Flashcards Topic 2

• What is a nuclear family?

  A nuclear family consists of a father, mother, and their children living in the same house.
• What is the difference between a nuclear family and an extended family?

  An extended family includes relatives such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, while a nuclear family consists only of parents and their children.
• What is a same-sex family?

  A same-sex family consists of gay or lesbian couples living together with children.
• When was same-sex marriage legalized?

  Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2014.
• How has the perception of same-sex families changed over time?

  Same-sex families are now more socially acceptable and face less stigma.
• What is a beanpole family?

  A beanpole family consists of multiple generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children, and is described as long and thin.
• What is a one-parent family?

  A one-parent family consists of one parent living with their child or children, predominantly women.
• What are the possible circumstances for a one-parent family?

  A one-parent family may arise from being single, divorced, separated, or widowed.
• What is a reconstituted family?

  A reconstituted family, also known as a blended or step family, consists of one or both parents having children from previous relationships living with them.
• What are alternative family types?

  • One-person household: Individuals living alone, common among the aging population.
  • Friends as family: Friends providing support in place of family.
  • Residential care: Includes foster care and elderly care homes.
  • Households: Living alone or in groups, sharing facilities and addresses, not necessarily related by blood or marriage (e.g., student homes).
• How have parent-child relationships changed over time?

  Parent-child relationships are now more child-centered compared to the past, where child labor was common.
• What do some sociologists argue about modern parenting styles?

  Some sociologists argue that parents are less authoritarian and place less emphasis on discipline and obedience, giving children more freedom.
• What did Pryor and Rindor find regarding middle-class relationships?

  Pryor and Rindor found that middle-class families are more likely to have democratic relationships, allowing children a voice.
• How does social class affect family relationships according to Pryor and Trindor?

  Pryor and Trindor argue that social class differences affect family relationships.
• What change occurred in 2015 regarding children and parents?

  In 2015, the school age increased to 18, leading children to stay dependent on their parents longer.
• What did Young and Willmott study in Bethnal Green?

  Young and Willmott studied working-class extended families in Bethnal Green, East London, in the mid-1950s.
• What did later studies show about nuclear families and extended families?

  Later studies showed that nuclear families became more separated from extended families due to geographical mobility and women's involvement in full-time jobs.
• What did Charles et al. find regarding extended families?


  Charles et al. found that extended families are still important, with grandparents often caring for children.
• What are the criticisms of the studies on family types mentioned in the material?

  • A03: Ignores alternative family types.
  • A03: Outdated and not representative of current family structures.
• How does immigration affect family forms according to Charles et al.?

  Charles et al. recognize that culture affects family forms, with Afro-Caribbean families more likely to be lone-parent and South Asian families mostly extended.
• What cultural emphasis is found in South Asian families regarding parenting?

  South Asian cultures place a strong emphasis on full-time motherhood.
• How do working-class families differ from middle-class families in terms of gender roles?

  Working-class families tend to be male-dominated, while middle-class families are more egalitarian with a more equal division of labor.
• What types of family diversity did Rapoport identify?

  • Organisational diversity: Differences in family structures.
  • Cultural diversity: Differences in cultural beliefs.
  • Social class diversity: Working-class families favor traditional roles.
  • Life-course diversity: Relates to stages in the family life-cycle.
  • Cohort diversity: Pertains to specific periods in which a family goes through the life-cycle.