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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Nikie Bodenbender Southern New Hampshire University SOC 317 Steven Smith February 4, 2024 Blog
2 Sociological Analysis: Parenting now a days are completely different than it was 50 years ago, even 20 years ago. “A majority of parents in the United States (66%) – who include those who have at least one child under the age of 18, but who may also have an adult child or children – say that parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many in this group citing technology as a reason why” (Auxier, et.al., 2020). Within this blog I will be discussing technology and social media’s influence on parenting through the three relevant sociological perspectives. Conflict Perspective: The conflict perspective is defined as “the view that opposition and conflict define a given society and are necessary for social evolution” (Cohen, 2021, p.24). In the context of technology and social media's influence on parenting, disparities in access, resources, and digital literacy contribute to varying impacts on families. Affluent families may leverage these tools for educational purposes, while marginalized families may face challenges, widening the digital divide and exacerbating existing social inequalities. The conflict perspective highlights how technology and social media's influence on parenting can exacerbate cultural disparities. Affluent cultures with better access and resources may benefit, using these tools for educational and social enhancement. In contrast, less privileged cultures may face challenges, intensifying existing inequalities in access to information and opportunities. This dynamic contributes to a digital divide that perpetuates disparities across diverse cultural contexts.
3 Functionalist Perspective: From a functionalist perspective, the integration of technology and social media into parenting practices can be seen as beneficial for society. These tools can serve as mechanisms for information dissemination, community building, and support networks (Thompson, 2023). They may enhance communication among parents, provide educational resources, and foster a sense of connectedness within the broader society. In this way, technology contributes to the functional aspects of social cohesion and shared knowledge, promoting a more integrated and informed community. The integration of technology and social media in parenting positively influences other social institutions and society by fostering interconnectedness and knowledge exchange (Patrikakou, 2016). Improved communication among parents can lead to enhanced cooperation between families and schools, positively impacting the education system. Additionally, the sharing of parenting experiences and resources online can strengthen community bonds, positively affecting social institutions like healthcare and support services. Overall, this trend promotes a more informed and connected society, contributing to the well-being of various social institutions. Symbolic Interactionist: From a symbolic interactionist perspective, families construct meaning through ongoing interactions and shared symbols (Nickerson, 2023). The introduction of technology and social media in parenting alters these symbolic interactions. Initially, families may define technology as a means of connection and information exchange, reinforcing family bonds.
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4 Over time, evolving technologies may reshape these symbols, influencing how families perceive and express their connections (Ollier-Malaterre, 2023). This continuous negotiation of meanings within familial interactions reflects the dynamic nature of family definitions in the context of technological advancements. Symbolic interactionist theory posits that families define themselves through ongoing social interactions and the shared meanings they attach to symbols. In the context of technology and social media in families, the ways they define themselves evolve through constant negotiation of symbols. Initially, families may use these tools for communication, bonding, and shared experiences, contributing to a positive family identity. Over time, as technology evolves, the symbols associated with it change. Families may adapt their definitions to incorporate new norms and practices related to digital communication, online interactions, and virtual spaces (Procentese, et.al., 2019). The meanings attached to these symbols influence how families perceive themselves and their roles. The ongoing process of interaction and reinterpretation contributes to the dynamic evolution of family definitions within the context of technological advancements.
5 References: Auxier, Anderson, Perrin, & Tuner, (2020), Parenting Children in the age of screens. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in- the-age-of-screens/ Cohen, P. N. (2021). The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton.  https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780393537239 Nickerson (2023), Symbolic interactionism theory & examples. Simple psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/symbolic-interaction-theory.html Ollier-Malaterre, A., Jacobs, J. A., & Rothbard, N. P. (2019). Technology, Work, and Family: Digital Cultural Capital and Boundary Management. Annual Review of Sociology, 45 https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsbig&AN=edsbig.A594951571&site=eds-live&scope=site Patrikakou (2016), Parent involvement, technology, and media: Now what? School Community Journal, 2016, Vol. 26, No. 2. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1123967.pdf Procentese F, Gatti F, Di Napoli I, (2019) Families and social media use: The role of parents' perceptions about social media impact on family systems in the relationship between family collective efficacy and open communication.  Int J Environ Res Public Health.16(24):5006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6950110/
6 Thompson, (2023), The functionalist perspective on the family. https://revisesociology.com/2014/02/09/functionalist-perspective-family/
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