Analysis of the U.S Sitcom Modern family from three theoretical perspectives Free Essay Example, 2000 words

Among the cultural theories that apply to the modern American families as portrayed in the comedy include functionalism and ecological theories. Structural functionalism theorists explain the role of different institutions and the influence that such institutions have on the development of families. Among the relevant institutions in the modern-day, American societies include schools, governments and families all of which play fundamental role in the interactions in the society. The comedy provides a relationship of numerous institutions including the family institution, schools and the government that influence the mindset and the development of the characters. In season four episode 23 for example stresses the interaction among families and the transfer of values from one family to another. Different families in the comedy have specific structures with the members of such families relating at various levels. When two or three of the families share a platform, the difference of the structures of the family readily manifest themselves thereby presenting the kind of conflicts in the contemporary urban American society. In the episode, Phil buys a new van with which he hopes to take his family on a trip to Florida. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the U.S Sitcom Modern family from three theoretical perspectives or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This implies that the unity of a family is a fundamental social feature in the urban American society, as the family remains the basis social institution. Phil just as any other American family man strives to keep his family united by providing his family with safaris occasionally (Althusser 77). However, the van would not serve its purpose owing to the visiting family that also insists that they must accompany Phil’s family in their family expedition. As explained earlier, culture is a dynamic social concept that explains different family values. Family trips is an essential factor in most American families, Phil strives to provide his family a coveted family trip but just as explained families trade such values as the interaction among them intensifies. Phil’s new RV becomes inappropriate owing to the blotted family as their visitors also compete for a space in the van in order to travel with the family. At the same time, Jay and Glo ria obtain a perfect opportunity to snoop around Claire and Mitchells houses in the guise of helping Manny find her misplaced rucksack. Despite their crowded settlement arrangement, the three families enjoy their own privacies. Privacy remains a fundamental cultural feature in the modern day American society. People therefore make appropriate settlement arrangements in order to overcome the challenges that may arise from such social arrangements.