1.1 Families and Households (Families)

Question 1

Who proposed the classic functionalist statement on the roles of the family?

Answer 1

George Murdock (1949)

Question 2

What is the educational function of the family?

Answer 2

Children are taught the norms and values of society (also known as primary socialisation).

Question 3

What is the economic function of the family?

Answer 3

The family provides an economic function to all its members by pooling resources and ensuring all have what they need.

Question 4

What is the reproductive function of the family?

Answer 4

Produces the next generation of the society.

Question 5

What is the sexual function of the family?

Answer 5

Ensures that adults’ sexual relationships are controlled and stable.

Question 6

Who updated Murdock’s theory in 1951?

Answer 6

Talcott Parsons

Question 7

What two irreducible functions did Parsons argue the family has?

Answer 7

• Primary socialisation
• Stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 8

Define primary socialisation according to Parsons.

Answer 8

The process by which families teach children the norms and values associated with their family and/or community

Question 9

What is secondary socialisation?

Answer 9

The teaching of universal norms and values of wider society by institutions such as schools, media, and religion

Question 10

What role does the family play in the stabilisation of adult personalities?

Answer 10

It helps prevent adults from behaving disruptively and encourages conformity to social norms

Question 11

What does Parsons’ warm bath theory describe?

Answer 11

The idea that a man can relax into his family after work, relieving stress and refreshing him for the next day

Question 12

True or False: According to Parsons, the state has no role in education.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Parsons argued that families provide _______ to their members.

Answer 13

emotional support

Question 14

Who offers a different perspective on Parsons’ warm bath theory?

Answer 14

Fran Ansley

Question 15

What term does Fran Ansley use to describe women in the family?

Answer 15

Takers of shit

Question 16

What does Fran Ansley suggest happens to men’s stress when they come home from work?

Answer 16

They relieve their stress by dumping it on their wives

Question 17

What type of families do the discussed theories suggest are the norm?

Answer 17

Traditional nuclear families

Question 18

What roles are typically assigned to men and women in the traditional nuclear family model?

Answer 18

• Men go to work
• Women are in domestic roles

Question 19

True or False: The theories discussed are considered current and relevant.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Fran Ansley describes women in the family as _______.

Answer 20

takers of shit

Question 21

What does the term ‘warm bath theory’ relate to in the context of family dynamics?

Answer 21

Men relieving stress at home

Question 22

What is Marxism?

Answer 22

A sociological conflict theory that originates from the work of Karl Marx.

Question 23

What is the fundamental argument of Marxism?

Answer 23

Capitalist society is based on inequalities between the ‘bourgeoisie’ and ‘proletariat’.

Question 24

Who are the ‘bourgeoisie’?

Answer 24

The ruling capitalist class.

Question 25

Who are the 'proletariat'?

Answer 25

The working class.

Question 26

According to Marxism, what is the nature of society?

Answer 26

Society is in constant conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Question 27

True or False: Marxism believes that capitalist society promotes equality.

Answer 27

False.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Marxism sees society as being in constant _______ between social classes.

Answer 28

conflict

Question 29

What economic function does Engels argue the family serves in capitalism?

Answer 29

Ensures that wealth remains in the hands of the bourgeoisie ## Footnote Engels (1884) posits that family relations are structured to facilitate the retention of wealth within wealthy families.

Question 30

How do family relations facilitate inheritance according to Engels?

Answer 30

Through clear legal contracts ## Footnote Legal contracts in family relations help ensure that wealth is passed down to heirs, typically the children.

Question 31

What happens to wealth when rich people die, according to Engels?

Answer 31

Their children keep hold of their wealth ## Footnote This emphasizes the role of family in wealth retention across generations.

Question 32

What is the idea of 'Male Primogeniture'?

Answer 32

The male heir usually inherits estates and wealth ## Footnote This concept supports the notion that male lineage is prioritized in inheritance.

Question 33

For Engels, what is the primary focus of the family?

Answer 33

Blood lines and proof of parentage ## Footnote This indicates that family structures are centered around lineage and inheritance.