nuclear family

Nuclear Family

A family structure consisting of a mother, father, and their biological children living together.

Cereal Box Family

An idealized representation of a nuclear family portrayed in media and advertisements.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views the nuclear family as essential for the stability and functioning of society.

Role of the Family in Functionalism

To socialize children, provide emotional support, and ensure economic stability.

Primary Socialization

The process by which children learn societal norms, values, and roles from their family.

Marxism

A sociological theory that argues the nuclear family serves the interests of the capitalist system.

Role of the Family in Marxism

To uphold inequality and reproduce the existing class structure.

Capitalist Values

Values such as discipline, obedience, and conformity that are taught to children in a capitalist society.

Gender Inequality

The unequal treatment and perceptions of individuals based on their gender.

Feminism

A sociological perspective that critiques the nuclear family for perpetuating gender roles and limiting women's opportunities.

Role of the Family in Feminism

To confine women to domestic roles and reinforce patriarchal control.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that views the nuclear family as a reflection of power inequalities in society.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, or prestige.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological approach that focuses on everyday interactions and the meanings created in family dynamics.

Everyday Interactions

Small-scale, daily communications that shape roles and relationships within the family.

Inheritance

The process through which wealth and property are passed down through generations.

Domestic Labor

Unpaid work associated with managing household tasks and caregiving.

Patriarchal Control

A societal system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of leadership and moral authority.

Emotional Labor

The process of managing feelings and expressions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job, often seen in women's roles in families.

Stability and Conformity

The ideal image that the nuclear family often represents in society.

Television's Role in Idealizing Families

Shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Leave It to Beaver' depict the nuclear family as the traditional ideal.

Two-Parent Household

A family structure with both a mother and a father present.

Suburban House

A type of residence typical of nuclear families, often characterized by a white picket fence.

Child-Rearing

The process of raising and nurturing children, often seen as a primary role of the mother in the nuclear family.

Division of Labor

The assignment of different tasks to individuals within a family, often leading to unequal roles.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society.

C. Wright Mills

A conflict theorist known for his views on social power and structures.

Erving Goffman

A symbolic interactionist who studied everyday interactions and social roles.

George Herbert Mead

A sociologist who emphasized the importance of social interaction in the development of the self.

Subordination of Women

The societal expectation for women to take secondary roles, often seen in the context of the nuclear family.

Economic Power Transfer

How wealth and resources are passed from one generation to another, often through family.

Social Inequalities

Disparities in access to resources and opportunities based on class, race, or gender.

Ideal Family Unit

The concept of a perfect family structure often portrayed in media as the nuclear family.

Class Structure

The arrangement of social classes in a hierarchical order.

Reproducing Class Structure

The process by which families maintain and transmit class status to the next generation.

Cultural Norms

Standards and expectations that dictate appropriate behaviors in society.

White Picket Fence

A symbol of the ideal suburban nuclear family living situation.

Social Roles

Expected behaviors and responsibilities associated with particular positions within a family.