Topic 2 - Traditional definitions of the Family Flashcards
What’s meant by the traditional nuclear family?
A family in which the parents are a married heterosexual couple and did not live together beforehand. They live under the same roof with their children.
What functionalist sociologist argued that the mans role in the family was to be the ‘instrumental leader’?
Parsons, he also said that the mans role was to be the breadwinner and provide financially.
What’s meant by the ‘expressive role’?
The role initially performed by the wife, her main duties were to take responsibility for household chores, childcare, primary socialisation and providing emotional support to other family members.
What sociologist argued that biological differences meant women were ‘naturally’ more suited to the nurturing role than men?
Parsons.
What is the feminist argument against the traditional nuclear family?
- The role of a housewife is unsatisfying.
- Men dominated their wives.
- There was a ‘dark side’ of the family often created by domestic violence
What sociologist studied families in bethnal green and what did they find?
Willmott and Young, they found most people belonged to a traditional extended family which included 3 generations.
What are typical characteristics in an Afro-Caribbean family?
- Matriarchal.
- Mother is the main breadwinner.
- Lone parent-hood.
- Family members, mainly female, help raise the children.
What did Chamberlain find about Caribbean families in 1999?
Despite living apart (in different ‘‘chambers’’) they continued to provide support and close contact between family members.
What is this relationship described as?
Multiple nuclear families.
What sociologist compared 250 societies and claimed that the nuclear family is universal?
Murdock.
What is polyandry?
When a wife has more than 1 husband. (Polly and Andy’s)
What’s polygyny?
When a man has more than one wife.
What’s polygamy?
Having more than one marriage partner. (M for marriage)
Give 2 examples of family types that disproved Murdocks idea that the nuclear family is universal.
- Tibetan Family:
In rural Tibet polyandry was the form of marriage. When a woman married a man she married him along with his brothers, this worked effectively because it meant that the farms wouldn’t be split when sons got married and also the woman felt secure when one brother was away. - Polygyny in West Africa:
The west African families were traditionally matriarchal. Although a man would take several wives the women would have economic independence and run their own lives bringing up children as they also lived separately from the husband.
State one other criticism of Murdock.
Murdock did not consider gay and lesbian families.
