Family Sociologists Basics Flashcards
Friedrich engels
The family emerged to solve the problem of inheritance and ensure private property remained within a family line.
The nuclear family supports capitalism by transmitting wealth to heirs.
Monogamy developed to guarantee paternity and reinforce patriarchal control over women.
Eli Zaretsky
The family serves capitalism by acting as a unit of consumption (e.g., purchasing goods).
It provides an illusion of security and refuge from the exploitation of work.
The family socializes children into accepting hierarchical and capitalist norms.
Louis Althusser
The family is part of the ideological state apparatus, which transmits the ruling class ideology.
It instills capitalist values such as obedience and respect for authority.
This helps maintain the existing capitalist system.
George Murdock
The nuclear family is a universal institution that performs four essential functions: sexual, reproductive, educational, and economic.
It ensures social stability and the continuation of society.
The family is seen as a harmonious and integral part of society.
Talcott Parsons
Identified two primary functions of the family: primary socialization of children and the stabilization of adult personalities.
Coined the concept of the “warm bath theory,” where the family provides emotional support to ease stress.
Believed that the family structure changed (from extended to nuclear) to fit the needs of industrial society
Ronald Fletcher
Argued that the modern family has become more specialized but has retained its core functions.
Believed the welfare state now supports families in their roles (e.g., through education and healthcare).
Highlighted the family’s role in improving individual self-fulfillment.
Ann Oakley (Liberal Feminist)
Criticized the traditional division of labor in families, highlighting the unequal burden of housework on women.
Believed that gender inequality in families arises from socialization rather than biology.
Advocated for policies and social changes to achieve equality.
Fran Ansley
Marxist feminist
Described women as “takers of shit,” absorbing the frustrations of their husbands created by the capitalist system.
The family helps to reproduce labor power and support capitalism.
Highlighted the dual oppression women face: both patriarchy and capitalism.
Delphy and Leonard
(Radical Feminists)
The family is a patriarchal institution where women do most of the work but get little reward.
Men benefit from women’s unpaid domestic labor and emotional support.
Emphasized the need to dismantle patriarchy to achieve true equality.
