Roles of the Family - 2.1 Flashcards

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1
Q

Functionalism Roles of Family Key Sociologists

A
> Parsons (2 Irreducible Functions)
> Steel and Kid (Stress Relief)
> Murdock (4 Functions of Family)
> Parsons (Segregated Division of Labour)
> Parsons (Functional Fit)
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2
Q

Explain the Functionalist Organic Analogy of the Family?

A

> Bodies a system made up of diff parts e.g. cells, organs, functioning to maintain it

> Likewise, Societies, made up of structures e.g. education, state etc.

> Family plays vital role maintaining social system, meeting needs of systems e.g. the economy.

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3
Q

Briefly outline Murdock’s 4 Functions of the Family

A

> Sexual Function
Reproductive Function
Primary Socialisation
Economic Function

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4
Q

Explain Murdock’s Sexual Function

A
  • Stable Satisfaction of the Sex Drive

- With same marital partner, preventing sexual jealousy and social disruption caused by a sexual free for all.

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5
Q

Explain Murdock’s Reproduction Function

A

Biological reproduction, through family otherwise society can’t continue.

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6
Q

Explain Murdock’s Primary Socialisation

A

Teaching basic norms and values, for new members to integrate into society.

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7
Q

Explain Murdock’s Economic Function

A

Meeting members economic needs e.g. food and shelter

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8
Q

Murdock view on Benefit of 4 Functions of the Family

A

> By performing these functions NF helps to maintain social stability
NF efficiency at meeting family members needs is why it’s universal.

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9
Q

What are Parsons 2 Irreducible Functions

A

> Primary Socialisation

> SOAP

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10
Q

Explain Parsons idea of Primary Socialisation

A

Equips next-gen with basic skills and values, to help them integrate within society and co-operate with others.

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11
Q

Explain Parsons Idea of SOAP and the Warm Bath Theory?

A

> Emotional security achieved in marital relationship, working life’s stressful, so male breadwinner can come home and be ‘de-stressed’ by his wife.

> Releases tensions, so he can return to work aiding the economy.

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12
Q

Explain Parsons Segregated Division of Labour

A

> Male Breadwinner
Female Housewife
- Gender Division of Labour is biologically based e.g. women give birth so are suited to expressive role.

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13
Q

Explain Parsons Functional Fit

A

> Structure of family changes as needs of society change.

> EF was multifunctional, unit of production and consumption performing variety of functions

> NF fits complex modern society through Geographical and Social Mobility.

> No need for EF functions, e.g. health and education now carried out by state e.g. NHS

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14
Q

Explain how the NF performs the function of Geographical Mobility in relation to Parsons Functional Fit

A

Easier for NF to move to where jobs are, harder with an extended family.

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15
Q

Explain how the NF performs the function of Social Mobility in relation to Parsons Functional Fit

A

> Status is achieved not ascribed, sons can achieve higher status than fathers.

> Breaking away to set up own NF, removes status conflict that would’ve occured if they stayed.

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16
Q

Explain Steel and Kidd’s view on how the Family provides Stress Relief

A

> Family provides stress relief, providing a safe haven.

> Adults can out childish dimension of personality, playing with their kids toys

> Acts as safety valve preventing stress overwhelming adults

> Maintaining social stability.

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17
Q

A03 Functionalist Key Sociologists

A

> Ansley (Exploitation of Women)

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18
Q

Briefly outline all the Criticisms of the Functionalist view on the Family?

A
> Outdated
> Ansley
> Benefiting Powerful Groups
> Downplay Conflict
> Socially Constructed
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19
Q

Explain how the Functionalist View of the Family is Outdated?

A
  • Assumes NF is still dominant, ignores ability of other family types e.g. SSC, Reconstituted to perform essential functions.
  • Women now go to work and segregated gender roles not as applicable today.
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20
Q

Explain how Ansley criticises Parsons Warm Bath Theory?

A
  • States women are takers of shit, opposing Parsons Warm Bath Theory
  • Men may get their stress relieved, but only by dumping it on their wives.
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21
Q

Explain the Benefiting Powerful Groups disadvantage of the Functionalist View?

A
  • Does functions of family really benefit whole of society or just powerful groups?
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22
Q

Explain how the Functionalist view of the Family Downplays Conflict

A
  • Present rosy view of family, see it as harmonious.

- Ignore dark side of family e.g. DV and child abuse.

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23
Q

Explain how Parsons view on the Segregated Division of Labour is Socially Constructed?

A
  • Gender Roles not biological, but socially constructed, varies between cultures and societies.
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24
Q

A03 Parsons Functional Fit Key Sociologists

A

> Young and Wilmott

> Laslett

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25
Q

Explain how Young and Wilmott criticise Parsons Functional Fit

A
  • Extended Kin networks still strong in East London as in 70’s
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26
Q

Explain how Laslett criticise Parsons Functional Fit

A
  • Family was already nuclear before industrialisation.
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27
Q

Marxists Roles of Family Key Sociologists

A
> Engels (Inheritance of Property)
> Althusser (Socialisation)
> Zaretsky (Cushioning Effect)
> Zaretsky (Unit of Consumption) 
> Zaretsky (Ideological Functions)
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28
Q

What is the General Marxist view of the Family

A

Marx believe family is a tool of capitalism and main function is to maintain capitalism, reinforcing social inequalities.

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29
Q

Explain Althusser’s Idea on how the Family aids capitalism through Socialisation?

A
  • Family focal point in socialisation process.
  • Socialising next generation into ruling class ideology and unequal social hierarchy
  • Maintains capitalism ensuring next generation sees ruling class ideology as normal.
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30
Q

Explain Engel’s Idea on how the Family aids capitalism through Inheritance?

A
  • Isolated NF means wealthy men can confirm a child is there’s pass down private property to sons who inherit it.
  • Ensuring wealth stays within private NF, rather being distributed among society.
  • Cycle continues reproducing inequality and maintaining capitalism.
  • Women used as mere instruments for reproduction of children, as only monogamous NF can ensure this.
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31
Q

Explain Zaretsky’s Idea on the Family maintains Capitalism by Acting as a Unit of Consumption

A
  • Family play vital role in generating profits for bourgesoie.
  • Workers payed less than amount charged for products they create
  • Advertising urges family to keep up with all latest products
  • Media target Children who use pester power to make parents spend more
  • Children who lack the latest clothes or gadgets are mocked by peers
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32
Q

Explain Zaretsky’s Idea on how the Family aids capitalism through Ideological Functions?

A
  • Socialises ppl to accept capitalist system as fair, natural and unchangeable.
  • Hierarchy in families teaches kids to accept there’ll always be someone in “authority” who they must obey, mirrors hierarchy of boss-workers.
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33
Q

Explain Zaretsky’s Idea on how the Family aids capitalism through the Cushioning Effect?

A
  • Family provides safe haven from harsh oppression and exploitation of capitalist world.
  • Family allows man to feel in control and powerful, which can’t feel in workplace due to exploitation
  • Maintains capitalism, preventing proletariat from recognising their oppression and starting a revolution.
34
Q

Briefly outline all the Criticisms of the Marxist view on the Family?

A
> Ignores Family Diversity
> Doesn’t consider other inequalities
> Deterministic
> Negative View
> Engels View not applicable in Modern Society
35
Q

Explain how Marxism ignoring Family DIversity is a disadvantage?

A
  • Only focus on NF, ignoring other types of family.
36
Q

Explain how Marxism not considering other inequalities is a disadvantage?

A
  • Overemphasises role of family in maintaining capitalism

- Ignores other inequalities such as role of family in maintaining patriarchy.

37
Q

Explain how Marxism being too deterministic is a disadvantage?

A
  • Assumes ppl passively accept being brainwashed into accepting ruling class ideology.
  • Some families reject consumerist lifestyle many families bring up kids to be independent thinkers.
38
Q

Explain how Marxism having too much of a negative view is a disadvantage?

A
  • Ignores positive effects family can have for members.
39
Q

Explain how Engels View not being applicable in Modern Society is a disadvantage?

A

People rarely marry to pass on wealth to kids, rather out of love.

40
Q

Feminist Roles of Family Key Sociologists

A

> Lib Feminists (Move towards Equality)

> Somerville - Lib Fem (Improvement)

> Marx Fem (Role of Capitalism)

> Ansley - Marx Fem (Absorbing Men’s Anger)

> Benston - Marx Fem (Resrve Army of Labour)

> Rad Fem (Men as Enemy)

> Diff Fem (Not all Women have = experience)

41
Q

What 4 Branches of Feminism is there?

A

Liberal Feminists, Marxist Feminists, Radical Feminists, Difference Feminists

42
Q

What Type of View do Lib Feminists have?

A

> MOPV

43
Q

Why do Lib Fem have a more positive outlook?

A

> Gender Inequality, gradually being overcome, through legal reforms e.g. Equal Pay and Sex Discrimination, Rape within marriage illegal.

> Family becoming more democratic & equal, due to raise of DEF, new man becoming more widespread.

> Women are now in paid work & have choice if they want marry or cohabit, if they want to have kids etc.

> Socialisation of sons and daughters more = having similar aspirations for them.

44
Q

Why are Lib Fem, not completely positive?

A

Major barriers to gender equality, have recently been broken, only small changes need to be made to achieve full equality.

45
Q

How does Somerville support the Lib Feminist view of the Family?

A
  • Women’s role has improved w/ better access to divorce, control over own fertility and better job opportunities.
46
Q

Outline the Criticisms of Liberal Feminism

A

> Only reflects experiences of White MC women, ignores experiences of BAME

> Law Reform doesn’t mean ppl’s attitudes have changed.

> More women in employment, but ignore they do triple shift on top of this.

47
Q

Explain the General Marx Fem outlook?

A

Cause of oppression for women is capitalism, due to emergence of priv property and lack of control over means of production, thus it needs to be abolished.

48
Q

Briefly outline the 3 Main Ways Marx Fem believes Faily serves capitalism?

A

> Women reproduce labour force
Absorbing Men’s Anger: Ansley
Reserve Army of Cheap Labour: Benston

49
Q

Explain how the Family aids Capitalism through Women Reproducing the Labour Force?

A
  • Housework, Childcare & Emotional Work unpaid women performs is vital to keep the family going benefiting capitalist class.
  • They socialise next-gen of workers, servicing current workers.
50
Q

Explain Ansley view on how the Family aids Capitalism through Women Absorbing Mens Anger?

A
  • Women provide emotional support to men
  • Due to frustration and stress working in a capitalist system.
  • Women are takers of shit, absorbing anger of proletariat husband.
  • that should be directed towards capitalist employers e.g. DV.
51
Q

Explain Benston’s view on how the Family aids Capitalism through Women being a Reserve Army of Cheap Labour?

A
  • Taken on temporarily when extra workers are needed
  • Allows employers to increase rate of exploitation, making production more flexible
  • Returning to domestic role when no longer required.
52
Q

What do Marx Fem believe the Solution to Women’s problems are?

A

Capitalism and family must be abolished.

53
Q

Outline the Criticisms of Marxist Feminism

A

> Doesn’t explain women’s inferiority in non-capitalist areas.
Women’s oppression didn’t begin with capitalism.
Outdated, women no longer reserve army of cheap labour.

54
Q

What do Radical Feminists see as the cause of Women’s Oppression and Exploitation?

A

> Patriarchy

> Family

55
Q

How do Rad Feminist believe Men exploit Women?

A

> Men benefit from women’s unpaid dom labour, triple shift, sexual services and wages.

> Men dominate women through threat of DV

56
Q

How do Rad Fem view Heterosexual Relationships

A
  • View heterosexual relationships as ‘sleeping with the enemy’’ so women should be lesbian.
  • Live independently from men.
57
Q

A03 Rad Fem Sociologists

A

> Somerville (Exaggerated)

58
Q

How does Somerville oppose the Rad Feminist view?

A
  • Exaggerates exploitation of women in family.
  • Unrealistic due to heterosexual attraction separatism is unlikely.
  • Ignores DV suffered by men.
59
Q

Explain Diff Fem outlook on the Family?

A

> Can’t generalise about women experiences

> Diff ethnicities, class, sexualities have diff experiences of family.

> Other Feminists see family as negative, white feminists neglect black girls experience of racism.

> e.g. Black feminists view family as positive source of support in a racist society.

60
Q

Criticisms of Difference Feminism

A

Ignores women do share some same experiences e.g. DV, Low Pay, Sexual Assault etc.

61
Q

PLP Family and Households Key Sociologists

A

> Smart (Importance of Non-Biological Relationships)
Tiper (Pets as Family)
Nordqvist (Donor-Conceived Children)

62
Q

What type of view is the PLP and who they do criticise and why?

A

> Interactionist View, criticises theories e.g. Functionalism & Marxism.

> Saying they assume NF is dominant, ignoring diversity of families.

> And they assume family members are puppets manipulated by structure of society to perform functions e.g. serving needs of capitalism.

63
Q

What does Smart focus on?

A

Sees importance of relationships important to us, though may not be defined as biological, marriage or family

64
Q

Outline the 4 Types of Relationship Smart and Tiper outlined not conventionally defined as biological, marriage or family?

A
  • Friends: maybe like a brother or sister to you
  • Fictive kin: Close friends treated as relatives e.g. mum’s best friend who you call auntie’
  • LGBT ‘Chosen Families’: Supportive network of close friends, ex-partners & others
  • Dead Relatives: Live on in ppl’s memories, continuing to shape their identities & actions.
  • Pets (Tiper): Kids often saw their pets as ‘part of the family’.
65
Q

Explain Nordqvists Findings on Donor-Conceived Children

A

> Saw importance of social relationship > over biological.

> Mums noted definition of mum was linked to raising a kid, rather than cell that started process.

> Where couples knew donor, they had to resolve whether they counted as family.

> Lesbians concerned sperm donor, may be treated as real 2nd parent.

66
Q

Outline PLP’s view on the effects of the Decline of the NF

A

> NF declined in significance as fewer people get married and have kids, more people are living alone.

> Shouldn’t overestimate stability of NF & not be surprised at high rate of family breakdown.

> But ppl can still form meaningful relationships, establishing own alt families.

67
Q

Outline how the PLP states we don’t have Full Freedom in relation to Families?

A

People not entirely free to construct own families, restricted by society and culture.

68
Q

Outline the Criticisms of the PLP

A

> PLP too broad a view.

> Incl. range of personal relationships we ignore what’s special about relationships based on blood/marriage.

> Descriptive rather than analytical.

69
Q

New Right Family and Households Key Sociologists

A

> Dennis & Erdos (Concern about Fatherless Children)

> Murray (View on State Policies)

70
Q

What is New Right’s General Outlook on the Family?

A

> Support Functionalist view - only one correct family type e.g. NF w/TDDOL, best way of organsing family life.

> NF’s naturally self-reliant and cares for members and primary socialisation of kids.

71
Q

Why do New Right oppose Family Diversity and LPF

A

> Changes leading to family diversity e.g. Cohabitation, SSC, LPF threatens NF.

> Produces crime and dependency culture.

> LPF means boys lack male role model, leading to increased crime rates & poor educational outcomes.

72
Q

What do New Right believe it’s important kids have?

A

Important kids have stable home w/ married couple w/ wife staying home to look after kids.

73
Q

What is Dennis & Erdos’s New Right view on Concern about Fatherless Children

A
  • Rise in NO of kids brang up without fathers is worrying.
  • Kids more likely to be associated with ASB, educational underachievement and other social problems, compared with kids from married couples.
74
Q

Why is Murray critical of Welfare Benefits from the State?

A

> Offers perverse incentives rewarding irresponsible behaviour

> If fathers see state will take care for their kids they’ll be more likely to leave.

> Council housing for teen mothers encourages them to get pregnant.

75
Q

What does Murray believe Family Diversity encourages?

What 2 Essential Functions does this threaten?

A

> Encourages deviant family structures harming society and dependency Culture

> Where individuals rely on state to support them & kids, rather than being self-reliant.

> Threatens 2 essential functions e.g. removing work ethic among men and successful Socialisation of kids.

76
Q

Explain New Right’s Solutions to Dependency Culture?

A

> Cut & tighter restrictions on welfare benefits so tax is reduced, giving fathers incentive to work to provide for families.

> No council housing for teen mothers means they’ll decline

> Taxes favour married rather than cohabiting couples

> Make absent fathers responsible for kids.

> Less state interferes better family life will be.

77
Q

A03 New Right Key Sociologists

A

> Neale (Benefits of Rising Diversity)
Feminism (View on Gender Roles)
Chester (Exaggeration)

78
Q

According to Neale how does New Right fail to recognise benefits of Family Diversity?

A
  • Rising diversity means less judgmental society, as we accept more sorts of family structures& relationships.
79
Q

What is the Feminist view opposing New Right idea of Gender Roles?

A
  • Gender roles are socially constructed and not fixed by biology.
  • TDDOL is oppressive to women.
80
Q

Explain Chester’s Idea of how New Right views are Exaggerated?

A

New Right exaggerate NO of LPF, most ppl will spend most of their lives in NF

81
Q

As New Right has a stigmatised view of LPF, what do they fail to recognise?

A
  • Most want to work, but can’t due to difficulty of finding flexible work and balancing childcare.