Sociology- family and households the critical view

What are some statistics that show the dark side of the family?

• 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime and 1 in 8 annually

• On average one baby is killed every two weeks in the uk

• There are roughly 1 in 4 children living in poverty in the uk

What was RD Laings view on the family?

He said the family was schizophrenogenic meaning it causes mental illness. He calls the family a dark arena where family members play games with each other to exert power and control. The only way mental illness can be reduced is through family therapy

What are the strengths of RD Laings critical view?

• praised for its innovative approach to treating mental illnesses more focus on inter personal relationships as a factor

• Introduced family therapy

What are the weaknesses of RD Laings view?

• lack of empirical scientific evidence that family therapy works

• Romanticises mental illnesses downplays suffering and distress caused by schizophrenia

What did Edmund Leach 1957 say about the family?

Argues that the family is too isolated from the outside world and keeps private issues without help. The family huddles in misery behind locked doors. Many families keep secrets and deal with serious concerns for years. This is bad for family members mental health