Sociology Family

• What is the functionalist view of the family?

  The family is a positive institution.
• What type of family is considered the best according to functionalists?

  The nuclear family is considered the best.
• What are the four functions of the family according to functionalists?

  1. Socialization

  2. Reproduction

  3. Economic support

  4. Emotional support
• How many societies were studied to conclude that the nuclear family is universal?

  250 societies were studied.
• What is a criticism of the functionalist view of the family regarding family diversity?

  It ignores family diversity.
• What do feminists argue about the family?

  Feminists argue that the family is a repressive institution that represents patriarchy.
• What are the two functions of the family identified by feminists?

  Primary socialization and stabilization of adult personalities.
• What is the criticism of Parsons' view of the family?

  It is not representative as he only studied American families.
• According to Zarets, how has the role of the family changed in capitalist society?

  The family has shifted from a unit of production to a unit of consumption.
• What do radical feminists argue about the family structure?

  Radical feminists argue that the family maintains a hierarchy and exploits women.
• What are the five types of family diversity mentioned in the study material?

  1. Single-parent families

  2. Reconstituted families

  3. Extended families

  4. Same-sex families

  5. Beanpole families
• What is a characteristic of single-parent families in the UK?

  They are mainly led by women.
• How do Asian families typically differ from other family types in the UK?

  Asian families tend to stay in extended families and are less likely to be single-parent families.
• What significant change occurred in 2014 regarding family relationships in the UK?


  Same-sex marriage was legalized.
• What is a reconstituted family?

  A reconstituted family is where one or both partners have children from previous relationships.
• What are beanpole families characterized by?


  They are multi-generational families that are long and thin.
• What is the impact of changing social attitudes on divorce rates?

  There is now less stigma associated with divorce.
• What is the Divorce Reform Act of 1969?

  It made it easier to obtain a divorce.
• What do feminists argue about the consequences of divorce?

  Divorce impacts all family members and changes family structures.
• What is one reason women are more likely to apply for divorce now?

  Women have greater financial independence now.
• What do postmodernists view divorce as?

  Postmodernists view divorce as a sign of individual freedom and choice.
• How do the views of the New Right differ from those of feminists regarding divorce?

  The New Right views divorce as harmful to the family, while feminists see it as a consequence of patriarchy.
• What is the significance of the term "empty shell marriages" in the context of divorce?

  It refers to marriages where one or both partners feel trapped and unfulfilled.
• What is one of the main criticisms of domestic violence statistics?

  They may not accurately reflect the true number of incidents.
• What types of domestic violence are recognized?

  Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, and financial.
• What is a common reason victims do not report domestic violence?

  Fear of not being believed or fear of retaliation.
• What is the impact of secularization on divorce rates?

  Secularization has led to a decrease in the stigma associated with divorce.
• What is the relationship between divorce rates and the status of women?


  As women's status improves, divorce rates tend to increase.
• What do Hochschild and Single-Rushion argue about the consequences of divorce?

  They argue that divorce leads to emotional distress and conflict among adults.
• How do the views of the New Right and postmodernists on divorce differ?

  The New Right views divorce negatively, while postmodernists see it as a reflection of individual choice.