Marxism Flashcards
What is sexual control in the context of family?
Sexual control is exclusive to one person, providing stability through exclusivity.
What are the primary functions of a family?
Reproduction of the next generation, 2. Socialization of the young, 3. Economic control for members
What is the nuclear family?
The nuclear family is the most common family structure in society, typically consisting of parents and their children.
What are some criticisms of Murdock’s view on the family?
Murdock’s view ignores other family types, conflicts like divorce and domestic violence, cultural variations, and criticisms from feminists and Marxists regarding the family’s role.
How do feminists view the family?
Feminists argue that the family serves the needs of men and oppresses women.
How do Marxists view the family?
Marxists believe that the family meets the needs of capitalism rather than those of its members or society as a whole
What did Parsons and Bales argue about the role of families over time?
They argued that families lost many of their traditional roles over time due to societal changes, leaving them mainly with emotional support and child-raising roles.
What is primary socialization?
Primary socialization is the process through which children learn basic norms, values, and behaviors of their society, usually from their family during early childhood.
How do families support adult personalities and children’s well-being?
By maintaining emotional and physical stability, providing a comfortable environment, and offering both medical and mental health support
What was Parson’s view on the extended family and its functions?
Parsons described extended families as large, multi-generational units that fulfilled various roles, including economic production, education, and healthcare.
What changes did Parsons note regarding family structure?
There was a shift from extended to nuclear families, with fewer traditional roles as institutions like schools and hospitals took over family responsibilities.*
How can we evaluate Parsons’ theory on the family?
Parsons’ theory is criticized for focusing only on white middle-class America, ignoring variations in families and cultures.
What did Young and Willmott argue in 1973 about family structure in Britain?
They argued that pre-industrial Britain had nuclear rather than extended families, and that extended families still provide functions today, though they may now be dispersed
