Theories of Families

Question 1

what was George Murdock’s definition of family?

Answer 1

“the family is a social group which is characterised by common residence, economic co- operation and reproductive” it includes a nuclear family

Question 2

what is a nuclear family?

Answer 2

both sexes in which they are socially approved, reproduce to have children and who all live together within the home.

Question 3

functions of family:

Answer 3

emotional support, educational, guidance, security, economic, nurture

Question 4

Talcott Parsons (1955) view:

Answer 4

a functionalist who argues that there is a clear division of labour in the family

Question 5

what are the two roles?

Answer 5

instrumental and expressive roles

Question 6

what is an instrumental role?

Answer 6

it’s a role taken up by men to achieve the success and financial aspect for the family - the breadwinner

Question 7

what is an expressive role?

Answer 7

it is taken up by the women who provide family socialisation and meets the family’s emotional needs - home maker/ full time housewife

Question 8

functional fit: Parson (1959)

Answer 8

believes the family has a function for the individual and the society

Question 9

two basic functions:

Answer 9

1. primary socialisation of children
2. stabilisation of adult personality

Question 10

Young and Wilmcott:

Answer 10

argue that the family has become more symmetrical

men and women have more equal share of:
- domestic work
- financial decisions
- affection

Question 11

Young and Wilmcott (1973): p2.

Answer 11

family relationships today:
suggests that gender inequality in the family still exists today.

that there was more equality in the past.

Question 12

Family relationships today:

Answer 12

• families were developing joint conjugal roles
• the typical family was now symmetrical between the husband and the wife

Question 13

PLP: beyond ties of blood and marraige:

Answer 13

1. relationship with friends
2. fictive kin
3. gay and lesbian ‘chosen families’
4. relationships with dead relatives
5. relationships with pets

Question 14

PLP: personal life perspective:

Answer 14

1. assume that traditional nuclear family is no longer the dominant family type
2. there are structural theories: members manipulated by structural society

Question 15

Parsons’ view of family:

Answer 15

sees it as a functional fit between nuclear family and modern society’s needs for a mobile labour force