Chapter 2 - Families Flashcards
What is the nuclear family?
The nuclear family is the traditional or conventional family model that consists of a man who is the breadwinner, who is married to a women who is a mother and homemaker, and their children are unmarried and living at home.
What are the critiques of the nuclear family model?
- Not every family fits that mold; it is not inclusive. (only 10% of families in Canada fall into this category)
- Implies that women want to be mothers as their primary task of life, and ignores the commonality of dual-income families
- Conservative bias that is the ideal or normal family
What do families do according to functionalists?
Families fulfill universal needs, despite the structure.
- economic production
- socialization of children
- care of sick and aged
- recreation
- sexual control
- reproduction
What is Eichler’s critique of functionalists view of the function of families?
Many families do not fulfill all of the needs listed (maybe some, but not all), as many non-family groups and institutions do. (e.g. schools, organized sports, hospitals, etc.)
What is marriage?
A group’s approved mating arrangement, marked with a ritual to indicate new status (e.g. a wedding). It also is defined as a “commitment and ongoing social exchange”.
What is a common-law union?
A common-law union is when two people are living together without a formal “marriage” union. They are increasing rapidly in Canada (21% of couples), and varies across the country as it is administered at the provincial/territorial level.
What is the most common type of household in Canada? (2016 census)
Single person households (alone with no kids) are the most common (28%)
Due to:
- aging population (baby boomers)
- higher rates of separation and divorce
- delayed couple formation
- better standard of living
Are multigenerational households increasing or decreasing? (2016 census)
Increasing.
Are lone parent families increasing or decreasing? (2016 census)
Increasing.
80% headed my mothers
20% headed by fathers
Which is increasing: couples with children or without children?
Couples without children are increasing.
Young adults (20-34) are increasingly living with:
a) Alone
b) Their parents
c) With roommates
d) A partner
(b) Their parents
35% Canada wide, 42% in Ontario
This is due to:
- housing costs
- need “logistical, emotional & financial support)
- cultural factors (more acceptable)
- not “boomerang” (not leaving and then coming back, may just never leave)
Why has the age at first marriage been increasing?
- More education, financial stability as priority over marriage.
- Cohabitation more acceptable (often live together before marriage).
Why are marriage rates declining?
Cohabitation is increasing (1/5 of all couples), the population is aging, declining influence of organized religion, opting out of marriage altogether.
What are the historical reasons for choosing a partner?
Third parties arranged marriages for prestige, economic and political advantages. Romantic love was not a historical or cultural constant.
How are partners chosen today (for the most part)?
Through social channels:
age, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, religion. People with similar characteristics and are spatially close to a person (live near them, work together, etc.) are more likely to get married as well.
