Flashcards Topic 1

• Who is associated with the functionalist perspective in sociology and examined the family in the UK?

  Parson's
• What type of family does Parson's favor in his examination of family structures?

  Nuclear family
• According to Parson's, what is one function of the nuclear family related to children?

  Primary socialization where children learn norms and values from parents
• How does the nuclear family contribute to the stabilization of adult personalities according to Parson's?

  It helps couples relax and take away stress from the outside world
• What is a criticism of Parson's view on the family?

  It fails to recognize family diversity
• Who proposed the idea that the nuclear family is universal in every known society?

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


  Sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational functions
• What is the sexual function of the family as described by Murdock?

  Families thrive when couples have sexual relationships
• How does Murdock describe the reproductive function of the family?

  Children are born into stable families, which helps society develop
• What does Murdock mean by the economic function of the family?

  There is a clear division of labor where women are expressive and men are instrumental
• What is the educational function of the family according to Murdock?

  Parents educate children on culture and society
• What is a criticism of Murdock's view on the family?

  It ignores family diversity and is considered outdated
• What sociological perspective does Marxism represent?

  Conflict theory
• According to Marxism, how does the family benefit capitalism?

  By passing social inequalities through generations, creating a cycle of poverty
• What is the role of the family as a unit of production according to Marxism?

  Families used to work together, but now they are units of consumption
• What roles do men and women have in the family according to Marxism?

  Women do housework (free labor) and provide emotional support, while men work
• What is a criticism of the Marxist view on the family?

  It ignores the positive functions of the family, such as enjoyment in capitalist society
• Who is associated with the marxist perspective in sociology?

  Zaretsky
• What do feminists argue about the family structure?

  It enforces patriarchy and keeps women oppressed
• What is canalization in the context of family socialization?

  Parents channel children into gender-specific behaviors and roles
• How do Delphy and Leonard view women's roles in the family?

  Women perform unpaid labor through housework and are exploited due to hierarchy
• What is a criticism of Delphy and Leonard's view on the family?

  They fail to see positive functions of the family, such as men doing chores