Theories of the family

• What do functionalists believe society is based on?

  A value consensus
• How do functionalists view society?

  As a system of interdependent sub-systems
• What analogy do functionalists use to describe society?

  Like a biological organism
• What essential need does the family meet according to functionalists?

  Socializing children
• What are the four essential functions of the family according to Murdock?

  • Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
  • Reproduction of the next generation
  • Socialisation of the young
  • Meeting economic needs
• What does Murdock argue about the nuclear family?

  It is practical for meeting essential needs
• What do some sociologists argue against Murdock's view of the family?

  Other institutions can perform family functions
• What do feminists and Marxists criticize about functionalism?

  It neglects conflict and exploitation
• What does Parsons' 'functional fit' theory suggest?

  Family functions depend on societal type
• What are the two kinds of family structure according to Parsons?

  Nuclear and extended family
• How does the nuclear family fit the needs of industrial society?

  It supports geographical and social mobility
• What essential need does modern industrial society have?

  A geographically mobile workforce
• Why is the nuclear family better suited for modern industry?

  It can move more easily than extended families
• What happens to adult sons in the nuclear family structure?

  They leave home to form their own families
• What are the two essential functions of the modern nuclear family?

  • Primary socialisation of children
  • Stabilisation of adult personalities
• What did the pre-industrial family function as?

  A multi-functional unit
• What happens to the family structure during industrialisation?

  It changes from extended to nuclear
• What do Marxists believe about capitalist society?

  It is based on unequal conflict
• Who owns the means of production in capitalist society?

  The capitalist class
• What do Marxists argue about the functions of the family?

  They benefit the capitalist system
• What is the key factor determining the shape of social institutions according to Marxists?

  The mode of production
• What does Engels say about primitive communism?

  There was no private property
• Why did monogamy become essential according to Engels?

  To ensure legitimate heirs inherit property
• What do Marxists argue about the ideological functions of the family?

  They justify inequality and maintain capitalism
• How does the family serve as a unit of consumption?

  It generates profits for capitalists
• What do feminists argue about the family?

  It oppresses women
• What are the main feminist perspectives on the family?

  • Liberal feminism: Campaigns for equal rights
  • Marxist feminism: Links oppression to capitalism
  • Radical feminism: Focuses on patriarchy
  • Difference feminism: Highlights diverse experiences
• What do liberal feminists believe about women's oppression?

  It is gradually being overcome
• What do Marxist feminists argue about women's domestic labor?

  It reproduces the labor force
• What do radical feminists believe is necessary for change?

  Overthrowing the patriarchal system
• What do difference feminists argue about women's experiences?

  They vary widely among different groups
• What is the personal life perspective on families?

  Focuses on individual meanings in relationships
• What are the key aspects of the personal life perspective?

  • Emphasizes individual meanings
  • Recognizes diverse family structures
  • Challenges traditional views of family
• What do Smart and Nordqvist find about donor-conceived children?

  Social relationships can be prioritized over genetics
• What is a criticism of the personal life perspective?

  It may overlook special family relationships