key concepts/terms Flashcards
define nuclear family
a two generational family of a man and woman, their dependent child(ren), own or adopted
primary socialisation
process by which an individual learns the norms and values of society, learnt in the early stages of life and in the family
stabilisation of adult personalities
parsons (functionalist) argues the family is a place where adults can relax and release tensions, enabling them to return to the workplace ready to meet its demands
‘warm bath analogy’
instrumental role
- the breadwinner or provider role in the family
functionalists see this as the man’s role
expressive role
- the caring, nurturing, homemaker role in the family
- functionalists argue the woman is biologically suited to performing this role
geographically mobile workforce
the ability to move around as a nuclear family for work purposes
socially mobile workforce
in a mobile society an individuals status is achieved and based on their own efforts so therefore they are more likely able to move up the social class system
capitalist class
- bourgeoisie
- own the means of production
- hold political and ideological power
working class
- proletariat
- wage slaves
- get exploited by the bourgeoisie
ideology
set of beliefs or ideas usually from groups of people
primitive communism
- earliest stage of society
- there was no private property or family
- no restrictions on sexual relationships
superstructure
- covers all parts of society apart from the economy
- eg religion, media, education
economic base
- most important structure in society
- shapes superstructure
- economy shapes and affects everything
keeping up the jones’s’
- idea that everyone wants the latest thing
- encourages us to consume more goods
pester power
- kids pester their parents to get something
- ‘power’ suggests they have a large influence
- media targets children who use pester power in order to gain profit
inequality
refers to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities
hierarchy
a system where society is ranked to status, wealth or authority
patriarchy
term used to describe a male dominated society; a system or ideology of male power over women
oppression
feminists believe women are exploited by men and men take advantage of women in the family
march of progress
liberals believe progress has been made and women are gaining more power because of changes in laws and attitudes
matrilocal families
a female only household advocated by radical feminists (Greer)
political lesbianism
radical feminists believe we should not enter a relationship with men because they are the enemy, we must live separately (separatism) and engage in relationships with women
reserve army of labour
Marxist feminists believe that women were called to help in the workforce at times of crisis, for example during the world wars. When they are no longer needed they return to their unpaid domestic role
post-structural feminism
Similar to difference feminism – they look at the different experiences of women in today’s society
What is a household?
A household is a person living alone or group of people living together, for example, sharing meals, bills house works etc. This can include students living together at university.
