Families and Households Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a nuclear family?

A family with multiple generations living together

A family consisting of parents and their siblings

A couple and their dependent children (correct)

A single parent family

What is an extended family?

A family that does not include children

A family consisting of only one parent and children

A family with only parents and children

A nuclear family with additional relatives living together (correct)

What defines a classic extended family?

When three or more generations live together in one household.

What is a modified extended family?

An extended family living apart but still in communication. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a beanpole family?

A multigenerational family with few members in each generation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a patriarchal family?

A family structure where authority is held by the eldest male. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a matriarchal family?

A family structure where authority is held by the eldest female. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symmetrical family?

A family where authority and household tasks are shared between male and female partners. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reconstituted family?

A family formed out of another relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lone parent family?

A lone parent with dependent children. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a gay/lesbian family?

A same-sex couple living together with dependent children. Signup and view all the answers

What is a single person household?

An individual living alone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionalist perspective on family?

The family is a cornerstone of society, performing essential functions for social stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the feminist perspective on family?

The family is a tool of female oppression serving men's needs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the New Right perspective believe about family?

Stable homes are crucial for children Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists believe about the family?

The family supports capitalism and helps individuals cope in a capitalist society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the postmodernist perspective on family?

Society is diverse and fragmented, with no dominant family type. Signup and view all the answers

What are some reasons for increased diversity in family structures?

Secularization, legal changes, greater gender equality. Signup and view all the answers

What is age patriarchy?

The power and dominance that adults have over children. Signup and view all the answers

What is the birth rate?

The number of live births per thousand of the population per year. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Family Types

Nuclear family: Comprised of a couple and their dependent children, functioning as a core social unit.
Extended family: Includes the nuclear family plus additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, often living together.
Classic extended family: Involves three or more generations residing in one household.
Modified extended family: Members live apart but maintain contact through various communication methods like phone or video calls.
Beanpole family: Characterized by multiple generations with minimal members in each generation.
Patriarchal family: Authority is held by the eldest male, typically the father.
Matriarchal family: Authority is held by the eldest female, typically the mother.
Symmetrical family: Partners share authority and domestic responsibilities equally.
Reconstituted family: Formed through the blending of families from previous relationships, often after divorce or separation.
Lone parent family: A single parent raising dependent children.
Gay/lesbian family: A same-sex couple raising dependent children.
Single person household: An individual living independently.

Theoretical Perspectives on Families

Functionalist Perspective: Views the family as essential for social stability, fulfilling functions that promote social cohesion.
Feminist Perspective: Considers the family as a mechanism for female oppression, primarily serving men's needs.
New Right Perspective: Stresses the importance of stable families with married parents, attributing social issues to the decline of traditional family structures.
Marxist Perspective: Argues that the family supports capitalism and helps individuals cope with its challenges.
Postmodernist Perspective: Emphasizes societal diversity and rapid change, indicating no single dominant family type exists anymore.

Factors Influencing Family Diversity

Secularisation: Decline in religious influence has led to more alternative views on marriage and reduced stigma around divorce.
Legal changes: Easier access to divorce has influenced family structures.
Greater gender equality: The shift toward gender equality has contributed to the evolution of family types, as noted by Anthony Giddens.

Additional Concepts

Age patriarchy: Refers to the dominance and control that adults exercise over children.
Birth Rate: Quantifies the number of live births per thousand population annually.

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Description

Test your knowledge on families and households with this quiz. Learn about the definitions and characteristics of different family structures, including nuclear and extended families. Perfect for students exploring sociology concepts.