Podcast
Questions and Answers
The ‘fit’ thesis was developed to explain the dominance of nuclear families in pre-industrial society.
The ‘fit’ thesis was developed to explain the dominance of nuclear families in pre-industrial society.
False (B)
The ‘fit’ thesis was proposed primarily by feminist sociologists.
The ‘fit’ thesis was proposed primarily by feminist sociologists.
False (B)
One of the main reasons for the large size of extended families in pre-industrial society was that there was a lack of transportation options and communication.
One of the main reasons for the large size of extended families in pre-industrial society was that there was a lack of transportation options and communication.
True (A)
According to the ‘fit’ thesis, extended families were economically unproductive because they were very large and therefore inefficient.
According to the ‘fit’ thesis, extended families were economically unproductive because they were very large and therefore inefficient.
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The ‘fit’ thesis argues that the economic functions of family were more important to their role and structure in pre-industrial society than their social functions.
The ‘fit’ thesis argues that the economic functions of family were more important to their role and structure in pre-industrial society than their social functions.
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Flashcards
Fit Thesis
Fit Thesis
A theory proposing that extended families were typical in pre-industrial societies due to their functional roles.
Multi-functional Families
Multi-functional Families
Extended families performed various functions ensuring the well-being of members.
Kinship-based Economy
Kinship-based Economy
Family members worked together in economic activities like farming and crafts.
Economically Productive Family
Economically Productive Family
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Limited Mobility in Families
Limited Mobility in Families
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Study Notes
Extended Family Structures in Pre-industrial Society
- Functionalist sociologists like Parsons (1959b) and Goode (1963) proposed the "fit" thesis.
- Extended families were typical in pre-industrial societies due to multifaceted needs.
- Multi-functional nature: Family networks handled diverse economic and social aspects.
- Kinship-based economy: Shared economic standing; common work, e.g., farming, crafts, brewing, baking.
- Economically productive: Provided survival through shared labor.
Factors for Economic Productivity
- Labor-intensive agriculture relied on all family members, especially during peak seasons.
- Limited mobility due to poor transportation (lack of railways, cars, and roads).
- Family caregiving: Reliance on relatives for elderly, ill, and infirm care, absent of a welfare system.
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Description
Explore the role and structure of extended families in pre-industrial societies through the functionalist perspectives of sociologists like Parsons and Goode. Learn about how these family networks facilitated economic productivity and provided vital support in the absence of modern welfare systems.
