4.3 Theories of the Family

• Family theories provide different perspectives on the role and impact of family in society
• What are the four major family theories mentioned in the study material?

  Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism
• Match the family theory with its central idea:

  Functionalism ↔️ Nuclear family is ideal

  Marxism ↔️ Reinforces capitalism

  Feminism ↔️ Reinforces patriarchy

  Interactionism ↔️ Focuses on individual interactions
• Functionalist theory argues that the nuclear family is the ideal family structure.


  True
• Functionalist theory identifies key functions of the nuclear family as socialization, economic support, and emotional security
• Why do functionalists believe the nuclear family is the optimal family form?

  Minimal internal conflict
• Match the theory with its view on conflict:

  Functionalism ↔️ Minimal conflict

  Marxism ↔️ Conflict from economic inequality

  Feminism ↔️ Conflict from gender inequality

  Interactionism ↔️ Occasional disputes resolved through negotiation
• Which theory argues that the nuclear family transmits capitalist values and maintains the class hierarchy?

  Marxism
• Each family theory provides a completely identical view of the family's role in society.

  False
• According to functionalist theory, the nuclear family is the ideal family structure
• What are the complementary roles within the nuclear family, according to functionalist theory?

  Men and women
• Marxist theory sees the nuclear family as a structure that reinforces capitalism.

  True
• Order the key Marxist perspectives on the family:

  1️⃣ Reinforces capitalism and class structure

  2️⃣ Transmits capitalist values

  3️⃣ Gender division of labor benefits capitalism

  4️⃣ Conflict arises from economic inequality
• What type of consciousness does the family socialize children into, according to Marxist theory?

  Class consciousness
• Feminist theory views the nuclear family as reinforcing patriarchal norms
• Feminist theory challenges both functionalist and Marxist perspectives on the family.

  True
• What is the central focus of feminist theory on the family?

  Gender roles and inequality
• Feminist theory views the nuclear family as reinforcing patriarchal norms
• Feminist theory highlights that the family maintains and reproduces gender stereotypes.

  True
• What are the four major family theories?

  Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism
• Functionalist theory views the nuclear family as ideal for providing socialization, economic support, and emotional security
• Match the family theory with its view of conflict:

  Functionalism ↔️ Minimal conflict

  Marxism ↔️ Economic inequality

  Feminism ↔️ Gender conflict
• What type of family structure does functionalist theory consider ideal?

  Nuclear family
• Functionalists believe complementary roles for men and women are essential for minimal conflict within the family.


  True
• Functionalists believe the nuclear family provides stability and support while socializing children with essential values
• According to Marxist theory, what does the nuclear family reinforce?

  Capitalism and class system
• Marxists argue that the gender division of labor in the family benefits capitalism.


  True
• Marxist theory suggests the nuclear family transmits capitalist values
• What is the primary focus of feminist theory regarding the nuclear family?

  Reinforcing patriarchal norms
• Feminist theory emphasizes the power imbalances and unequal gender roles
• Unlike functionalism, Marxism, and feminism, postmodernist theory views the family as a static and oppressive structure.

  False
• Which theory emphasizes the nuclear family and complementary roles for minimal conflict?

  Functionalism