Theories Of The Family Flashcards
What’s is the Marxist theory of the family
That all the functions of the family are purely for the benefit of the capitalist system.
Marxists sociologists see capitalist society as based on a conflict between what 2 classes?
The capitalist class (Bourgeoise) - who owns the means of production. The working class (proletariat) - who are exploited by the capitalists for profit.
What is primitive communism?
The name given to a society before capitalism had emerged, For example a tribe in Africa.
What did Engels argue about the family? (Marxism)
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.
What is a promiscuous hourde?
A society where all property was collectively owned, and there are no restrictions on sexual relationships.
What are some criticisms of Engels ideology?
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.
What is the Marxist David’s cooper views on the family?
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
What is the functionalist perspective on the family?
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.
What are Murdocks 4 functions of the family?
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.
Parsons fit theory (functionalist families)
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.
What were the values or norms of a family in pre -industrial society?
Extended family was the norm. Functions: care for elderly, educate children and farming land
What does parsons believe to be the two main functions a family does now?
The primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities.
What did Parsons propose about the gender roles of the family
The female is suited for the expressive role whilst the male is suited for the instrumental role.
Criticisms of Murdock
He said that nuclear families are universal across all societies, but lone parent families, gay and lesbian families prove him wrong
What are the different feminisms?
Liberal, Marxist,radical and difference feminists
How do Liberal feminists reform
They gradually reform rather than revolt unlike radical feminists
Criticisms of liberal feminism
Most of them are middle class, women still do the majority of housework, women are still more likely to be victims of domestic assault
Marxist feminist perspective
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.
Criticisms of Marxist feminism
Liberal feminists would argue women have more equality in capitalist society compared to communist. Radical feminists would argue patriarchy is in every society
What are radical feminists perspective on the family
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.
Criticisms of radical feminism
Ignores the progress women have made in many areas, ignores domestic abuse suffered by men that don’t report
Difference feminists views on the family
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
Criticism of difference feminism
Their approach doesn’t think that despite differences women do share experiences. For example they are at higher risk of SA and low pay
The new rights perspective of the family
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.
Why has there been a decline in traditional family values since the 1960s?
Legalisation of abortion, contraceptive pill, equal pay legalisation, lowering of homosexual age consent, 1969 divorce reform act and introduction of welfare state
