families and households key conceots

What is the symmetrical family?

A family structure where roles between men and women are more equal (Young and Willmott).

What does Parsons say about the nuclear family?

It performs two key functions: primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities.

What do Marxists believe the function of the family is?

To maintain capitalism through inheritance of property

What does the New Right say about family diversity?

They argue it's negative and undermines the traditional nuclear family.

What is the Personal Life Perspective ?

Carol Smart's theory that families are defined by individual meanings and emotional connections

What is secularisation and how has it affected marriage?

Decline in religious influence; has led to fewer religious weddings and more cohabitation.

What did Giddens say about relationships in late modernity?

They are based on the pure relationship—relationships last as long as they are emotionally satisfying.

What is the dependency ratio?

The number of people not working (young and old) compared to those of working age.

How does globalisation affect families?

It increases family diversity through migration

Give one reason for the decline in the birth rate.

More career-focused women; availability of contraception; economic cost of children.

What do feminists say about domestic labour?

It remains unequal; women still perform the 'triple shift' (Duncombe and Marsden).

What is the beanpole family?

A multi-generational family with strong intergenerational links but few horizontal ties.

What is instrumental and expressive role?

Instrumental = breadwinner (typically male)

Expressive = emotional care (typically female) (Parsons).

What do functionalists think about family diversity?

They view it as dysfunctional and see the nuclear family as ideal.

How has the ageing population affected families?

Increased burden of care for middle generation; more beanpole families; rise in dependency ratio.