PG85-88 Critique of Parsons Finch (1989) on Pre-Industrial Family

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Questions and Answers

What was the main argument made by Parsons Finch (1989) regarding the pre-industrial family?

Industrialization and urbanization first occurred in parts of Western Europe because pre-industrial family structures were already mainly nuclear rather than extended.

Average life expectancy was low (around 35-40 years) in the pre-industrial period, reducing the number of vertically extended families.

There was a wide range of household types in the pre-industrial period, with extended families being the norm.

Family obligations were much stronger and family members provided greater support for each other compared to the industrial and post-industrial eras. (correct)

What did historical studies show about household types in the pre-industrial period?

Extended families were the norm in the pre-industrial period.

There was a wide range of household types in the pre-industrial period, with no evidence that extended families were the norm. (correct)

Industrialization and urbanization first occurred in parts of Western Europe because pre-industrial family structures were already mainly extended.

Average life expectancy was low (around 35-40 years) in the pre-industrial period, leading to a dominance of extended families.

What is one alternative suggestion regarding the relationship between pre-industrial family structures and industrialization?

Average life expectancy was low (around 35-40 years) in the pre-industrial period, leading to a dominance of extended families which hindered industrialization.

The 'fit' between the nuclear family and the process of industrialisation was a key driver of industrialization in Western Europe.

Industrialization and urbanization first occurred in parts of Western Europe because pre-industrial family structures were already mainly nuclear rather than extended.

Pre-industrial family structures, without unbreakable ties to extended kin, were a contributing cause of industrial development. (correct)

What was one reason why extended families were not as common or dominant in the pre-industrial period as 'fit theorists' have suggested?

Average life expectancy was low (around 35-40 years) in the pre-industrial period, so the majority of adults did not live long enough to become grandparents, reducing the number of vertically extended families. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what led some sociologists to question the idea of a 'fit' between the nuclear family and the process of industrialisation?

The wide range of household types in the pre-industrial period, with no evidence that extended families were the norm. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main implication of the finding that pre-industrial family structures were already mainly nuclear rather than extended in parts of Western Europe?

These nuclear family structures, without unbreakable ties to extended kin, were a contributing cause of industrial development in Western Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most likely reason why the inheritance system of primogeniture may have helped industrialization in the UK?

It allowed for wealth to be concentrated in fewer hands, enabling investment in growing industries. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what was a key consequence of urbanization during the industrialization process in the UK?

The development of a broadly extended family structure among the working class. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions of the family was NOT mentioned in the passage as being taken over by other institutions during industrialization?

Childcare Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criticisms of the functionalist approach to the family is mentioned in the passage?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following was a key reason why working-class families relied on a strong kinship network during industrialization?

Both a and c Signup and view all the answers

The passage suggests that the nuclear family model encouraged by many governments is:

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the passage suggests that the nuclear family structure was able to provide support and stability during industrialization?

The nuclear family structure was the most common and widely accepted form of family organization. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following functions of the family has been most modified rather than lost completely during industrialization?

Recreation and leisure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a way in which the extended family structure helped working-class families during industrialization?

Contributing additional income through the work of young relatives. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the main reason the passage suggests that the functionalist approach to the family has been criticized?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

According to Zaretsky, what role does the nuclear family play in society?

Acting as a political stabilising force Signup and view all the answers

How does Zaretsky suggest the family influences the perception of social problems?

By encouraging a focus on private problems rather than wider social concerns Signup and view all the answers

What viewpoint does Zaretsky share with functionalists regarding the family?

The family provides a refuge from the world of work in a capitalist society Signup and view all the answers

How does Zaretsky describe the relationship between capitalism and families?

Families support capitalism by consuming goods instead of producing them Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does Zaretsky face regarding his perspective on the family?

Ignoring the negative aspects of family life, such as violence and neglect Signup and view all the answers

How does Zaretsky's perspective on capitalism differ from functionalists' views on the economy?

Marxists highlight capitalism's role in legitimising class inequalities, while functionalists focus on economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the functionalist approach to the family?

Neglecting the importance of wider kin and communities in family support. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the family's role does the functionalist approach downplay?

Men's involvement in nurturing aspects of family life. Signup and view all the answers

How does the functionalist approach view socialization?

As a one-way process where children absorb norms from their close family. Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist views, how does the family benefit capitalism economically?

By producing future workers and bearing costs of replacing old or sick workers. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of ideological control, what role does Althusser attribute to the family?

Passing on a ruling-class ideology supportive of economic and political structures. Signup and view all the answers

Zaretsky's argument about socialization in families mainly emphasizes:

Passing on a ruling-class ideology through socialization. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant economic function that families perform for capitalism according to Marxist views?

Serving as a source of profit for companies through consumption. Signup and view all the answers

'The family acts as a steady (stabilising) force that helps maintain the political order needed for companies to function profitably.' This statement aligns with which perspective on families?

'The conflict theory perspective on family roles.' Signup and view all the answers

'Socialisation involves the passing on of a ruling-class ideology.' This statement reflects which theoretical viewpoint on families?

'The critical theory perspective on families.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Marxism differ from functionalism in terms of viewing the relationship between the family and economy?

Functionalism sees the family supporting capitalism economically, whereas Marxism sees the family challenging capitalist structures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Industrialisation in the UK

The inheritance system of primogeniture in the UK contributed to industrialisation by concentrating wealth in fewer hands, allowing for investment in growing industries.
Younger siblings moved to cities as factory workers, leading to the development of a broadly extended family structure.

Extended Family Structure

The working class developed an extended family structure during industrialisation, mainly as a consequence of urbanisation.
The extended family structure satisfied a number of purposes, including:
- Providing care and survival for working-class families in the absence of government support.
- Securing jobs for family members through kinship networks.
- Playing a vital role in childcare when both parents worked.
- Adding to family income through child labour.

Changes in Family Functions

Some functions once performed by families have been taken over by other institutions, including:
- Education (handled by a school system).
- Health and social care (handled by professionals).
- Recreation and leisure (become more individualised or outside the home).
However, these functions have been modified rather than lost completely, with families still playing an important role in:
- Education (many parents are actively involved in their children's education).
- Care (families still play a vital role in caring for the sick and elderly).
- Leisure and recreation (many families share leisure activities, although this may be largely consumed outside the home).

Functionalism and the Family

Functionalists were the first sociologists to focus on the importance of family life and recognise the commonality of the two-generation nuclear family worldwide.
Functionalists drew attention to the positive ways in which families provide support for individuals and help stabilise society.
However, functionalist accounts of the family have been criticised for:
- Being out of date and not applicable to all societies.
- Ignoring differences of social class and ethnicity.
- Focusing on the functions of the family and neglecting negative aspects.
- Idealising the nuclear family and ignoring the viability of other types of family.

Criticisms of Parsons' Functionalism

Finch (1989) arguing that there was little evidence to support the idea that family obligations were stronger before the Industrial Revolution.
Historical studies showing that there was a wide range of household types in the pre-industrial period, with no evidence that extended families were the norm.
Alternative suggestions that industrialisation and urbanisation occurred in parts of Western Europe because pre-industrial family structures were already mainly nuclear rather than extended.

Marxism and the Family

Zaretsky argued that the growth of the privatised nuclear family encourages family members to focus on private problems rather than wider social concerns.
The family becomes a release for adult frustrations, with men exerting power over their families to compensate for their powerlessness in the workplace.
Marxism sees the family as playing an important part in legitimising class inequalities and as a target for companies seeking to maximise profits.
However, Marxism may also be exaggerating the negative aspects of the family, neglecting the real social and emotional fulfilment many people get from family life.

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Description

Explore the arguments against Parsons Finch's idea about family obligations and support in pre-industrial times. Learn about the lack of evidence supporting the notion of stronger family ties before the Industrial Revolution, as well as the diverse household structures in that era.