Families and Households

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to families and households, including definitions and sociological perspectives.

Breadwinner

The person in the family who earns the money, usually the male.

Cereal packet family

The 'ideal' nuclear family shown in the media and advertising.

Cohabitation

When two partners live together in a relationship without being married.

Commune

Self-contained and self-supporting communities where childcare, property etc. are shared.

Conjugal roles

The domestic roles of married partners- who does what in the home.

Domestic division of labour

The division of tasks such as housework and childcare in the family.

Double shift

When women are in full time employment and responsible for household tasks.

Expressive role

Traditionally a woman's role in the family according to Parsons, where they look after the emotional needs of the family.

Extended family

A family which contains members beyond the nuclear family.

Family diversity

This means there are a range of families in society today e.g. lone-parent, reconstituted, same-sex.

Household

One or more people who live at the same address but may not be related e.g. university students.

Instrumental role

Traditionally the male's role within the family to be the breadwinner and provide financially for the family.

Lone-parent family

A family of one parent and their dependent children, usually headed by the mother.

Neo-conventional family

A typical nuclear family but where both parents go to work.

Nuclear family

A family of one man and one woman with their dependent children.

Patriarchy

Male power and dominance over women.

Reconstituted family

A family of one man and one woman with children from previous relationships.

Secularisation

A decline in religious belief and activity.

Stratified diffusion

How the roles adopted by those at the top of the social hierarchy (richer families) filter down to the rest of society.

Symmetrical family

Families which are equal on both sides where partners have joint roles.

Functionalist view

The perspective that sees the family as a key social structure performing essential functions for individuals and society.

Marxist view

The perspective that views the family as a tool that maintains capitalism and class divisions.

Feminist view

The perspective that critiques the family as a site of female oppression and patriarchy.

New Right view

The perspective that emphasizes the traditional family structure as ideal and beneficial for society.

Toxic childhood

Children poisoned by junk culture of media and food, leading to poor behavior and development.