Sociology- Families and households (theories of the family)

• What is the functionalist perspective on the family?


  It views the family as a vital institution that performs essential functions for society.
• What are the criticisms of Murdock's view on the family?


  Critics argue that Murdock oversimplifies the functions of the family and ignores diversity.
• What is Parsons' 'functional fit' theory?


  It suggests that the family structure adapts to the needs of society.
• What are the two main types of family structure distinguished by Parsons?


  • Nuclear family
  • Extended family
• How does the size or shape of the family relate to its functions according to Parsons?


  The functions that the family performs influence its size and structure.
• What was the traditional family described as in terms of its functions?


  It was a multi-functional unit that provided for its members' needs.
• What happens to the family as society modernizes according to Parsons?


  The family changes from extended to nuclear and loses many of its functions.
• What are the two essential functions of the modern nuclear family according to Parsons?


  Primary socialization of children and stabilization of adult personalities.
• How do Marxists view the family in relation to capitalism?


  They see the family as maintaining class inequality and benefiting the capitalist system.
• What are the two social classes identified by Marxists?


  The capitalist class and the working class.
• What is the key function of the family in terms of inheritance according to Marxists?


  It facilitates the inheritance of property.
• How did Engels describe the earliest classless society?


  As a primitive communal society without private property.
• What change did the development of private property bring about in family structure according to Engels?


  It led to the emergence of the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family.
• What does Marxist feminism argue about women's roles in the family?


  Women reproduce the labor force through unpaid domestic labor.
• What do radical feminists believe about the family?


  They see the family as the root of women's oppression and advocate for its abolition.
• What is the focus of difference feminism?


  It emphasizes the diverse experiences of women in different family structures.
• What are the weaknesses of the personal life perspective on families?


  It assumes the traditional nuclear family is dominant and overlooks family diversity.
• What types of relationships does the personal life perspective include as family?


  • Relationships with friends
  • Fictive kin
  • Gay and lesbian chosen families
  • Relationships with deceased relatives
  • Relationships with pets
• What did Nordqvist and Smart's research on donor-conceived children reveal?


  It highlighted the importance of social relationships over genetic ones in defining family bonds.
• What is a criticism of the personal life perspective?


  It may take too broad a view and overlook the significance of blood or marriage relationships.
• How does the personal life perspective differ from functionalism?


  It does not assume that the family always functions smoothly and acknowledges conflicts.
• What are the main functions of the family according to different sociological perspectives?

  • Functionalism: Primary socialization and stabilization of adult personalities.
  • Marxism: Inheritance of property and ideological functions.
  • Feminism: Reproduction of labor force and addressing women's oppression.