Families & Households

• What is the family according to functionalism?

  A vital organ maintaining the body of society
• What is the organic analogy in functionalism?

  It explains how society works by comparing it to a living organism
• What are the functions of the family according to Murdoch?

  Sexual, reproduction, socialization, and economic functions
• What is the primary socialization function of the family?

  Teaching children the norms and values of society
• According to Parsons, what is another important function of the family?

  Stabilization of adult personalities
• How does the family provide emotional support according to Parsons?

  By offering security and coping mechanisms for adults
• What do Marxists believe about the family?

  It performs functions that benefit the bourgeoisie and disadvantage the proletariat
• What is the inheritance of wealth according to Engels?

  It helps the middle class stay rich by passing money through generations
• What does Zaretsky mean by the cushioning effect of the family?

  It provides comfort to those oppressed by society
• How is the family viewed in terms of consumption according to Marxists?

  As a unit of consumption that buys goods produced by capitalism
• What do feminists emphasize about family life?

  The harmful effects of family life on women and gender inequality
• What do liberal feminists believe about the family?

  It is sexist because it reinforces mainstream culture
• How do Marxist feminists view the exploitation of women?

  As central to capitalism, as women produce and care for the next generation
• What do radical feminists focus on regarding the family?

  The patriarchal nature of the family and its impact on women
• What does Delphy and Leonard argue about the family?

  It is a patriarchal institution where women do most of the work
• What do Giddens and Stacey say about relationships in post-modern society?

  People have more choice in relationships and family structures
• What is a pure relationship according to Giddens?

  A relationship that lasts as long as it is happy
• What does Stacey say about women's freedom in family arrangements?

  Women can shape family arrangements to suit their needs
• What is the sociology of personal life according to Smart?

  The family is diverse and complex, not just a nuclear family
• What types of relationships does the sociology of personal life include?

  Relationships that may not be classified as family, like those with pets
• What do new right policies aim to do regarding family independence?

  Reduce reliance on the state and promote self-reliance
• What do functionalists believe about family diversity?

  It helps families function more efficiently
• What significant change did the 1984 divorce act introduce?

  Allowed couples to divorce within one year of marriage
• What did the 1997 to 2010 New Labour government aim to support?

  Other types of families aside from the nuclear family
• What was introduced in 2005 regarding family structures?

  Civil partnerships
• What did the 1998 supporting families document provide?

  Financial support and advice for parents
• What was the purpose of the domestic violence disclosure scheme?

  To allow individuals to check domestic violence records of potential partners
• What was the aim of the 2012 welfare reform regarding Universal Credit?

  To simplify benefits into a single universal credit system
• What does the bedroom tax entail?

  Tax on spare bedrooms in a household
• What significant change occurred in 2013 regarding marriage?

  Gay marriage was legalized
• What did the 2014 Children and Families Act protect?

  Vulnerable children and parental leave rights
• What does family diversity refer to according to Rapport?

  Differences arising from various cultures and life stages
• What is cultural diversity in family structures?

  Differences arising from different cultures' norms and values
• What is life course diversity?

  Diversity caused by different life stages people reach
• What is organizational diversity in families?

  Different ways families are structured
• How does generational diversity affect family views?

  Historical periods influence views on family structures
• What are some causes of family diversity?

  Changing patterns like more divorce and cohabitation
• How does economic diversity affect family structures?

  Increased wealth allows more people to live alone
• What role do changing gender roles play in family diversity?

  Women pursuing careers reduces reliance on male breadwinners
• What is the impact of welfare benefits on family diversity?

  They have led to an underclass and increased teenage pregnancy