Theories of the Family Flashcards
What does Murdock argue (FUNCTIONALIST)
Family is a vital social structure in society. He uses the idea that biological factors shape the way families are formed. Therefore the biological male and
female roles shape family structure.
What does Popenoe argue (FUNCTIONALIST)
Biological basis for the way families are organised. He refers to this as a ‘bio social reality’. Women should look after the children and men should be the breadwinners. He argues that this has been
neglected in modern society, and that children in ‘alternative families’ are likely to be damaged by their experiences.
What does Murray argue about underclass (NEW RIGHT)
He thinks that families with inappropriate values fail to socialise their children effectively.
‘welfare dependent’ families dont
work hard.
What did Murray argue about fatherhood and children
He though families needed a father figure and that children, particularly boys, brought up without a father would be more likely to turn to
crime as they hadn’t been socialised properly.
What does Dennis argue about single mothers (NEW RIGHT)
They argue that children raised by single mothers have a lower educational attainment and poorer health than those raised by two parents.
They argue that boys grow up without realising that men should take responsibility for the family. They argued that boys in this situation therefore grow up to be immature men.
What do Engels argue about (MARXIST)
Engels-The family only developed to serve the interests of capitalist society and ensure that property is correctly inherited.
What does Zaretsky argue about family and exploitation (Marxist)
Zaretsky –
- Women support capitalism by feeding and maintaining the health of the workers. They also reproduce the next generation.
- The family is also one of the biggest units of consumption in society.
What does Althusser argue about class consciousness (Marxist) ISA
Althusser – The family is part of the ideological state apparatus. In other words, the family socialises us into accepting the values of capitalism; hard work, buying consumer good etc.
What does benston argue (MARX FEMINIST)
capitalism promotes the oppression of women in the family – women are an unpaid workforce who look after the labourers, reproduce the next generation and socialise them into a false class consciousness so they conform
Delphy – radical feminists –
patriarchal society perpetuates gender inequality in the family.
Sommerville – A liberal feminist –
in contrast to other feminists liberal feminists believe that change should be gradual, not radical.
Oakley
– refers to the triple shift
Beck - Postmodernism
We live in a risk averse society For some, the risk of marriage is too uncertain… ‘what if it doesn’t last?’
Cohabiting, staying single or living apart together are more attractive options.
Stacy - Postmodernism and Family
-There is no dominant family type
People change family types as they move through their life course
What does Cooper believe (marxist) ICD
Family as an ideological conditioning device. Kids not to question their position
