Family Flashcards
Family Types - What’s a beanpole family?
Significant age gap between generations
long and thin in shape.
Few children but multiple generations living in close proximity.
Family Types - What’s the nuclear family?
The stereotypical family type.
Married parents (male and female) and children.
Family Types - Whats extended family?
Family outside of parents/children
Grandparents, cousins, etc.
Family Types - Reconstituted Family
AKA blended family, includes parents with children from past relationships, e.g step parents and step siblings.
Family types - Lone parent
Only one parent household.
Family types- Cohabiting Family
Family that lives together in the same house, but parents aren’t married.
Family types- same sex
Parents are of same gender.
Family types - Empty nest
Parents who live without children as they have grown up and moved out.
Family types- Symmetrical family
Family where both parents share roles.
Wilmott and Young (Functionalist) theory.
What did the Rapaport and Rapaport believe?
Family is changing, and diversity is increasing.
Five aspects of family diversity
organizational - how family is organised e.g division of labour,
cultural - belief and values
class - how their position in the social class affects them
life course - stage in family life cycle
cohort - time period.
There isn’t one dominant norm anymore.
What did the functionalist Parsons believe?
Two main functions of family-
-primary socialization of children
-stabilization of adult personalities, e.g to give and recieve emotional support. shown in the warm bath theory - The family is a break away from society struggles, emotional support and comfort
Men take on instrumental role, being breadwinner
Women take on emotional, being neutering and emotional support and childcare.
The family has lost some of its functions such as education, it is almost functionless besides the two.
What did the functionalists, Wilmott and Young believe and do?
Large scale survey of over 2000 in London
Found families are more symmetrical, as both wife and husband make similar contributions to the household, e.g shared chores and decisions
Conjugal roles aren’t interchangeable but are of equal importance.
Family’s have changed from preindustrial, industrial, asymmetrical to symmetrical.
What did Zaretsky, Marxist believe?
Family maintains capitalism in society.
Children are socialized and taught to be good workers, and family life forces them to keep buying, helping capitalism.
Served by;
Consumerism - buy and consume products
Inheritance - wealth and poor stays in family
Socialisation - socialized to accept their ‘role’ in capitalistic society
The role of women- unpaid domestic duties, triple shift, childcare, emotional care
What did the feminists Delphy and Leonard believe?
Men benefit from the exploitation of women’s labour
Family is the centre role maintaining patriarchy
When wives have paid employment outside the home they still have to carry out household tasks and which aren’t equally shared with their male partners. - dual burden
What did the feminist Ann Oakley argue?
Conjugal roles are segregated.
Double shift - women have to do unpaid work and housework
Women are expected to be neutering, men are expected to be the breadwinner.
Nuclear family causes family to be unhappy - due to strain (stress and pressure eachother, mother at home - depression and disatisification, and men at work - stress and health issues)
Sex role theory - distinct gender roles come from culture rather than biological differences.
Rejects the symmetrical family.
What did the functionalist Murdock argue?
4 functions of family -
Reproductive
Education - primary socialization of children
Economic - housing and material needs
Sexual - parents relationships controller and stable.
Criticisms of the theories on family
isolation, loss of functions, lack of contact, dysfunction, patriarchy.
Divorce - why has the rates increased?
Changes in time have significantly influenced the increase in divorce rates in several ways:
- Cultural Shifts: Over the decades, societal attitudes towards marriage and divorce have evolved. In the past, divorce was often stigmatized, but now it is more widely accepted, leading to a greater willingness to end unhappy marriages.
- Generational Differences: Younger generations tend to prioritize personal happiness and fulfillment over traditional views of marriage. This shift has led to a lower tolerance for dissatisfaction in relationships.
- Legal Changes: The introduction of no-fault divorce laws in many places has made it easier for couples to divorce without having to prove wrongdoing, contributing to an increase in divorce rates.
- Changing Gender Roles: As gender roles have evolved, with women gaining more rights and opportunities, many feel empowered to leave marriages that are unfulfilling or abusive.
- Increase in Life Expectancy: With people living longer, marriages are often expected to last for many years. This can lead to a realization that they may not want to stay in a marriage that no longer serves them.
- Technology and Communication: The rise of technology and social media has changed how people interact and communicate, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or infidelity, which can strain marriages.
- Less focus on religion (secularization) so less pressure
These changes over time have collectively contributed to the increasing divorce rates as people navigate their relationships in a different social landscape.
Is nuclear family the best way to raise a family? (Points supporting)
For:
- Stability: A nuclear family can provide a stable environment for children, with consistent parenting styles and routines.
- Focus on Immediate Family: This structure allows parents to concentrate their resources, attention, and support on their children without extended family dynamics complicating matters.
- Clear Roles: The roles and responsibilities of each family member can be more clearly defined, which may help in decision-making and household management.
- Independence: Nuclear families often have the freedom to make their own choices without the influence of extended family, allowing for personal values and beliefs to shape them.
Is nuclear family the best way to raise a family? (points against)
Against:
- Limited Support System: Without extended family nearby, nuclear families may lack a broader support network, which can be beneficial in times of need.
- Pressure on Parents: The responsibility of raising children often falls heavily on the parents, which can lead to stress and burnout without additional help.
- Social Isolation: Nuclear families may experience feelings of isolation, especially if they are not connected to a larger community or extended family.
- Reduced Diversity of Experience: Children in nuclear families may miss out on the diverse perspectives and experiences that extended family members can provide, which can enrich their upbringing.
Ultimately, whether a nuclear family is the best way to raise a family depends on individual circumstances, values, and the specific needs of the children involved. Each family structure has its own unique benefits and challenges.
Does Gender inequality in family still exists? (agree points)
Yes, gender inequality in families still exists, and there are points to support both agreement and disagreement on this issue.
Agree:
- Unequal Division of Labor: Many households still exhibit a traditional division of labor, where women often take on the majority of household chores and child-rearing responsibilities, even when both partners work full-time.
- Decision-Making Power: In some families, men may hold more decision-making power, leading to an imbalance in authority and influence over family matters.
- Cultural Expectations: Societal norms and cultural expectations can perpetuate gender roles, pressuring women to prioritize family over career or personal aspirations.
- Economic Disparities: Women often earn less than men, which can limit their financial independence and ability to negotiate equal roles within the family.
Does gender inequality still exist in family? (disagree)
Disagree:
- Changing Roles: Many families are moving towards more egalitarian structures, with shared responsibilities and decision-making between partners, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes.
- Increased Awareness: There is a growing awareness of gender inequality, leading to active discussions and efforts to promote equality within families, such as parental leave policies and shared child-rearing practices.
- Empowerment of Women: More women are pursuing higher education and careers, which can lead to greater financial independence and influence in family dynamics.
- Support Networks: Many families are forming support networks that encourage shared responsibilities and challenge traditional gender roles.
In conclusion, while gender inequality in families still exists, there are also significant changes and movements towards equality in many households. The extent of inequality can vary widely depending on cultural, economic, and individual factors.
Why are there different family types?
There are different family types due to a variety of social, cultural, economic, and personal factors. Here are some reasons why family structures can vary:
- Cultural Differences: Different cultures have unique traditions and values that influence family structures. For example, some cultures emphasize extended families, where multiple generations live together, while others may focus on nuclear families.
- Societal Changes: Changes in society, such as increased mobility, urbanization, and shifting gender roles, have led to the emergence of diverse family types, including single-parent families, blended families, and same-sex families.
- Economic Factors: Economic conditions can impact family structures. For instance, financial challenges may lead to single-parent households or cohabitation without marriage.
- Personal Choices: Individual preferences and life experiences also shape family types. People may choose to marry later, have children outside of marriage, or prioritize careers over traditional family roles.
- Legal and Policy Changes: Changes in laws and policies, such as those related to marriage, divorce, and adoption, can create new family forms and redefine existing ones.
Overall, the diversity in family types reflects the complexity of human relationships and the various influences that shape our lives.
What are all the Key sociologists?
(8)
Parsons (functionalist)
Murdock (functionalist)
Wilmott & Young (functionalist)
Rapaport & Rapaport
Ann Oakley (Feminist)
Delphy & Leonard (Feminist)
Zaretsky (Marxist)
Charles Murray
