Theories Of The Family

Question 1

What’s is the Marxist theory of the family

Answer 1

That all the functions of the family are purely for the benefit of the capitalist system.

Question 2

Marxists sociologists see capitalist society as based on a conflict between what 2 classes?

Answer 2

The capitalist class (Bourgeoise) - who owns the means of production. The working class (proletariat) - who are exploited by the capitalists for profit.

Question 3

What is primitive communism?

Answer 3

The name given to a society before capitalism had emerged, For example a tribe in Africa.

Question 4

What did Engels argue about the family? (Marxism)

Answer 4

That the family had a clear economic function for capitalism by ensuring all wealth stayed in the hands of the bourgeoise. For example, a will wouldn’t be a thing without a family.

Question 5

What is a promiscuous hourde?

Answer 5

A society where all property was collectively owned, and there are no restrictions on sexual relationships.

Question 6

What are some criticisms of Engels ideology?

Answer 6

A feminist would argue it can’t explain why gender inequality exists in the family. George Murdock (functionalist) would argue that the nuclear family existed before capitalism in many areas.

Question 7

What is the Marxist David’s cooper views on the family?

Answer 7

He believes the family acts as an ideological conditioning device. Through 3 ways: Making us believe that hierarchy and inequality are normal, provides a ‘safe haven’ for worker and by promoting consumption - which keeps capitalism going

Question 8

What is the functionalist perspective on the family?

Answer 8

That for society to be stable we must share the same norms and values (value consensus) which is achieved through the family. For example the function of socialisation.

Question 9

What are Murdocks 4 functions of the family?

Answer 9

Economic - suits economic needs better than living alone.sexual - allows adults to fulfill their sexual needs and gives a template to children. Reproduction - stable environment for producing and looking after children. Education - family teaches children values, norms,acceptable behaviour etc.

Question 10

Parsons fit theory (functionalist families)

Answer 10

The structure of the family changes over time to suit the type of society that exists at the time. Extended is for pre industrial and nuclear is suited for industrial society.

Question 11

What were the values or norms of a family in pre -industrial society?

Answer 11

Extended family was the norm. Functions: care for elderly, educate children and farming land

Question 12

What does parsons believe to be the two main functions a family does now?

Answer 12

The primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities.

Question 13

What did Parsons propose about the gender roles of the family

Answer 13

The female is suited for the expressive role whilst the male is suited for the instrumental role.

Question 14

Criticisms of Murdock

Answer 14

He said that nuclear families are universal across all societies, but lone parent families, gay and lesbian families prove him wrong

Question 15

What are the different feminisms?

Answer 15

Liberal, Marxist,radical and difference feminists

Question 16

How do Liberal feminists reform

Answer 16

They gradually reform rather than revolt unlike radical feminists

Question 17

Criticisms of liberal feminism

Answer 17

Most of them are middle class, women still do the majority of housework, women are still more likely to be victims of domestic assault

Question 18

Marxist feminist perspective

Answer 18

The main cause of oppression is capitalism and not men. They believe women reproduce the labour forces, absorb anger and are an army of cheap labour. Believe In a classless society.

Question 19

Criticisms of Marxist feminism

Answer 19

Liberal feminists would argue women have more equality in capitalist society compared to communist. Radical feminists would argue patriarchy is in every society

Question 20

What are radical feminists perspective on the family

Answer 20

Men are the cause of women’s exploitation and oppression, against liberal feminism - believe women have a dual burden or a triple shift. Advocate separatism and political lesbianism.

Question 21

Criticisms of radical feminism

Answer 21

Ignores the progress women have made in many areas, ignores domestic abuse suffered by men that don’t report

Question 22

Difference feminists views on the family

Answer 22

Argue we can’t generalise women’s experiences as though they are all from a nuclear family. Black feminists argue white feminists neglect black women’s experience of racial oppression

Question 23

Criticism of difference feminism

Answer 23

Their approach doesn’t think that despite differences women do share experiences. For example they are at higher risk of SA and low pay

Question 24

The new rights perspective of the family

Answer 24

Promote a family ideology. For example married parents. They believe in a golden age of the family in the 1950s. They believe since 1960s been a decline of traditional family values. They believe lone parents are a problem.

Question 25

Why has there been a decline in traditional family values since the 1960s?

Answer 25

Legalisation of abortion, contraceptive pill, equal pay legalisation, lowering of homosexual age consent, 1969 divorce reform act and introduction of welfare state