Families and Households

Question 1

Definition of a family

Answer 1

A social institution consisting of a group of people related by kinship ties; blood relations, marriage/civil partnership, or adoption. Cohabiting couples are also often regarded as a family unit.

Question 2

Kirby et al

Answer 2

2000
‘the term family refers to a unit consisting of people who are related to each other - either biologically, by notions of blood relations or alternatively by legal means such as marriage.’
→ excludes extended family and non-relatives - rules out friendships
→ outside telling what is family - not self-reported

Question 3

Rice

Answer 3

1990
‘a family is any group of persons untied by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption or any sexual expressive relationship in which (1) the people are committed to one another in an intimate, interpersonal relationship, (2) the members see their identity as importantly attached to the group, and (3) the group has an identity of its own.’
→ self-reporting/identifying
→ less of a template to fit in
→ highlights the quality of a relationship

Question 4

Murdock

Answer 4

1949
‘the family is a social group characterised by common residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, or sexually cohabiting adults.’
→ excludes same-sex and inter-racial marriage
→ suggest families have to live under the same roof - limits this to two generations
→ takes away idea of not having children but still being a family
→ have to have a physical relationship
→ NUCLEAR FAMILY

Question 5

Bidwell + Vender Mey

Answer 5

2000
‘a family refers to a collection of people related to each other by marriage, ancestry, adoption or affinity, who have a commitment to each other and a unique identity with each other. The adults in the collection have varying degrees of responsibility for the young members that might be part of the collection.’
→ broader view (‘affinity’) - not necessarily a blood relation
→ self- identification is important
→ subjective ‘unique identity’
→ younger people not a necessity
→ allows space for step-family and friends

Question 6

Nimkoff + Ogburn

Answer 6

1934
‘a relationship of indeterminate duration existing between parents and children.’
→ only a relationship between parent and child
→ doesn’t matter how long relationship lasts
→ changing relationship over time

Question 7

The American Census Bureau

Answer 7

‘Two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same house.’
→ doesn’t rule out single parents
→ no cohabitees
→ doesn’t rule out same sex

Question 8

What is the Best Fit theory?

Answer 8

The functions that the family performs will depend on the kind of society which it is found - affects it’s shape and structure
The nuclear family (pre-industrial) and the extended family (post-industrial)
Needs of society changed and families changed to fit that.

Question 9

What are social institutions?

Answer 9

Structures in society which influence behaviour such as the family, media, education and religion.

Question 10

What is the warm bath theory?

Answer 10

The breadwinner of the family, usually man, can return to the family to be ‘destressed’ by his wife, reducing conflict in society.
Meant to keep family together and improve economy.

Question 11

What is a universal nuclear family?

Answer 11

A family that consists of two generations - parents and children
Murdock - this family type exists all over the world and is the best family type

Question 12

Murdock’s functions of a family?

Answer 12

1. Sexual Stabilisation
2. Economic supports
3. Socialisation
4. Reproduction

Question 13

Parsons’ functions of a family

Answer 13

1. Primary socialisation
2. Stabilisation of adult personalities