Theories Of Familes

What do sociologists study regarding families?

Sociologists study the functions of the family and how it fits into wider society.

What is the functionalist perspective on society?

Functionalism sees society as a system made up of different parts that depend on each other. It is held together by a shared value agreement.

George Murdock four major functions of the family?

George Murdock proposed that the family performs four major functions:

• stable satisfaction of the sex drive,

• reproduction of the next generation,

• socialization of young into society's shared norms and values,

• and meeting its members' economic needs.

What are the criticisms of Murdock's view of the family?

Marxists and feminists criticize Murdock's view as being 'rose-tinted,' failing to consider exploitation and conflict.

What does Talcott Parsons' 'functional fit' theory suggest?

Parsons argues that the functions of the family depend on the type of society, which affects shapes its structure of the family.

What are the two types of family structures identified by Parsons?

The nuclear family (parents and dependent children) and the extended family (three generations living together).

What family type is dominant in pre-industrial societies?

The extended family is the dominant family type in pre-industrial societies.

What family type is dominant in modern industrial societies?

The nuclear family is the dominant family type in modern industrial societies.

What are the two essential functions of the modern nuclear family according to Parsons?

1) Primary socialization of children; 2) Supports adults emotionally and reduces stress.

What is the Marxist perspective on the family?

Marxism sees the family as part of a conflict view, arguing it supports capitalism and helps maintain inequality in society.

What is class consciousness in Marxist theory?

Class consciousness is when people are aware of their social class and realise they are being exploited, which can lead them to act together for change.

What role does the family play in the inheritance of property according to Marxists?

Marxists argue that the family plays a key role in passing property and wealth from parents to children, which helps keep class inequality going and capitalism to be uphold.

What is the significance of the nuclear family in terms of social mobility?

The nuclear family helps social mobility because children can leave home, become independent, and improve their social class.

What does Parsons say about the loss of family functions in modern society?

Parsons notes that the nuclear family has lost some functions, such as education and elder care, which are now provided by schools and health services.

What are the criticisms of the functionalist view of the family?

Critics argue that functionalists ignore the dark side of family life, such as male dominance, child abuse, and partner conflict.

What is the organic analogy in functionalism?

The organic analogy compares society to a living organism, where different parts such as the family work together to keep society functioning.

How do functionalists view the role of women in the family?

Functionalists often view women as primarily responsible for providing emotional support and warmth within the family.

What is the impact of industrialization on family structure?

Industrialization led to a shift from extended families to nuclear families as people moved for jobs.

What is the conflict between the W/C and M/C?

The conflict arises from the M/C exploiting the W/C for labor, leading to class struggles.

What did Marx & Engels believe about human societies before capitalism?

Marx believed that prior to slavery, humans lived in a 'primitive communism' where resources were shared among tribes.

In what ways does the family contribute to capitalism through consumption?

The family consumes goods and is targeted by advertisers to compete in consumption, reinforcing capitalist dynamics.

What criticism do feminists have of the Marxist view of the family?

Feminists argue that Marxists overlook gender inequalities and the family primarily serves to uphold patriarchy.

What is the focus of liberal feminism regarding family?

Liberal feminism campaigns against sex discrimination and advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women.

What do Marxist feminists believe is the main source of women's oppression?

Marxist feminists argue that capitalism is the main source of women's oppression, as women perform unpaid domestic labor.

What does radical feminism assert about the family?

Radical feminism views the family as a patriarchal institution that oppresses women and advocates for its abolition.

What is the concept of 'difference feminism'?

Difference feminism emphasizes that women's experiences within the family vary greatly based on class, race, and other factors.

What is the personal life perspective (PLP) on family?

The Personal Life Perspective (PLP) is a sociological view that focuses on individuals’ experiences and meanings of family life, recognising that families are diverse and not limited to traditional structures.

What types of relationships does the personal life perspective include?

It includes relationships with friends, fictive kin, chosen families, and even pets, recognizing diverse forms of relatedness.

Criticism of the Personal Life Perspective?

Critics argue that the PLP takes too broad a view by including a wide range of relationships that may not fit traditional definitions of family.

What is the ideological function of the family according to Marxists?

The family socialises children to accept inequality, making capitalist power appear natural and unchanging.

What does Eli Zaretsky argue about the family in relation to capitalism?

Zaretsky argues that the family serves as a safe place from capitalist exploitation, providing emotional support to workers.

Functionalists criticisms on Marxists view on Family?

Functionalists argue that Marxists overlook the benefits that families provide for their members.

Why does the personal life perspective reject about traditional family definitions?

PLP rejects the idea of one “normal” family and says families are different for everyone.

What is the impact of media on children's perceptions of consumption?

Media often targets children, leading them to pressure their parents for the latest products, affecting family consumption dynamics.