Theories of the Family

Question 1

Murdock’s 4 functions of the family

Answer 1

Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
Reproduction of the next generation
Socialisation of the young
Satisfaction of members’ economic need

Question 2

Parsons’ functional fit theory

Answer 2

The role that the family fulfils is dependent on the time it is found, it suits the needs of the economy at the time.

Question 3

According to Parsons’ functional fit theory why does is the nuclear family suited to society’s needs today?

Answer 3

in modern industrial society the nuclear family is geographically mobile (can move to where jobs are), socially mobile (status in industry is achieved not ascribed) and not reliant on wider kin

Question 4

Parsons’ 2 Irreducible Functions of the Nuclear Family

Answer 4

Primary Socialisation: Equips the next generation with basic skills, norms and values. Allows children to cooperate with others and begin to cooperate with others and integrate into mainstream society.

Stabalisation of Adult Personalities: Enable adults to relax and release tensions so they can return to the workplace able to fulfil their roles efficiently. This aids the economy.

Question 5

Zaretsky’s evaluation of Parsons’ 2 Irreducible Functions of the Nuclear Family

Answer 5

The family simply looks after the needs of the exploited worker, enabling them to return to work to aid capitalism.

Question 6

Parsons’ Warm Bath Theory:

Answer 6

The family unit reduces tension.

Question 7

Parsons’ Conjugal Roles:

Answer 7

biological differences:
Men take the instrumental role- breadwinner.
Female take the expressive role- nurturing.

Question 8

Evaluating Parsons (2 points)

Answer 8

Parsons theory is based on 1950’s Western society. Does not consider modern day family diversity - society is now much more multicultural and diverse.
Ignores the possibility that socialisation is a two way process and roles are not negotiated and resisted, children are not simply forced and accept information

Question 9

Feminist evaluation of the functionalist perspective

Answer 9

the ‘dark side’ of the family is ignored i.e. domestic abuse. There is insufficient coverage on the dysfunctions of the family and its effects on wider society.

Question 10

Marxist/Feminist evaluation of the functionalist perspective

Answer 10

reject this ‘rose-tinted’ perspective, functionalism ignores conflict & exploitation, assume the family unit is harmonious. Feminism seeing women fulfilling men’s needs - ‘’the takers of shit’’ - Ansley.
Marxists argue the family as a unit of consumption to meet the needs of capitalism.

Question 11

2 main New Right beliefs about the family

Answer 11

Biological Division of Labour: nuclear family has set conjugal roles that are biologically determined.
Families should be self reliant: Reliance on welfare results in a dependency culture and an incentive not to work, produces family breakdown and lone parents.

Question 12

Examples of New Right policies that encourage the nuclear family:

Answer 12

Married couples tax break

Universal credit - benefits cuts.

Question 13

Charles Murray

Answer 13

Researched inner city areas in the Uk between 1989 & 1994. Between each visit the situation worsened with the ‘underclass’ concerning an increase in promiscuity, poor education, crime and violence.

Question 14

Norman Dennis & George Erdos

Answer 14

Families without Fathers (2000): Increasing number of children born into families without fathers are put at a disadvantage as they do not have male role models and thus not adequately socialised. Families are not just changing but deteriorating.

Question 15

3 evaluative points on the New Right’s perspective of the family

Answer 15

Blaming the victims: Scapegoats the most vulnerable in society as the cause of society’s problems.
Value judgements: Making a judgement that these people are lesser than the middle and upper classes.
An idealised view of the past: Creates an idyll of a time when women were oppressed and couldn’t escape.

Question 16

4 main roles of the family according to Marxism

Answer 16

Reproduces labour power - the next generation of workers
Inheritance of private property - enabling property to stay in the hands of the bourgeoise
Socialising people to accept inequality
Creating a course of profit for capitalism as a unit of consumption

Question 17

Engels (Marxist)

Answer 17

Private property became significant so men had to ensure it was passed on to sons using monogamous marriage. This change brought on the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family. Monogamy was essential to ensure children were legitimate heirs to the property.
This brought women’s sexuality under male control.

Question 18

Evaluation of Engels

Answer 18

outdated: today we can leave money/property to anyone we wish.
Inheritance tax also means our wealth is shared out to the rest of society.

Question 19

Zaretsky

Answer 19

The family provides emotional warmth to ensure it’s members can return to the workforce to support capitalism.

Question 20

Feminist evaluation of Marxists approach to the family

Answer 20

Marxism emphasises social class and capitalism ignores importance of gender inequalities within the family. 
Family primarily serves the interests of men rather than capitalism.

Question 21

Functionalist evaluation of Marxist approach to the family

Answer 21

Marxism ignores the benefits of the nuclear family such as supports and comfort.

Question 22

Interpretivists evaluation of Marxist approach to the family

Answer 22

Marxism ignores benefits of family for individuals

example: Marxists ignore accounts where females suggest motherhood is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Question 23

4 key Feminist beliefs about the family

Answer 23

Family exploits women trapping them at home fulfilling domestic roles being taken advantage of.
Exposes them gender inequality and domestic abuse.
The family unit reproduces inequalities.
The family and marriage are key institutions in patriarchal society.

Question 24

Radical Feminist solutions to patriarchal families

Answer 24

Political lesbianism

Matrilocal households

Question 25

Evaluation of radical feminist approach to the family (2 points)

Answer 25

Women now have much greater control over fertility.

Hetero sexual attraction means separatism is unlikely to be a success.

Question 26

Liberal Feminist solutions to patriarchal families

Answer 26

Change will occur through gradual political, legislative and social change.

Question 27

Liberal feminist belief about the family

Answer 27

women are oppressed due to socialisation into traditional gender roles.

Question 28

The triple shift:

Answer 28

Working, housework and childcare

Question 29

Cultural lag:

Answer 29

Outdated beliefs about the roles men and women should play

Question 30

Evaluation of Liberal Feminist approach to the family

Answer 30

Despite changes in the law i.e. marital rape becoming illegal, domestic violence and rape still exist.

Question 31

Difference feminist approach to the family

Answer 31

Every woman has a different experience of the family and oppression dependent on factors such as class and ethnicity.

Question 32

Post modernist evaluation of feminist approach to the family

Answer 32

Feminists ignore the possibility we have choice in the type of family structure we live in. This is shown in the significant family diversity in modern society.