Final answer:
According to conflict theory, the family institution is associated with inequality due to power struggles and the enforcement of family status roles. Changes in the family institution in the US, such as women becoming breadwinners during World War II, are influenced by social and economic factors. These changes can both strengthen and weaken the family institution.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to conflict theory, the family institution is associated with inequality in various ways. Conflict theorists argue that power struggles occur within families, leading to the enforcement of family status roles and potential conflicts such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and incest. The family being defined as a private entity in the US allows for minimal government intervention, which can further perpetuate inequality within families.
In the US, there have been changes occurring within the family institution. For example, during World War II, women took on the role of breadwinners and had to balance their domestic responsibilities. This led to a shift in the traditional family structure. The factors accountable for these changes include social and economic factors and the desire for gender equality.
These changes can be seen as both strengthening and weakening the family institution. On one hand, they challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality within families. On the other hand, these changes may also lead to power struggles and conflicts within families, potentially weakening the institution.