Sociology - Families

These flashcards cover key themes, concepts, and critiques relating to the family's structure, functions, and sociological perspectives as discussed in the AS Sociology Family and Households Revision notes.

What is the main focus of sociological perspectives on the family?

To critically apply different perspectives to various family-related topics such as marriage, divorce, and social policies.

Name the six perspectives on the family discussed in AS Sociology.

Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, The New Right, Postmodernism, Late Modernism.

What is the nuclear family?

A family structure consisting of two parents and their children.

List two positive functions of the nuclear family according to Parsons

1. Stable satisfaction of the sex drive within monogamous relationships. 2. Socialization of the young.

What is meant by the term 'stabilisation of adult personalities'?

The role of the family in providing emotional support and stability to adults.

How does the nuclear family fit with industrial society according to Parsons?

The nuclear family provides a mobile workforce required for industrial work.

Outline one criticism of Murdock's view on the family.

Feminists argue that Murdock's view is ideological and ignores the disadvantage women face in traditional family structures.

What is Talcott Parsons' Functional Fit Theory?

As society changes, the type of family that fits that society and the functions it performs also change.

What are the two essential functions of the nuclear family according to Parsons?

Primary socialization and stabilization of adult personalities.

Explain the term 'dual burden'.

The expectation for women to perform both paid work and unpaid domestic work.

What is a 'triple shift' in the context of family roles?

The combination of paid work, domestic duties, and emotional labor mainly performed by women.

What does the term 'ideological functions of the family' refer to?

The role of the family in promoting and maintaining the ideology of society, particularly capitalism.

How do feminist sociologists view traditional family structures?

They see them as primarily serving the interests of men and perpetuating gender inequality.

What is the 'pure relationship' as defined by Anthony Giddens?

A relationship based on mutual satisfaction and equality, lasting only as long as both partners are happy.

Name one key characteristic of postmodern society regarding family structures.

Increased diversity and individual choice in family arrangements.

What is a 'negotiated family'?

A family that defines its arrangements according to the wishes and expectations of its members.

According to Beck, what is a 'risk society'?

A society where individuals have greater awareness and concern about risks in personal relationships.

Outline the main argument of the New Right perspective on family.

The traditional nuclear family is seen as the cornerstone of social stability and moral standards.

What criticisms do feminists have regarding the New Right perspective?

They argue it enforces traditional gender roles that oppress women.

Explain the concept of 'socialisation' in the context of family.

The process through which the family teaches children the norms, values, and behaviors of their society.

What is the significance of the 1969 Divorce Act in relation to marriage trends?

It allowed for no-fault divorce, leading to an increase in divorce rates.

Define the term 'individualisation' in sociological terms.

The process whereby individual choices and personal desires are prioritized over traditional social commitments.

What is 'consumer culture' and how does it relate to family structures?

A culture where the buying and consumption of goods influence family roles and expectations.

What does the term 'family diversity' imply?

The variety of family types that exist in society, beyond the traditional nuclear family norm.

List three types of family that have increased since the 1960s.

Single-parent families, reconstituted families, and cohabiting families.

How do economic factors influence changing marriage patterns?

Increasing living costs may delay marriage as couples prioritize financial stability.

What is a 'beanpole family'?

A type of family structure that consists of multiple generations but fewer members in each generation.

What role did the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) play in family life?

It improved public health, reducing family mortality rates and contributing to longer life expectancy.

How has gender role socialization occurred in families according to functionalists?

Boys learn to adopt the instrumental role, while girls learn the expressive role.

Define 'moral decline' as used in discussions about family structures.

The belief that the weakening of traditional family values has led to increased social problems.

Outline one way in which globalization has affected family life.

It has led to increased cultural exchanges and varying family structures across different societies.

What does 'intensive mothering' refer to?

The expectation that mothers provide extensive care, emotional support, and resources for their children.

Summarize the concept of 'age patriarchy'.

The societal control by adults over children, limiting their autonomy and freedom.

What criticisms do Radical Feminists have regarding family roles?

They argue that traditional family roles perpetuate women's oppression and do not allow for genuine equality.

According to sociologists, how are childhood and parenting practices changing?

Childhood is becoming more child-centered, with increased focus on children's rights and quality of life.

What is 'toxic childhood' as described by Sue Palmer?

The negative impacts of modern society and technology on children's well being and development.

Define 'dependency ratio' in demographic terms.

The ratio of non-working (dependent) population to the working-age population.

How do life expectancy rates differ among various social classes?

Lower social class individuals tend to have shorter life expectancies compared to wealthier classes.

Explain what net migration refers to.

The difference between the number of people entering and leaving a country.

What are push and pull factors in migration?

Push factors are conditions that drive people to leave their country, while pull factors attract them to another country.

Discuss the impact of social policies on family structures.

Social policies can enhance or hinder family stability and shape roles within families.

What is the significance of marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013?

It allowed same-sex couples in the UK to marry, reflecting broader changes in social attitudes towards family.

Describe 'serial monogamy'.

A pattern of being in successive monogamous relationships, rather than lifetime commitments to one partner.

List one criticism of the postmodern perspective on family.

It tends to overlook the persistence of traditional values and roles that still influence family life.

What is the importance of parental responsibility in family law?

It ensures that both parents are legally obligated to care for and support their children, regardless of marital status.

How have feminist sociologists critiqued the concept of 'the normal chaos of love'?

They argue that it downplays the patriarchal dynamics and conflicts often present in family relationships.

Describe the 'commercialization of housework'.

The trend where domestic tasks are increasingly performed by paid services, reducing the time and responsibility on female family members.

What trends are seen in single-person households in modern society?

There is an increase due to rising living standards and changing attitudes towards single living.

Name two characteristics of the 'symmetrical family'.

Couples share domestic responsibilities and spend leisure time together.

Outline the significance of the Child Support Agency.

It ensures that non-custodial parents financially contribute to the upbringing of their children.

What is one modern challenge faced by families today?

Balancing work and family life amidst economic pressures and social expectations.