perspectives

What are the four functions of the family according to Murdock?

Sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational functions

What is Parsons’ 'functional fit' theory?

The family structure changes to fit the needs of society – e.g., nuclear family fits industrial society

What roles did Parsons assign to men and women?

Instrumental role (male) and expressive role (female)

What is the 'warm bath' theory?

Parsons’ idea that the family provides emotional comfort to relieve work stress

What does Oakley argue about housework?

That housework is unequal and not shared – the 'symmetrical family' is exaggerated

What is the 'dual burden'?

Women do paid work and housework (Hochschild)

What is the 'triple shift'?

Women do paid work, housework, and emotional labour (Duncombe & Marsden)

What do Delphy and Leonard say about the family?

That it exploits and oppresses women – unpaid labour and male dominance

What did Fran Ansley say about women’s role in the family?

They are 'takers of shit' – absorb male anger caused by capitalism

What is intersectionality in feminist theory?

Considers how class, race, and gender affect women differently (Crenshaw)

What does Engels argue about the origins of the nuclear family?

It developed to control inheritance and private property

How does the family benefit capitalism, according to Marxists?

It reproduces labour power, socialises obedience, and acts as a unit of consumption

What is Althusser’s view on the family?

It is an ideological state apparatus transmitting ruling class norms

What does Zaretsky argue about the family?

It’s a safety valve for capitalist stress but doesn’t resolve the root issues

What is the New Right view of the family?

The traditional nuclear family is best for maintaining social order

What is Charles Murray’s view on lone parent families?

They cause a dependency culture and lead to an underclass

What is meant by 'dependency culture'?

Over-reliance on welfare, discouraging self-sufficiency (New Right)

What policies do New Right thinkers support?

Tax incentives for marriage, reduced welfare, tougher discipline

What is Giddens' idea of the 'pure relationship'?

A relationship based on personal satisfaction, not tradition

What is Beck’s 'risk society'?

Society is more unstable – individuals must constantly negotiate choices

What does Beck mean by the 'negotiated family'?

Roles are not fixed – families are based on negotiation and choice

What is Stacey’s view of postmodern families?

Families are diverse and reflect freedom and individualism

What is Bauman’s idea of 'liquid love'?

Modern relationships are unstable, easily formed and broken

What is meant by 'family diversity'?

There are many types of family forms beyond the nuclear model