Personal Life Perspective & The Family

Question 1

Outline the term ‘fictive kin’

Answer 1

Close friends who are treated as relatives / seen as family

Question 2

Carol Smart’s 5 key terms in explaining the meaning behind relationships

Answer 2

1) Memory (emotions triggered by diaries, photos etc)
2) Biography / life history
3) Embeddedness (life experiences can shape who we are)
4) Relationality (meaning of relation is more important than position in family structure)
5) Imagery (our imagination and freedom shapes our lives)

Question 3

Outline 2 beliefs of the ‘Personal Life’ perspective on family

Answer 3

1) Traditional perspectives ignore choice that people have in the meaning of the family
2) Idea of family is subjective

Question 4

Why does Carol Smart believe the family is subjective? (2)

Answer 4

1) Many viewed pets as part of the family

2) Many viewed close friends as family

Question 5

1 negative criticism of Carol Smart

Answer 5

1) Her view is too generalised; ignores variety within relationships

Question 6

3 positive criticisms of Carol Smart

Answer 6

1) Views people as active members of society, rather than passive
2) Accepts the dark side of the family
3) Shows the family not to be restricted by fixed social norms