Families and households

What is a nuclear family?

Two adults (married or cohabiting) living with their dependent children.

Which sociological perspective supports the nuclear family?

Functionalists (e.g. Parsons) – see it as stable and efficient.

Why has the nuclear family declined in the UK?

Divorce, cohabitation, individualisation, changing gender roles.

One criticism of the nuclear family?

Feminists argue it reinforces patriarchy and female inequality.

What is an extended family?

: A family that includes relatives beyond parents and children.

What are the two types of extended families?

Horizontal (siblings, cousins) and vertical (grandparents).

Why are extended families common in some ethnic groups?

Cultural traditions, childcare support, and economic necessity.

One advantage of extended families?

Shared childcare and financial support.

What is a single-parent family?

One adult raising one or more children alone.

What are common causes of single-parent families?

Divorce, separation, death, or unplanned pregnancy

Which gender is most likely to head single-parent families?

women

Why are single-parent families linked to poverty?

One income and higher childcare costs.

What is a reconstituted family?

A family formed when parents bring children from previous relationships.

Another name for reconstituted families?

Blended families.

Why are reconstituted families increasing?

Rising divorce and remarriage rates.

One challenge faced by reconstituted families?

: Role ambiguity between step-parents and children.

What is a same-sex family?

A family headed by two adults of the same gender.

How may same-sex couples have children?

Adoption, IVF, surrogacy, or previous heterosexual relationships.

What do sociologists say about child development in same-sex families?

No negative impact compared to heterosexual families.

Why are same-sex families more common today?

Greater social acceptance and legal equality.

What is a lone-person household?

What is a lone-person household?

Why are lone-person households increasing?

Later marriage, divorce, longer life expectancy.

Which groups are most likely to live alone?

Elderly people and young professionals.

Which theory links lone-person households to choice?

Individualisation theory.