Families & Households Socio

• What is the definition of "family" in a broad sense?

  All descendants of a common ancestor
• How is the narrower definition of family used sociologically?

  It refers to parents living with children
• What is the significance of kinship in family definitions?

  Families do not require blood relations
• Can a single parent with adopted children be considered a family?

  Yes, they are clearly a family
• What is a household defined as?

  A group of people living together
• What do functionalists argue about the family?

  It has important functions for society
• Who proposed the classic functionalist statement on families?

  George Murdock
• What is the educational function of the family?

  Teaching norms and values of society
• What are the four functions of the family according to Murdock?

  Educational, economic, reproductive, sexual
• How does the family provide an economic function?

  By pooling resources for all members
• What is the reproductive function of the family?

  Producing the next generation
• What is the sexual function of the family?

  Controlling and stabilizing adult relationships
• Who updated Murdock's theory on families?

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

  Primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities
• What is primary socialisation?

  Teaching children family and community norms
• What does Parsons' warm bath theory describe?

  Family as a source of emotional support
• What is a criticism of functionalist views on families?

  They present an idealistic view of family life
• What do conflict theorists argue about family roles?

  They benefit powerful groups, not everyone
• Who described women in the family as "takers of shit"?

  Fran Ansley
• What is the traditional Marxist view on families?

  They serve capitalism and the ruling class
• What did Engels argue about family and capitalism?

  Family ensures wealth remains with the bourgeoisie
• What is Zaretsky's view on family life?

  It gives men a sense of control
• What is a criticism of Zaretsky's theory?

  It assumes only men are workers
• How do Marxists view families in relation to capitalism?

  They see families as conservative institutions
• What do functionalists argue about family forms?

  They remain similar across societies
• What do feminists argue about the family?

  It preserves patriarchy and social order
• What do liberal feminists focus on?

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

  1991
• What do radical feminists believe about the family?

  It is a vehicle for male oppression
• What do Marxist feminists argue about families?

  They preserve capitalism and patriarchy
• What is a criticism of feminist views on families?

  They may present women as too passive
• What do New Right sociologists argue about the nuclear family?

  It is the bedrock of society
• What is the nuclear family defined as?

  Two married parents with children
• What does Charles Murray argue about welfare policies?

  They undermine the nuclear family structure
• What is the dependency culture according to Murray?


  Living off benefits without aspiration to work
• What is a criticism of the New Right perspective?

  It blames the poor for their poverty
• What is the classic sociological theory about families and the economy?

  Impact of industrialisation on family structure
• What did Parsons argue about industrialisation and family?

  It led to changes in family structure and roles
• What is industrialisation?

  Shift from agriculture to industry
• What is urbanisation?

  Movement from rural communities to cities