Sociological perspectives on the family Flashcards
(18 cards)
What are the four essential functions of the family according to Murdock (1949)?
- Stabilize the sex drive – prevents social disruption from ‘free-for-alls’. 2. Reproduction of the next generation. 3. Socializing the young into shared norms and values. 4. Meeting members’ economic needs (food/shelter).
What criticisms are made of Murdock’s views on the family?
- Other institutions or non-nuclear families can perform these functions. 2. His views are rose-tinted and overly harmonious. Feminists argue the family benefits men and exploits women. Marxists say the family serves capitalism, not society or its members.
What is Parsons’ functional fit theory?
Family functions and structure depend on the type of society. The nuclear family fits modern industrial society, while the extended family fits pre-industrial society.
Why does Parsons argue the nuclear family is better suited for industrial society?
- Geographically mobile workforce – nuclear families can relocate more easily. 2. Socially mobile workforce – nuclear families reduce status tensions, as children can achieve higher workplace status than parents without conflict.
What are the two essential functions of the nuclear family in industrial society, according to Parsons?
- Primary socialization of children (skills, society’s values). 2. Stabilizing adult personalities (providing relaxation and emotional support).
What criticisms are made of Parsons’ views?
- Overlooks the diversity of family structures. 2. Downplays family’s negative aspects, such as exploitation or inequality.
What is Engels’ view of the family in Marxism?
Engels argues the monogamous nuclear family developed to ensure private property inheritance. Men controlled property and women’s sexuality, subordinating women to ensure legitimate heirs.
How do Marxists view the family’s ideological functions?
The family transmits ideas and beliefs that justify inequality, teaching children to accept hierarchy and preparing them for exploitation under capitalism.
What does Zaretsky (1976) argue about the family under capitalism?
Zaretsky views the family as a ‘haven’ from capitalism, where workers can relax. However, he argues this is an illusion because the family cannot fully meet its members’ needs.
How do Marxists critique the family as a unit of consumption?
Families are targeted by capitalism to buy goods, driven by ‘pester power’ from children and social pressure to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’
What are some criticisms of the Marxist perspective on the family?
- Assumes the nuclear family is dominant, ignoring diversity. 2. Feminists argue Marxists focus too much on class and overlook gender inequalities. 3. Functionalists highlight the family’s benefits to members.
What do liberal feminists argue about the family?
They campaign for gender equality and believe changes in laws and attitudes are gradually improving women’s position in the family and society.
What is the Marxist feminist view of women’s oppression in the family?
Marxist feminists link women’s oppression to capitalism, arguing women reproduce the labor force, absorb men’s frustration, and act as a reserve army of cheap labor.
What do radical feminists argue about the family?
Radical feminists see the family as patriarchal, with men benefiting from women’s unpaid domestic labor. They advocate for separatism and sometimes political lesbianism to escape oppression.
How do difference feminists view the family?
They argue women’s experiences vary based on factors like race, class, and sexuality. For example, Black feminists see the family as a source of support against racism.
What is the personal life perspective on the family?
This perspective focuses on individual meanings and relationships, considering non-traditional connections like friends, pets, and chosen families.
What insights did Nordqvist and Smart (2014) provide about donor-conceived children?
They found that social relationships often matter more than genetic ties in defining family bonds, but donor-related issues like appearance and identity can create emotional challenges.
What criticisms are made of the personal life perspective?
It is too broad, including many relationships in the concept of family, and may overlook the unique significance of blood and marriage ties.
