Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to Parsons, what is the main role of the female in a family?
According to Parsons, what is the main role of the female in a family?
- To be equal partners with the male in all aspects of family life.
- To be the head of the household.
- To be the primary breadwinner.
- To be the emotional caretaker and socialize children. (correct)
Parsons suggests that the division of labor between husband and wife is "natural." What is the basis for this claim?
Parsons suggests that the division of labor between husband and wife is "natural." What is the basis for this claim?
- He believed that men are naturally better suited for leadership roles.
- He believed that traditional gender roles are essential for social stability.
- He believed that women are inherently more nurturing and caring.
- He believed that women are biologically predisposed to emotional caregiving. (correct)
How does Parsons view the relationship between husband and wife in a nuclear family?
How does Parsons view the relationship between husband and wife in a nuclear family?
- He believes they should be strictly separated in their roles and responsibilities.
- He believes they are complementary partners, each contributing differently to the family. (correct)
- He believes they should be able to switch roles whenever necessary.
- He believes they are equal partners with shared responsibilities.
What did Parsons believe was the primary obstacle to modernity and progress?
What did Parsons believe was the primary obstacle to modernity and progress?
Why did Parsons believe the nuclear family was superior for modern industrial societies?
Why did Parsons believe the nuclear family was superior for modern industrial societies?
According to Parsons, what role does the family play in modern society?
According to Parsons, what role does the family play in modern society?
What is the primary function of the 'instrumental leader' in the nuclear family, according to Parsons?
What is the primary function of the 'instrumental leader' in the nuclear family, according to Parsons?
How does the nuclear family, according to Parsons, help stabilize the adult personality?
How does the nuclear family, according to Parsons, help stabilize the adult personality?
Parsons argues that the nuclear family is a 'retreat' for adults. What does this mean?
Parsons argues that the nuclear family is a 'retreat' for adults. What does this mean?
According to Parsons, what is the primary reason why the nuclear family is essential for the health and happiness of adults in modern society?
According to Parsons, what is the primary reason why the nuclear family is essential for the health and happiness of adults in modern society?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the nuclear family that Parsons emphasizes?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the nuclear family that Parsons emphasizes?
In Parsons' view, what is the relationship between the nuclear family and wider society?
In Parsons' view, what is the relationship between the nuclear family and wider society?
According to Parsons, how does the family's role in relieving stress benefit both individuals and society as a whole?
According to Parsons, how does the family's role in relieving stress benefit both individuals and society as a whole?
Flashcards
Expressive Leader
Expressive Leader
Role of female as primary caregiver and emotional support in the family.
Sexual Division of Labour
Sexual Division of Labour
The differentiation of tasks based on gender roles in the family.
Complementary Roles
Complementary Roles
Husbands and wives contribute differently yet equally to family maintenance.
Nuclear Family
Nuclear Family
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Modern Industrial Societies
Modern Industrial Societies
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Parsons’ family function
Parsons’ family function
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Nuclear family as a 'warm bath'
Nuclear family as a 'warm bath'
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Retreat concept
Retreat concept
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Emotional security
Emotional security
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Instrumental roles
Instrumental roles
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Expressive roles
Expressive roles
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Playful interaction in families
Playful interaction in families
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Stabilization of adult personality
Stabilization of adult personality
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Study Notes
Parsons' View of the Family and Adult Stability
- Parsons argued that the family's primary function is to reduce stress for adults.
- Modern workplaces are demanding, competitive, and stressful.
- Extended family support is less readily available in nuclear families.
- This creates an opportunity for stronger nuclear family ties.
- Parsons saw the nuclear family as a 'warm bath', a refuge from outside pressures.
- It provides a 'retreat' relieving work-related stress and creating emotional security.
- It allows for expression of childlike emotions without external judgment.
- The family acts as a safety valve managing stress, stabilising personal and social bonds.
Instrumental and Expressive Roles
- Parsons viewed marriage as crucial for adult well-being.
- Family life is a positive space, providing emotional support.
- He considered the family as 'home sweet home', a haven in a demanding world.
- The nuclear family provides clear roles for spouses.
- The male is the "instrumental leader," responsible for financial support and protection.
- The female is the "expressive leader," focusing primarily on childcare and emotional support.
- He argued this division is 'natural' due to biological differences.
- These roles are complementary, contributing equally although differently to the family unit.
Nuclear Family vs. Extended Family
- Parsons believed extended families hinder progress and modernity.
- He saw the nuclear family as superior, better suited to modern industrial societies.
- He argued it fosters civic duty, adaptable workforce skills, and geographical mobility.
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