Theories of the family

• What are the four functions of the nuclear family according to Functional Family Theory?


  Geographical mobility, social mobility, unit of production, and unit of consumption.
• Why does Parsons consider the nuclear family the most efficient form of family?

  Because it adapts better to changes in social structures compared to extended family structures.
• How does the nuclear family facilitate geographical mobility?

  It allows families to move easily to different locations for job opportunities.
• What role does the nuclear family play in social mobility?

  Nuclear families provide opportunities for social mobility without the constraints of larger family cohorts.
• What are the two irreducible functions of the nuclear family according to Parsons?

  Primary socialization of children and stabilization of adult personalities.
• What is the primary socialization of children?

  It prepares children to become members of society by instilling shared norms and values.
• How does Parsons describe the family in relation to societal order?

  As a "personality factory" that creates individuals who contribute to societal order.
• What is the "warm bath theory" proposed by Parsons?

  It suggests that the family provides emotional security that helps members cope with modern life's stresses.
• What are the instrumental and expressive roles in the family according to Parsons?

  Instrumental roles are typically associated with providing for the family, while expressive roles involve emotional support.
• What is the criticism of the primary socialization function by Baudrillard?

  He argues that the family has lost its significance in shaping personalities due to the influence of media.
• What does Zaretsky argue about the family and capitalism?

  He argues that the family supports capitalism by providing emotional support that encourages conformity to work.
• What are the three functions of the family according to Zaretsky?

  Socialization of children into false class consciousness, economic function, and psychological outlet.
• How does the family act as a psychological outlet according to Zaretsky?

  It provides comfort and relief from the stresses of work, allowing individuals to return to work ready to accept inequalities.
• What is the New Right's view on the traditional nuclear family?

  They see it as ideal and biologically natural, promoting self-reliance and shared moral values.
• What is the New Right's stance on marriage?

  They advocate for marriage as the most stable environment for raising children.
• What does Murray claim about the welfare system?

  He argues that it creates a culture of dependency and rewards dysfunctional family types.
• What is Phillips' argument regarding children's rights?

  She argues that children have been given too many rights, leading to a lack of discipline and parental responsibility.
• What does Donzelot argue about state surveillance of families?

  He argues that the state imposes stricter surveillance on working-class families compared to middle-class families.
• What is Chester's view on the nuclear family?

  He argues that the decline of the nuclear family is exaggerated and that it remains dominant in a neo-conventional form.
• What does Ford and Millar argue about state benefits and single parents?

  They argue that state benefits are not the motivation for young single women to have children; instead, they seek love and attachment.
• What does Engels argue about the nuclear family and capitalism?

  He believes that the bourgeoisie constructed the nuclear family to promote the inheritance of private property.
• What is the Marxist view on the family according to Zaretsky?

  He argues that the family props up capitalism by socializing children into false class consciousness and serving as a psychological outlet for workers.
• What is Baudrillard's criticism of the family in terms of socialization?

  He argues that the family no longer performs the socialization function effectively due to the influence of media.
• What does Murdock agree with regarding the family?


  He agrees that the family performs an economic function that is beneficial for society.
• What does Stanko argue about the psychological outlet function of the family?

  She argues that while women may serve as a psychological outlet, it benefits patriarchy rather than capitalism.
• What do Liberal Feminists believe about gender relations in the family?

  They believe that gender relations are gradually becoming more equal, but there are still areas for development.
• What impact did the Equal Pay Act (1970) have on women's roles in the family?

  It enabled more women to become economically independent and escape traditional roles.
• What does Sommerville argue about men's roles in domestic labor?

  He argues that men are doing more domestic labor than before.
• What are the criticisms of the New Right perspective on family diversity?

  • Opposes family diversity and views it negatively.
  • Claims marriage is essential for stability.
  • Criticizes welfare benefits for creating dependency.
  • Argues children lack discipline due to parental neglect.
• What are the criticisms of Marxism regarding the family?

  • Engels: Nuclear family promotes inheritance of private property.
  • Zaretsky: Family supports capitalism and socializes children into false consciousness.
  • Baudrillard: Family's socialization function diminished by media influence.
• What are the key points of Liberal Feminism regarding family equality?

  • Gender relations are gradually becoming more equal.
  • Social policies like the Equal Pay Act have improved women's independence.
  • Areas for development still exist in achieving full equality.
• What do Liberal Feminists believe about gender relations in the family?

  They believe that gender relations are gradually becoming more equal in the family.
• What is the significance of the Equal Pay Act (1970) according to Liberal Feminists?

  It has enabled more women to be economically independent and escape traditional roles.
• What does Sommerville argue about men's domestic labor?

  He argues that men are doing more domestic labor and some parents are socializing their children equally.
• How do Liberal Feminists propose to achieve full equality?

  By further changing attitudes and socialization patterns of both sexes and implementing family-friendly social policies.
• What do Marxist Feminists believe is the main source of women's oppression in the family?

  They believe it is capitalism rather than men.
• According to Ansley, what role does domestic violence play in capitalism?

  It serves as an outlet for men's frustration with exploitation and alienation in the workplace.
• What does Benston argue about women's roles in maintaining capitalism?

  She argues that women raise the next generation of workers and act as a reserve army of cheap labor.
• What do Radical Feminists believe about the family and marriage?

  They view them as exploitative institutions that benefit men.
• What did Stanko find regarding domestic abuse in the UK?

  She found that one report of domestic abuse was received every minute from a woman.