family Flashcards
what is the sociological definition of the family
The family is a social group characterised by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, of the socially cohabiting adults. - George Murdock.
What is common residence?
When people live together/ in the same household.
What is economic cooperation?
When people share income/ work together
What is a socially approved relationship?
When two people are married to each other
What are criticisms of the sociological definition of family?
+A family could be adults of the same gender
+Parents divorce- one moves away- they are still family
+Not all families are economically dependent, some rely on welfare benefits
+Not all couples have children, may be a choice
+Not all couples are married, not all individuals wait till marriage.
+Gay couples may cohabit, have formed a civil partnership, Gay Marriage 2013.
What type of family does Murdock describe?
Nuclear Family
What did Murdock believe that the nuclear family was?
Believed that the nuclear family is ‘a universal social grouping’ in other words it is found in all societies.
How has the family unit changed since 1949?
+Grandparents are now living longer
+Adults may choose if they marry or have children
+High levels of divorce
+Same sex families
+More cohabiting couples, with and without children.
What is the structure of a family?
The size and shape of the family
What are the roles of a family?
The part that an individual plays
What did functionalist argue about institutions in society?
That institutions were functional for society and that they were interested in how they contributed to society’s overall stability.
Do functionalists focus on the positive or negative views of the family?
They concentrate on the positive views of the family.
What do functionalists compare society to and what is the comparison known as?
They compare society to the human body and it is known as the organic analogy
What Family type do functionalist see as the ideal type?
Nuclear family
Define the nuclear family
A couple and their dependent children, regarded as a basic social unit.
What are the names of the key functionalist sociologists
Parsons
Murdock
Fletcher