Perspectives

• What is the focus of the functionalist perspective of the family?

  The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, particularly concerning the economy
• What do functionalists assume about social institutions?

  If a social institution exists, it must have a function or purpose
• How do functionalists view society?

  As similar to a machine or an organism with different parts contributing to the smooth running of the whole
• What are Murdock's four functions of the family?

  Teaching sexuality, reproduction, primary socialization, and economic security
• What does Murdock argue about the nuclear family?

  It is universal due to its practicality in performing essential functions
• How does the family prepare children for adult roles in the economy?

  By socializing them to become adult workers
• What is the significance of primary socialization according to functionalists?

  It grooms children into society's value consensus and collective conscience
• What does Parsons argue about the family in industrial societies?

  It provides economic security and meets material needs
• How did industrialization change family structure according to Parsons?

  It shifted from extended families to nuclear families
• What are the three stages of family development identified by Wilmott and Young?

  Pre-industrial, early industrial, and privatized nuclear families
• What characterizes the privatized nuclear family?

  It focuses on personal relationships and lifestyle rather than economic production
• What does Parsons mean by the 'functional fit' theory?

  The nuclear family is best suited for industrial societies
• How did industrialization affect the functions of the family according to Parsons?

  Families began to lose some functions to newly created institutions
• What does the term 'geographical mobility' refer to in the context of modern families?

  The ability of families to move to where jobs are available
• What role does the family play in modern industrial society according to Parsons?

  It serves as a unit of consumption rather than production
• What is the criticism of functionalism regarding family structures?

  It ignores the diversity of family structures in society
• How do Marxists view the functions of the family?

  As serving the interests of the capitalist system
• What are the three functions of the family identified by Marxists?

  Inheritance of property, ideological functions, and unit of consumption
• What does Engels argue about the nuclear family?

  It developed as a response to industrialization and the need to own private property
• How does the family contribute to the capitalist system according to Marxists?

  By socializing children into accepting hierarchy and inequality
• What is the concept of 'false consciousness' in Marxist theory?

  It refers to the way the family socializes children to accept inequality as natural
• What role does the family play in the reproduction of labor power?

  It creates future generations of workers
• How has the family changed since the industrial revolution?

  It has become a unit of consumption rather than production
• What do feminists argue about the family structure?

  It serves the needs of men and oppresses women
• What is the criticism of functionalism regarding child abuse and violence?

  Functionalists are criticized for ignoring the negative aspects of family life
• What do Leach and Cooper (1967) argue about the nuclear family?


  It has become isolated and inward-looking, which can be destructive
• How do Marxists view the nuclear family in relation to capitalism?

  They see it as a means to maintain capitalist structures and inequality
• What is the criticism of Marxist theory regarding family structures?

  It overlooks the diversity of family structures in contemporary society
• What do functionalists argue about the role of the family in socialization?


  They argue that the family retains major responsibility for socialization
• What is the role of the welfare state in modern family life?

  It provides support for families, reducing their dependence on relatives
• How has the role of education changed in relation to family responsibilities?

  Education has become the responsibility of professional teachers rather than parents
• What do feminists argue about the teaching of sexuality and gender roles in families?

  They argue that families teach heterosexuality and traditional gender roles
• What is the main focus of the evaluation of the Marxist perspective of the family?

  It critiques the nuclear family and highlights the diversity of family structures in society today.
• How do feminists view the Marxist emphasis on capitalism and social class?

  They argue that it overlooks the importance of gender inequalities.
• What do functionalists believe about the family?

  They argue that the family provides essential benefits for its members, such as intimacy and mutual support.
• What do Marxists criticize about functionalists' views on the family?

  They argue that functionalists ignore the role of the family in perpetuating social inequalities.
• What is the argument regarding teaching sexuality and gender roles in socialization according to Marxists?

  They argue that teaching heterosexuality and gender roles conditions children to accept marriage as the norm and that women should adopt a motherly role.
• Why do Marxists believe reproduction is important for the ruling class (R/C)?

  They argue that families reproduce to generate future workers for the capitalist system.
• What do Marxists say about primary socialization?

  They argue that people are socialized into the dominant ideology of the ruling class.
• How does the ideology of economic security relate to family dynamics according to Marxists?

  It supports the idea that individuals must work to support their families, reinforcing the need for economic participation.