Changes in family structure

• What is the average age of families today compared to 250 years ago?


  The average age of families today is significantly different from that of 250 years ago.
• What did Parsons say about the impact of industrialization on family structure?

  Parsons stated that industrialization changed the family structure from extended to nuclear families.
• What are the two basic types of family structures?

  • Extended family
  • Nuclear family
• What are the two basic types of society mentioned in the study material?

  The two basic types of society are pre-industrial society and industrial society.
• How did work change during industrialization according to the study material?

  Work shifted from being home-based to being centered in factories and cities.
• What did Lace Parsons (1951) say about family structures in industrial society?

  Lace Parsons stated that nuclear families became dominant in industrial society.
• What is the term used for families that live and work together producing goods and crops?

  The term is "cottage industry."
• What key social change is highlighted in the study material regarding industrialization?

  The key social change is that industrialization separates home and work.
• According to functionalists, how did industrialization change the function of the family?

  Functionalists believe that the family structure changed from extended to nuclear because it was more suitable for industrial society.
• What roles did Parsons attribute to men and women in the nuclear family?

  Parsons attributed instrumental roles to men and expressive roles to women in the nuclear family.
• What is meant by the term 'achieved status' in the context of industrial society?

  Achieved status refers to an individual's status being determined by their success outside the family.
• How does the nuclear family facilitate social mobility according to Parsons?

  The nuclear family allows individuals to achieve higher or lower status than previous generations without conflict.
• What criticism do feminists and conflict theorists have regarding the roles in the nuclear family?

  They argue that these roles arise from ideology and power rather than being naturally effective for society.
• What is one criticism of functionalists' view of the modern nuclear family?

  Functionalists are criticized for viewing the modern nuclear family as superior and an ideal evolution of family structures.
• What evidence did Peter Laslett (1972) provide regarding family structures before industrialization?

  Laslett argued that the nuclear family was the most common structure in Britain before industrialization based on parish records.
• What did Anderson (1971) find regarding the extended family in industrial society?

  Anderson found that the extended family was significant in industrial society, especially when people moved to cities for jobs.
• What are the three stages of family development according to Willmott and Young?

  1. Pre-Industrial Stage
  2. Early Industrial Stage
  3. Privatised Nuclear Stage
• What characterizes the pre-industrial stage of family development?

  In the pre-industrial stage, families worked together as an economic production unit.
• What happens to the extended family during the early industrial stage?

  The extended family is broken up as individuals, mostly men, leave home to work.
• What is the focus of the family in the privatised nuclear stage?

  The focus of the family in the privatised nuclear stage is on personal relationships and lifestyle.
• What is meant by the term 'symmetrical family'?


  A symmetrical family is one where husband and wife have joint roles and share responsibilities.
• How do roles in the family become asymmetrical according to the study material?

  Roles become asymmetrical as men spend more leisure time away from home, such as in pubs.
• What did Heles Wilkinson (1994) argue about women's employment?

  Wilkinson argued that an increasing number of women are working due to the shift from a male-dominated industrial sector to a service sector.
• What is a 'genderquake' according to Wilkinson?

  A genderquake refers to the shift in women's attitudes towards work and family, prioritizing work and education over having children.
• How have women's economic influences changed family structure?

  Women's economic influence through employment has changed family structure by breaking down traditional gender roles.
• What did a 2012 survey find about ideal family structures?

  The survey found that 41% of women and 36% of men preferred a family structure where men work full-time and women work part-time.
• What criticism do Willmott and Young face regarding their view of family life?

  Willmott and Young are criticized for ignoring the negative aspects of modern nuclear families, such as domestic violence and child abuse.
• What do feminists argue about the symmetrical family?

  Feminists argue that equal roles in the symmetrical family do not truly exist.
• What was the nature of social policy in the UK from 1945 to 1979?

  The social policy during this period was quite interventionist, supporting families through various benefits and services.
• What was the role of the Welfare State established in 1940?

  The Welfare State supported families through benefits, public housing, and free healthcare.
• What change occurred with the Conservative government elected in 1979?

  The Conservative government aimed to reduce state intervention and promote individual responsibility.
• What was the New Right ideology regarding family structure?

  The New Right ideology viewed nuclear families as the cornerstone of society and advocated for minimal state interference.
• What was the purpose of means testing introduced by the Conservative government?

  Means testing was introduced to provide benefits only to those in genuine need based on household income.
• What was the significance of the Child Support Agency established in 1993?

  The Child Support Agency was established to ensure absent parents contribute fairly to the upkeep of their children.
• What did the Children Act 1989 outline?

  The Children Act 1989 outlined the rights of the child for the first time.
• What was New Labour's approach to family structure when they came to power in 1997?

  New Labour aimed for a compromise between old ideologies, recognizing the diversity of family life.
• What significant legislation did New Labour introduce in 2005?

  New Labour introduced civil partnerships for gay couples in 2005.
• What was the Coalition government's stance on marriage?

  The Coalition government promoted marriage as a stabilizing force in family life.
• What policy did the Coalition government introduce in 2014 regarding same-sex marriage?

  The Coalition government legalized same-sex marriage in 2014.
• What was the impact of the financial crisis of 2008 on family life in the UK?

  The financial crisis led to economic austerity policies that affected family life and welfare support.