Families & Households

• What is the main focus of the AQA A Level Sociology topic companion on Families & Households?

  The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change
• What key concepts should be identified, outlined, explained, analyzed, and evaluated in the study of families and households?

  • Family
  • Household
  • Functionalist views
  • Marxist views
  • Feminist views
  • New Right views
• How is the term "family" defined in a sociological context?

  As parents living together with their children as a "unit"
• What is the broader definition of "family"?

  All the descendants of a common ancestor, as in a "family tree"
• What is the narrower definition of "family" used in sociology?

  Parents living together with their children
• Why might a single parent with adopted children be considered a family?

  Because family definitions do not require blood relations or marriage
• What is the definition of a household?

  A group of people who live together, regardless of kinship ties
• What do functionalists argue about the role of families in society?

  Families have important functions for both society and individuals
• Who proposed the classic functionalist statement on the roles of the family?

  George Murdock
• What are the four functions of families identified by George Murdock?

  1. Educational: Teaching norms and values (primary socialisation)
  2. Economic: Pooling resources for members' needs
  3. Reproductive: Producing the next generation
  4. Sexual: Controlling and stabilizing adult sexual relationships
• What did Talcott Parsons argue about the functions of the family in modern Western societies?

  That the family has two irreducible functions
• What are the two irreducible functions of the family according to Parsons?

  Primary socialisation and stabilization of adult personalities
• What is primary socialisation as defined by Parsons?

  The teaching of norms and values associated with family and community
• How does Parsons describe the stabilization of adult personalities?

  Families help prevent adults from behaving disruptively and provide emotional support
• What is the "warm bath theory" proposed by Parsons?

  That family provides relaxation and emotional support for adults after work
• What are some criticisms of functionalist views on the role of families?

  • Conflict theorists argue it presents an idealistic view of family life.
  • Families can cause stress as well as relieve it.
  • Feminists argue families benefit men more than women.
  • The theories are outdated and do not reflect diverse family structures.
• What is the traditional Marxist view on families?

  Families perform a role for capitalism and the ruling class
• How do Marxists view the function of families in society?

  As institutions that benefit a rich minority rather than all members
• What economic function of the family did Engels argue?

  That families ensure wealth remains with the bourgeoisie
• How do family relations facilitate inheritance according to Engels?

  By ensuring wealth is passed down through legal contracts
• What did Zaretsky argue about family life for proletarian men?


  It provides a space where they can feel in control and be the "boss"
• How do Marxists view the family in relation to capitalism?

  As a conservative institution that preserves capitalism
• What are some criticisms of Marxist views on the role of families?

  • Engels' view is overly focused on economic aspects.
  • Functionalists argue families exist in various societies, not just capitalist ones.
  • Zaretsky's theory is outdated and assumes a male worker.
  • It ignores emotional support and positive benefits of family life.
• What do feminists argue about the family?

  That it preserves and supports patriarchy
• What is the focus of liberal feminism regarding the family?

  Striving for legal equality between the sexes
• When was marital rape formally recognized as a crime in the UK?

  1991
• What do liberal feminists believe about the current state of gender equality?

  That while legal battles have been won, cultural values still need to change
• What do radical feminists believe about the family?

  That it is a vehicle for male oppression
• What do radical feminists argue about girls' socialization through families?

  That girls are socialized to accept oppression and inequality as normal
• How do Marxist feminists view the relationship between capitalism and patriarchy?

  They argue that families help preserve both systems
• What are some criticisms of feminist views on the functions of families?

  • They may present a too negative view of family life.
  • Some feminists are criticized for portraying women as passive.
  • Postmodern feminists argue women can resist oppression.
  • Ideas may be outdated as many women now work.
• What do New Right sociologists argue about the nuclear family?

  That it is the bedrock of society
• How is the nuclear family defined by New Right sociologists?

  As two married heterosexual parents with a small number of children
• What does Charles Murray argue about welfare policies and the nuclear family?


  That they have undermined the nuclear family
• What does Murray claim about the dependency culture created by welfare policies?

  That it encourages single-parent families and reduces responsibility
• How do New Right sociologists link dysfunctional families to crime and deviance?

  • They argue that dysfunctional families socialize the next generation with deviant norms.
  • This leads to criminality and social issues.
• What are some criticisms of New Right views on the functions of families?

  • Accused of blaming the poor for their poverty.
  • Seen as a political position rather than a sociological perspective.
  • Criticized for oversimplifying complex social issues.
• What core themes are linked to the study of families?

  • Socialisation: Different sociologists disagree on its nature and outcome.
  • Power: Examines power relations between genders and social classes.
• What is a possible exam question related to functionalism and the family?

  Analyse two criticisms of functionalist views on the role of the family in contemporary society.
• What is a possible exam question related to Marxism and the family?

  Discuss how Marxists view the family in relation to capitalism.