Sociological Perspectives on Family

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes about the sociological perspectives on family, including functions, roles within the family, and the Marxist critique of family structures.

George Murdock

Believe the nuclear family is universal this has been criticised as ethnocentric based on western values .

talcott parsons

Focused on the modern nuclear family in industrial society identified two functions, primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities

Primary Socialization

The process by which children learn the norms and values of society.

Stabilization of Adult Personalities

The function of the family providing emotional security and stability for adult members.

Instrumental Role(parsons

The role in the family typically associated with being the breadwinner, usually filled by males.

Expressive Role)parsons

The role in the family associated with emotional care and nurturing, typically filled by females.

Marxist Perspective on Family

A view that focuses on the family’s role in perpetuating social and economic inequality within capitalism.

Inheritance of Private Property

The process by which wealth and property are passed down through family, maintaining class inequality.

Reproduction of Labor Power

The idea that families raise children to become future workers in the capitalist system.

Ideological Control

The concept that families teach children to accept hierarchy and authority within society.

Safety Valve(Eli zeretsky)

The idea that the family serves as a way for workers to relieve stress and frustration caused by exploitation, preventing rebellion.