Theories Of The Family Flashcards by Amy Loudon

What are the main perspectives on family?

Marxism
Feminism
Functionalism
Personal Life Perspective
New Right

These perspectives offer different views on the role and function of family in society.

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How do Functionalists view society?

As a machine or organism with stabilising norms

Functionalists believe that each part of society helps maintain the system.

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What are the four essential functions of the family according to GP Murdock?

Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
Reproduction of the next generation
Socialization of the young
Satisfying economic needs

These functions highlight the practical reasons for the family being a universal institution.

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What does Talcott Parsons’ functional fit theory suggest?

The type of family that ‘fits’ society changes as society changes

Parsons noted the shift from extended families in pre-industrial societies to nuclear families in industrial societies.

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What is Primary Socialisation in the context of the nuclear family?

Teaching children the norms and values of society

This includes gender role socialisation.

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What is the ‘warm bath theory’ proposed by Parsons?

The family stabilises adult personalities by providing emotional security

This reduces stress and conflict in society.

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What are some criticisms of the Functionalist perspective on the family?

Downplaying conflict
Being out of date
Ignoring the exploitation of women
Too deterministic
Not considering family diversity

Critics argue Functionalism presents an overly positive view of family life.

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What is the Marxist view of the family?

The family is an oppressive institution that serves the needs of capitalism

Marxists argue the family perpetuates class inequalities.

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What does Engels argue in ‘The Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State’?

Monogamous nuclear family emerged with capitalism to ensure the transmission of private property

Engels viewed monogamy as beneficial for the bourgeoisie.

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What is the ideological function of the family according to Contemporary Marxism?

Promotes capitalism and socialises people to accept inequality

Families teach children to accept authority, mirroring workplace hierarchies.

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How does the family function as a unit of consumption?

Creates demand for goods and services

Families are targeted by advertising, leading to consumerism.

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What are some criticisms of Marxism regarding the family?

Too deterministic
Ignores family diversity
Overlooks women’s experiences
Fails to recognize benefits of the nuclear family

Critics argue Marxism simplifies complex family dynamics.

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What do Liberal Feminists believe about progress in gender equality?

They acknowledge progress while advocating for modest reforms

They argue that many feminist perspectives overlook advancements for women.

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How do Radical Feminists view marriage and family?

As patriarchal institutions that oppress women

They argue for the need to overturn the patriarchal system.

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What is the focus of Marxist Feminism?

Capitalism oppresses women and maintains gender inequalities

They argue for economic solutions to gender inequality.

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What does Difference Feminism highlight?

The diverse experiences of women across different backgrounds

It criticizes mainstream feminism for neglecting the intersection of race and gender.

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What is the ‘triple shift’ mentioned by Radical Feminists?

Paid work
Domestic work
Emotional work

This concept illustrates the multiple roles women often juggle.

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What is the New Right’s perspective on family?

Views family from a conservative political perspective

They argue that government policies undermine traditional family structures.

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What is the New Right perspective on the family?

The New Right sees the traditional nuclear family as the only correct family type and believes it is the cornerstone of society.

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According to the New Right, what roles do the father and mother play in the family?

The father is seen as the bread-winner and the mother as the home-maker, with these roles viewed as biologically determined.

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What do New Right thinkers argue is the cause of many social problems?

The decline of the traditional family and the growth of family diversity.

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Fill in the blank: The New Right believes that dependence on state welfare leads to _______.

family breakdown and delinquency

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Who stated in 1993 that ‘the natural state should be the two-adult family caring for their children’?

John Redwood, a Conservative MP.

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What campaign did the conservative government launch in 1993 to promote traditional family values?

Study These Flashcards

The Back to Basics campaign.

True or False: The New Right believes that single-parent families are often welfare scroungers.

True

What evidence does the New Right provide about non-nuclear families being problematic?

* Family breakdown is much lower among married couples * Children from broken homes are almost five times more likely to develop emotional problems * Young people whose parents split up are three times as likely to become aggressive or badly behaved * Lone-parent families are more than twice as likely to live in poverty as two-parent families * Children from broken homes are nine times more likely to become young offenders.

What do critics say about the New Right's view of the nuclear family?

Critics argue that the New Right exaggerates the decline of the nuclear family and that most adults still marry and children are raised by their natural parents.

What do Feminists believe about traditional gender roles within the family?

They view them as oppressive to women and argue that traditional roles socialize girls to accept subservient roles.

What is the 'divorce-extended family' as described by Stacey?

A family structure where members are connected by divorce rather than marriage, such as ex-in-laws or former partners.

Fill in the blank: Postmodernists argue that family structures are incredibly _______.

varied

What are the two key characteristics of postmodern society regarding family?

* Diversity and fragmentation * Rapid social change

What do Late-Modernists like Anthony Giddens suggest about freedom in family structures?

They suggest that while people have more freedom, there is still a structure that shapes their decisions.

What does the Personal Life Perspective (PLP) focus on?

A range of personal relationships important to the family, including chosen families and friendships.

According to Marxists, what is the role of the modern nuclear family?

To promote values that maintain capitalism and serve as an ideological apparatus.

What does Engels argue about monogamy and the family?

He saw it as a means of ensuring the transmission of private property through inheritance.

True or False: Most families teach children to accept authority, mirroring the boss-worker hierarchy in employment.

True

What are some criticisms of Functionalist explanations of the family?

* They downplay conflict in the family * They ignore the darker side of family life, such as violence and abuse * They overlook diversity in family types

What does GP Murdock identify as the four universal functions of the family?

* Sexual and reproductive roles * Primary socialization * Economic purpose * Emotional support

What does Parsons' functional fit theory state?

The family changes as society changes, with the nuclear family becoming the norm in industrial society.

Fill in the blank: Feminists argue that the family unit oppresses _______.

women

What is the 'triple shift' as described by Radical Feminists?

The burden of paid work, domestic work, and emotional work that women must bear.

What do Black feminists like Hazel Carby criticize about white feminists?

They fail to consider the significance of racism alongside patriarchy as a form of domination.

What is the concept of 'pester power' in the context of family and advertising?

Children persuade their parents to buy more expensive items through persistent requests. ## Footnote This phenomenon highlights the influence of advertising and media on family spending.

How does the modern nuclear family function according to Marxist theory?

It promotes capitalism and socializes individuals to accept inequality as fair and natural. ## Footnote The family is seen as an ideological apparatus that mirrors workplace hierarchies.

What criticism do opponents of Marxism have regarding its view on family?

It is considered too deterministic, ignoring family diversity and the active role individuals play in their lives. ## Footnote Critics argue that Marxism overlooks the benefits of the nuclear family, such as shared parenting.

Who proposed the concept of the 'symmetrical family'?

Young (1973). ## Footnote This concept suggests a more equal sharing of domestic roles between genders.

What are the instrumental and expressive roles in the family according to Parsons?

Male: instrumental role; Female: expressive role. ## Footnote This division reflects traditional gender roles within the family structure.

True or False: Marx discussed the concept of family in his works.

False. ## Footnote Marx did not directly address the family in his theories.

What does the term 'Framily' imply in the context of family relationships?

Relationships that are more important than biological ties. ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the significance of chosen relationships over traditional family structures.

Fill in the blank: The family acts as a _______ to legitimize children's inheritance of wealth.

[institution] ## Footnote This highlights the economic function of families in capitalist societies.

What are some of the criticisms of the traditional family structure?

* Patriarchal * Benefits ruling elite * Ignores diversity and racial aspects * Too negative in its perspective ## Footnote Critics argue that traditional family structures reinforce social inequalities.

According to Ansley (1972), how do men react to their exploitation at work?

They lash out at home. ## Footnote This reflects the cycle of violence and oppression within the family unit.

What does the term 'economic function' of the family refer to?

Providing food and shelter, while also serving as a consumer unit. ## Footnote The family plays a crucial role in economic stability and consumerism.

Who argued that the family prevents female emancipation?

Engels (1884). ## Footnote Engels viewed women as property within the family structure.

What percentage of families are considered traditional according to recent studies?

15%. ## Footnote This statistic indicates the decline of traditional family structures in society.

What is the role of the family in socializing young children according to Parsons?

It is the primary agent of socialization. ## Footnote Families instill cultural norms and values in children.

What does the term 'moral panic' refer to in the context of family and welfare?

Concerns about self-reliance opposing state welfare. ## Footnote This reflects societal fears regarding dependency on government support.

What did Edgells (1980) find regarding decision-making in families?

Men are still the primary decision-makers. ## Footnote This finding highlights ongoing gender inequality in family dynamics.

Theories Of The Family Flashcards

(58 cards)