Sociology : Families and Households - 5

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and theories related to families and households from the lecture notes on sociology.

What is a household?

A group of individuals who may be related by blood or legally who live together.

What is the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker?

An asylum seeker has not yet been processed, while a refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Give one reason why families have become more child-centred.

Changes in laws (e.g., age of leaving school), having less children, or having more resources for children.

Name the four types of marital breakdown.

Divorce, separation, empty shell marriage, and annulment.

What is serial monogamy?

Sexually exclusive relationships that follow one after another.

What is meant by a sandwich generation?

A generation that is looking after both their own children and their elderly parents at the same time.

Name one way that Postman suggests that childhood is disappearing.

Technology blurring the information hierarchy, increased crime, sexualization, or blurring of responsibilities.

What term did Parsons use to explain the process of social institutions changing to fit the needs of society?

Functional fit theory.

What do radical feminists mean by political lesbianism?

Not being with men by choice, only females.

What is confluent love?

A relationship where both parties are happy and have the choice to be in it, lasting only as long as it is convenient and meets expectations.

How did Aries investigate the historical relativity of childhood?

By studying paintings from the Pre-Industrial Era.

What is Postman's view on the future of childhood?

He suggests a 'disappearing childhood,' where childhood is losing its distinct characteristics due to factors like technology.

What does Sue Palmer mean by 'toxic childhood'?

Childhood has become damaging to the physical, psychological, and emotional health of young people, evidenced by increases in ADHD, substance abuse, self-harm, and mental health problems.

According to Sue Palmer, what is one result of a 'toxic childhood'?

Poor sleep patterns, unhealthy food, or a decline in emotional security.

Give one evaluation or criticism of Sue Palmer's 'toxic childhood' concept.

Medical advancements mean ADHD is more diagnosed, not necessarily more prevalent; the concept is ethnocentric; or better understanding of mental health makes issues appear more toxic.

What is meant by 'universal childhood'?

The Western notion of childhood spreading around the world, seen in campaigns for universal education and charities preventing child labor.

What does the New Sociology of Childhood advocate for, particularly as contributed by Smart?

The need to include children in research, using unstructured interviews to allow them to express their views.

According to the 'march of progress' view, how has the status of children improved?

Through legislation, general rights (UN Rights of the Child), protection and welfare services, and increased child-centredness.

How does the 'conflict view' challenge the idea of improving children's status?

Children still experience conflict and inequality based on gender (e.g., 'bedroom culture'), ethnicity (e.g., strict Asian families), and class (e.g., poorer health and education outcomes).

Name one of the four ways adults control children.

Control over resources (e.g., pocket money), time (e.g., strict routines), space (e.g., regulated movements), or body (e.g., dictating dress).

What did Aries find about childhood in the Pre-Industrial Era?

Children were considered 'mini adults' with little variation in games, toys, clothing, and culture, and they would work as soon as they were able.

How did the Industrial Era influence the concept of childhood?

It marked the beginning of the modern concept of childhood, though children still worked in factories and were treated similarly to adults in the criminal justice system, leading to early child protection laws.

Describe childhood in the Modern Era.

It is a protected time of innocence and dependency, potentially lasting until the late teens or early 20s, with a distinct separate culture including toys, games, and clothing.

What does Pilcher mean by a 'separated childhood'?

Childhood is a clear and distinct life stage, reflected in laws, dress, products and services, an age of innocence, and specific activities.

What is one argument against childhood being solely a social construct?

It is also based on biological factors like physical and psychological immaturity, with full development continuing into the mid-20s.

According to James and Prout's 'Dominate Framework,' how do children differ from adults?

Children are seen as 'simple and amoral,' viewing the world in black and white, while adults are 'complex and moral,' able to see shades of grey and make nuanced decisions.

Why is infancy/toddlerhood not considered a social construction according to the 'Sensible Analytical Approach'?

Due to the complete dependency of infants on others for survival, which is a universal and not cultural aspect.

Why might the 5-12 age group be considered a social construction according to the 'Sensible Analytical Approach'?

Because at this stage, differences begin to appear both intra-culturally and inter-culturally.

Why is the 13+ age group most likely a social construction according to the 'Sensible Analytical Approach'?

Because for this age group, cultural and historical differences are much more apparent.