Changes In The Family Structure Flashcards
Parsons view
Preindustrialisation
Extended family was most common as they would work together as a cottage industry.
Industrial society
Nuclear family is most common as people would move to the city to find work. Work and home life became very separated
General functionalist view
Changes is the functions of the family
It has lost its functions.
It is now focused on socialisation
More of an isolated unit due to geographical mobility
General functionalist view
Changes in the roles and status within the family
Easier to gain success and achievement outside of the family
Nuclear family means it is easier to move up/down social class (social mobility)
Men should have the instrumental role within the family
Women should have the expressive role
Criticisms of the functionalist approach
Nuclear family should not seen as the best family type
Preindustrialisation actually had a variety of family structures within it
Young and willmott
Preindustrialisation
The family is an economic production unit. Th work and family are combined
Early industrial
Nuclear family is most common as men go out to work and women make social connections with others in the community
Privatised nuclear
Symmetrical family
Not as many connections with wider society
Families mainly consume
Criticisms of young and willmott
Family life may not have improved to this extent
Ignores the dark side to the family
Feminists do not agree with the symmetrical family theory
