modernism and the nuclear family

Functionalism

parsons

• functional fit

• Uniquely suited to meeting the geographically and specially mobile workforce

• Irreducible functions

• nuclear family is stable and effective for society

• The division of labour between husband and wife - perform the intentions they are required to do

• Smaller more mobile families adapt to the economy e.g. move for work

Irreducible functions

• primary socialisation

• stabilisation of adult personalities

The new right

• Conservative and anti feminist

• Firmly opposed to family diversity

• One normal family type - the traditional/ conventional patriarchal nuclear family

  • Married couple

  • With dependent children

  • Clear cut division of labour

lone parent

New Right argue that lone‑parent families:

• Cannot discipline children effectively.

• Leave boys without male role models, leading to delinquency and instability.

• Are more likely to be poor and reliant on welfare.

new right

• Society is becoming ‘broken’.

• Only a return to traditional values (marriage, nuclear family) can restore stability.

• Policies should encourage marriage.

ao3

• Feminist Critiques

• Ann Oakley (1997): Roles are not fixed by biology; cross‑cultural variation disproves this.

• Nuclear family is patriarchal and oppresses women.

• Keeps women financially dependent and limits decision‑making power.

• No evidence that lone‑parent children are more delinquent when class is controlled.

• Meaning of cohabitation varies; for some it is as committed as marriage.

• Poverty may cause relationship breakdown, not cohabitation itself (Smart, 2011).

chester

• Most people will be part of a nuclear family at some point due to the life cycle.

• Statistics are misleading because they capture only one moment in time.

• Most people live in married‑couple households.

• Most adults marry and have children.

• Most children are raised by both natural parents.

• Divorcees often remarry.

• Cohabitation is usually a stage before marriage.

• Births outside marriage are mostly jointly registered.

types of diversity

1. Organisational Diversity

• Differences in family roles.

• Joint vs segregated conjugal roles.

• Dual‑earner vs single‑earner households.

2. Cultural Diversity

• Different ethnic and religious groups have different family structures.

• African‑Caribbean families: more female‑headed lone‑parent households.

• Asian families: more extended family structures.

3. Social Class Diversity

• Class differences influence family structure and child‑rearing practices.

4. Life‑Stage (Life‑Cycle) Diversity

• Family structures change depending on life stage.

• Examples: newlyweds, families with young children, empty‑nest couples, widows.

5. Generational Diversity

• Different generations have different attitudes shaped by historical context.

• Views on divorce, cohabitation, and marriage vary by age group.