Family Flashcards
What is meant by the term ‘nuclear family’?
A nuclear family consists of two parents and their children living in the same household.
Define the term ‘extended family’.
An extended family includes relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, living together or nearby.
What is the difference between a conjugal role and a segregated conjugal role?
In a conjugal role, spouses share household tasks and childcare equally, while in a segregated conjugal role, tasks are divided along traditional gender lines.
Explain the concept of the ‘symmetrical family’.
The symmetrical family refers to a family structure where roles and responsibilities within the household are shared more equally between partners, compared to traditional gender roles.
What is meant by the term ‘patriarchy’ in the context of family sociology?
Patriarchy refers to a social system where men hold primary power and authority, and women are largely excluded from positions of power and decision-making.
Describe the concept of the ‘dual burden’.
The dual burden refers to the situation where women are expected to fulfil both paid employment and domestic responsibilities within the household.
What is the ‘march of progress’ view of family change?
The ‘march of progress’ view suggests that family life has improved over time, with greater equality and diversity in roles and relationships.
Discuss the impact of feminism on the study of families and households.
Feminism has highlighted inequalities within families and challenged traditional gender roles, leading to greater awareness and study of issues such as domestic violence, gendered division of labour, and women’s rights.
Explain the concept of ‘serial monogamy’.
Serial monogamy refers to the practice of having a series of monogamous relationships over a lifetime, often involving marriage and divorce or separation.
What are ‘civil partnerships’ and ‘same-sex marriage’?
Civil partnerships and same-sex marriage are legal unions between same-sex partners, granting them similar rights and responsibilities as heterosexual married couples.
Define the term ‘cohabitation’.
Cohabitation refers to living together in a romantic relationship without being married.
What is the ‘empty-shell marriage’ concept?
An empty-shell marriage is a relationship where the emotional connection and intimacy have diminished, but the couple remains together for practical reasons, such as financial stability or social expectations.
Discuss the impact of aging populations on family structures.
Aging populations can lead to increased demand for care, putting pressure on family members, particularly women, to take on caregiving roles for elderly relatives.
Explain the concept of ‘beanpole families’.
Beanpole families are multi-generational families with fewer children in each generation but longer life expectancy, resulting in a taller, thinner family structure.
What is meant by the term ‘child-centred families’?
Child-centred families prioritise the needs and well-being of children, often involving intensive parenting practices and a focus on child development.
