment for learning by 
establishing routines, providing resources, and encouraging good study habits.
Communication: Open lines of communication between parents and children about school 
activities, assignments, and challenges help children feel supported.
Participation in School Activities: Families can engage in school events, such as parentteacher conferences, workshops, and extracurricular activities, fostering a connection with the 
school community.
Encouragement: Parents can motivate their children by showing interest in their education, 
celebrating achievements, and helping them set academic goals.
Volunteering: Family members who volunteer to participate in school activities contribute to a 
positive school environment and demonstrate the importance of education to their children.
Enrolling children in schools
Provision of books and other resources/materials
Motivation for performance
Helps in homework
 Influencing on career choice and job aspirations.
TYPES OF MARRIAGES
There are various types of marriage according to constitution of Kenya (2010).They include:
Customary marriage
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This is done by arrangement by the concerned families. Dowry is paid and it is a form of compensation for 
the loss of a member of the family.
Religious marriage
This differs from one religion to another eg. Islam, Christian, Hindu etc. For instance, the Christian marriage 
is supposed to be monogamous and additional wives are considered illegitimate. This type can only be 
formally ended through divorce. It is usually expensive because of the weddings done. (marriage certificate 
is given)
Civil marriage
This type takes place in a registry office such as the Attorney, D.C etc. It is supposed to be monogamous and 
can be dissolved through divorce. It gives the wife and children stronger inheritance rights than the 
customary type.
Come we stay
This is where two people decide to stay together and start a family. Many people prefer this type because it 
is not expensive.
These types can vary significantly in terms of legal recognition and cultural acceptance 
depending on the region and society.
CHANGES IN TRADITIONAL AND MODERN FAMILIES
The structure and dynamics of families have changed significantly over time. Here are key 
changes:
1. Family structure
Traditional families- embraced extended type of family. The family often operated as a more 
hierarchical unit while modern families are more diverse in structure.
2. Roles of family members
Traditional families- The father was the breadwinner while the mother was the homemaker 
and caregiver. Gender roles were clearly defined.
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Modern families- Gender roles are more fluid, with both men and women sharing 
responsibilities in work, childcare and housework. Dual income households have become more 
common and caregiving roles are shared more equally.
3. Marriage and Family life
Traditional families- Marriage was seen as a lifelong commitment, often influenced by societal 
expectations. Divorce rates were lower due to social stigma around separation.
Modern families - Marriage is viewed more as a partnership of choice, and divorce has 
become common. There’s more focus on personal happiness and compatibility, rather than just 
fulfilling societal expectations.
4. Parenting style
Traditional families- Parenting was more authoritative, with a focus on discipline, obedience 
and respect for authority.
Modern families- Parenting styles are more varied, with an emphasis on communication, 
emotional support and fostering independence. Parents are focused on positive reinforcement 
and less on strict discipline.
5. Technology and communication
Traditional families- Communication was face to face or through traditional methods. 
Technology was less integrated into family life.
Modern families- Family members often interact through social media, smartphones and 
online communication flat forms. This can sometimes create distance in personal connections, 
even as it offers new ways for family members to stay in touch.
6. Cultural and societal expectations
Traditional families- The roles and expectations were often influenced by religion, culture and 
the community, with less flexibility for non- conventional family structure.
Modern families- There is greater acceptance of diverse family forms and lifestyle choices. 
Societal expectations are less rigid, and there’s more focus on individual choice and freedom.
7. Parent child relationship
Traditional families- Parents had more authority over children, with less negotiation or input 
from children regarding family decisions.
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Modern families- Parents and children tend to have more collaborative relationships. Children 
are often seen as partners in decision making and their opinions are valued more.
IMPLICATIONS OF FAMILY CHANGES ON EDUCATION
Family changes can have significant implications for a child's education. These changes can 
affect both the emotional and academic well-being of students, influencing their school 
performance and overall development. Some key implications include:
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Family changes often cause emotional stress, anxiety, or 
instability, which can affect a child's focus, motivation, and overall attitude toward school. A 
child dealing with such stress may have difficulty concentrating, leading to lower academic 
performance and behavior issues.
Academic Performance: Stressful family transitions can hinder cognitive functioning, making 
it harder for students to retain information, complete assignments, or participate in class. 
Children may also miss school due to emotional distress, illness, or family responsibilities, 
which can impact their academic progress.
Changes in Financial Status: A shift in the family’s financial situation, whether due to divorce, 
job loss, or other reasons, can affect a child's access to educational resources, extracurricular 
activities, or even basic needs such as food and stable housing. This can create disparities in 
academic opportunities and outcomes.
Changes in Social Environment: Moving to a new home, school, or neighborhood due to family 
changes can disrupt a child’s social networks. Loss of familiar support systems may lead to 
feelings of isolation or difficulty adjusting, affecting their social and emotional development.
Parental Involvement and Support: Family changes may alter the level of parental 
involvement in a child's education. For example, Single parents or dual-income households may 
have less time to engage in their children’s education, leading to decreased parental oversight 
and support.
Behavioral and Social Adjustments: Family transitions, especially those involving conflict or 
separation, can lead to behavioral challenges at school, such as aggression, withdrawal, or poor 
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impulse control. These behavioral issues might be a coping mechanism for dealing with family 
stress but can impact relationships with peers and teachers.
School Engagement and Dropout Risk: If children experience ongoing family instability, they 
may become disengaged from school, leading to a higher risk of dropping out. Lack of stability 
or a change in household responsibilities might lead students to prioritize work or family 
obligations over their education.
Educational Access and Equity: Economic disparities in changing family structures can limit 
access to technology, especially in single-parent or low-income households, exacerbating the 
digital divide.
6. Influence on Aspirations : Family changes may shift parental focus from educational 
aspirations to immediate survival needs, reducing long-term planning for children's education.
 SUMMARY
• There are more divorces than before due to conflicts at home
• The children are not socialized with good moral
• Children have lost their native language
• Socialization of children have been left to house helps
• Majority of the women are bread winners leading to high rate of divorce
• Men are not happy in sharing household chores leading to family violence
• Due to diverse socializing agents individuals are getting confused on values and norms
FAMILY FUNCTIONS IN EDUCATION
The family plays a foundational role in shaping a child’s educational journey. Through its 
various functions, the family acts as the first social institution that influences a child's academic, 
emotional, and social development. These functions include:
1. Socialization
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• Role: The family introduces children to cultural norms, values, and expectations, which 
are crucial for functioning in a school environment.
• Impact on Education: Children learn communication, respect for authority, and 
cooperation, forming the basis for classroom behavior and peer interactions.
2. Emotional Support
• Role: Families provide a secure and nurturing environment that supports emotional 
well-being.
• Impact on Education: A stable family life fosters confidence and resilience, enabling 
students to cope with academic challenges and social pressures.
3. Economic Support
• Role: Families are responsible for providing financial resources for school supplies, fees, 
transportation, and technology.
• Impact on Education: Economic stability enhances access to quality education, 
extracurricular activities, and enrichment programs, while financial struggles can limit 
opportunities.
4. Educational Motivation
• Role: Families instill the importance of education and set expectations for academic 
achievement.
• Impact on Education: Parents and caregivers act as role models, shaping students’ 
attitudes toward learning and fostering ambition and perseverance.
5. Supervision and Guidance
• Role: Families monitor children’s academic progress and provide guidance in decisionmaking.
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• Impact on Education: Active involvement in homework, parent-teacher interactions, 
and career planning ensures that students remain focused and supported.
6. Cultural Transmission
• Role: Families pass on cultural traditions, languages, and practices.
• Impact on Education: This contributes to a child’s identity and enriches the diversity of 
the classroom, influencing curriculum development and multicultural education 
practices.
7. Moral Development
• Role: Families teach ethical values and principles.
• Impact on Education: Strong moral grounding helps students adhere to school rules, 
respect others, and develop a sense of responsibility.
8. Advocacy
• Role: Families advocate for their children’s educational needs, especially in systems 
requiring special support or accommodations.
• Impact on Education: Parental advocacy ensures that schools address