bullet point 1 on spec Flashcards
(11 cards)
what do functionalists say about the family?
they argue that the family is a positive institution that fits the needs of the economy and wider society
PARSONS:
- “functional fit”
- the function is primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities (warm bath theory)
FLETCHER:
- the family still performs vital functions
- state policies like the NHS and free education enhances the family’s ability to function effectively
what do marxists say about the family?
the family serves capitalism and economic inequality
ENGELS:
- the family was developed to control inheritance of private property (and women’s sexuality were controlled to ensure legitimate heirs)
ZARETSKY:
- the family supports capitalism by being a unit of consumption and by offering emotional support to workers
ALTHUSSER:
- the family is part of the ideological state apparatus, socialising children into accepting capitalist norms
what do feminists say about the family?
the family reinforces gender inequality and benefits capitalism
OAKLEY:
- state policies often assume traditional gender roles (e,g, maternity leave is more generous than paternity leave)
DONZELOT:
- “surveillance theory”; where the state uses family policies such as parenting classes and social workers to control and regulate poor families
what do new right say about the family?
the traditional nuclear family is under threat due to social changes and policies
CHARLES MURRAY:
- criticises welfare dependency, especially lone parent families
- sees benefits as creating “welfare dependency”
- growth of “underclass” and welfare scroungers
NORMAN DENNIS:
- the decline of the nuclear family and rise in fatherless families lead to poor socialisation of children
what do postmodernists/late postmodernists say about the family?
GIDDENS (late modernist):
- “individualisation thesis”
- people now have more choice in relationships (pure relationships based on love and satisfaction, not obligation)
BECK:
- “risk society”
- people make more choice based on risk calculations, so traditional family roles have broken down
STACY (postmodernist):
- women are drivers of family change; increasing diversity as they are more likely to leave unhappy marriages and create new family types
- “divorce extended families” are family networks formed after divorce where ex spouses, new partners etc remain connected
other critical views on the family
DONZELOT:
- “policing of families” where the state uses family policies such as parenting classes and social workers to control and regulate poor families
- the state uses social policy to monitor and control families (especially working class)
what are some state policies for marriage and diversity and their sociologists?
1, same sex marriage act (2014)
WEEKS (postmodernist)
- chosen families are now recognised and there is more family diversity and acceptance
- civil partnership act (2004)
GIDDENS (late modernist)
- supports individualisation and choice in relationships
what are some state policies for welfare & Lone Parents with their sociologists?
- universal credit:benefit cap
MURRAY
- benefits create dependency - child maintenance service
NEW RIGHT
- supports parents taking responsibility
what are some policies for parental leave and gender roles with their sociologists?
- shared parental leave (2015)
OAKLEY:
- policies often still assume women are main carers; this helps but cultural norms still limit equality - maternity leave
DUSCOMBE AND MARSDEN:
- women face a triple shift so this policy doesnt solve it
what are some policies for childcare and support with their sociologists?
- 30hr free childcare for 3-4 year olds
LIBERAL FEMINISTS:
- helps reduce gender inequality by letting women go back to work - child benefit
PARSONS:
- helps family fulfill its functions such as stability etc
what are some policies for encouraging traditional families with their sociologists?
- marriage tax allowance
NEW RIGHT (e,g, david cameron):
- supports nuclear family as the ideal family
