SOCIOLOGY ALLES
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Questions and Answers

According to functionalist theory, what is the primary focus when analyzing social institutions?

  • The functions that institutions serve for society and its members. (correct)
  • The power dynamics between different institutions.
  • The historical development of each institution.
  • The ways individuals subvert institutional norms.

Which of the following is a criticism of Murdock's view on the nuclear family?

  • It incorrectly identifies the functions of the nuclear family.
  • It overemphasizes the economic role of the family.
  • It ignores the importance of socialization within the family.
  • It fails to acknowledge the diversity of family structures. (correct)

According to Parsons, what was a key characteristic of the pre-industrial extended family?

  • Dependence on external institutions for welfare.
  • Emphasis on individual achievement and social mobility.
  • Specialization in specific economic activities.
  • Providing healthcare and welfare to its members. (correct)

Which societal shift contributed to the decline of the extended family and the rise of the nuclear family during industrialization, according to Parsons?

<p>The rise of a meritocratic system and social mobility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Parsons, what is the main function of the family regarding the 'primary socialization of children'?

<p>Instilling core societal values such as achievement and competition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Parsons mean when discussing 'stabilization of adult personalities' as a function of the nuclear family?

<p>Providing emotional security and support to relieve stress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Parsons' theory, which role is traditionally associated with the male in the nuclear family?

<p>Instrumental leader focused on economic provision and protection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the rise of the bureaucratic state influence the family structure, according to functionalist perspectives?

<p>It reduced the need for families to provide education, healthcare, and welfare. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common criticism of functionalist views on the family?

<p>It adequately addresses the dysfunctions, such as domestic violence, present in nuclear families. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist perspectives, how does the family primarily benefit the capitalist system?

<p>By socializing children to accept authority and preparing them for capitalist hierarchies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Engels view the development of the monogamous nuclear family?

<p>As a mechanism for securing wealth inheritance within the capitalist class. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Zaretsky, how does the family function to dampen worker resistance to capitalist exploitation?

<p>By stabilizing adult personalities and making workers financially responsible for their families. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes 'dispersed extended families' in industrialized societies?

<p>Families maintaining connections through social media and occasional visits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Herbert Marcuse's concept of 'false needs' in relation to the family and capitalism?

<p>Needs created by capitalism through trends and rapid obsolescence to promote consumerism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a primary feminist critique of Marxist perspectives on the family?

<p>Marxist perspectives are too economically focused and ignore patriarchy and gender inequality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary critique of the 'New Right' perspective on the family regarding welfare policies?

<p>Welfare policies create a dependency culture and disincentivize marriage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Rapoport & Rapoport's dimensions of family diversity, which aspect is most directly challenged by the increasing prevalence of househusbands?

<p>Domestic diversity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a marriage pattern where one man is married to multiple women?

<p>Polygyny (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the postmodernist perspective contrast with Chester's concept of the 'neo-conventional family'?

<p>Postmodernists emphasize fluid, individual-based family structures, while Chester argues for the continued dominance of the nuclear family. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the practice of serial monogamy?

<p>Having a series of monogamous relationships, often due to divorce and remarriage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'push factor' contributing to voluntary childlessness, as described by Catherine Hakim?

<p>Conflict between career goals and motherhood responsibilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what regions is polyandry most commonly found?

<p>Parts of Tibet, India, and China (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of family diversity, what defines 'fictive kin' according to postmodernist views?

<p>Close friends who are considered and treated as family. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of arranged marriages as described in the text?

<p>Family discussions and involvement, but requiring mutual consent of the individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key idea behind Tamara Hareven's life-course analysis of family structure?

<p>Family structure changes dynamically throughout life, shaped by individual circumstances and life events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What general trend is observed in marriage rates worldwide?

<p>Marriage rates are declining worldwide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Charles Murray and Robert Rector, how do welfare benefits act as a 'perverse incentive'?

<p>By making single parenthood financially preferable to marriage for some individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective believes that society operates on value consensus, benefiting everyone?

<p>Functionalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of how functionalism has an oversimplified view of historical trends?

<p>Fails to acknowledge inequalities and dysfunctions within families. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately describes 'LAT (Living Apart Together) relationships'?

<p>Couples who maintain a long-term intimate relationship but live in separate homes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Patricia Morgan's primary criticism of modern social policies in relation to family life?

<p>Policies have encouraged female workforce participation, undermining caregiving roles and weakening marriage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What's the estimate of of societies that practiced legal monogamy, according to sociologist Murdock’s study?

<p>186 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fletcher (1988), what key functions does the nuclear family perform?

<p>Emotional support, child-rearing, and providing a home (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the 'beanpole family' challenge traditional views of extended families?

<p>By describing families with fewer members in each generation but strong ties across multiple generations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key argument presented by Ford & Millar (1998) against the New Right's perspective on single parenthood?

<p>Poverty is often the cause, rather than the consequence, of single parenthood. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies 'organisational diversity' in family structures?

<p>The existence of single-parent families, step-families, and cohabiting couples. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common social stigma associated with voluntary childlessness, according to Catherine Hakim?

<p>Voluntarily childless women are often seen as failing to fulfill their traditional feminine role. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what potential challenge might mixed-race children face due to their dual heritage?

<p>Unique prejudice or discrimination from both parents' communities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily contributes to the Boomerang Generation phenomenon?

<p>Job insecurity and high housing costs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a core argument presented by Beck & Beck-Gernsheim regarding families?

<p>People have the ability to define their own families, including non-biological relatives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mary Wollstonecraft primarily advocate for in her work A Vindication of the Rights of Women?

<p>Equal access to education for women to improve their roles in marriage and motherhood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of Liberal Feminism?

<p>Achieving gender equality through legal and policy reforms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Shulamith Firestone, what is the root cause of women’s oppression?

<p>Women's biological role in childbirth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central tenet of Marxist Feminism?

<p>Women's oppression primarily benefits capitalism through unpaid domestic labor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Intersectional Feminism’s primary critique of second-wave feminism?

<p>It failed to address the diverse experiences of women based on race, class, and culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Triple Systems Theory, where does 'public patriarchy' manifest itself?

<p>Work, politics, law, and media. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Digital Feminism's main approach to activism?

<p>Utilizing social media to address misogyny, violence, and gender identity issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of radical feminist views?

<p>Radical feminism overgeneralizes men as oppressors and ignores female agency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aligns with Eric Klinenberg's concept of the 'Cult of the Individual'?

<p>The rise of single-person households supported by technology in industrialized societies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Ann Oakley introduce to explain how gender inequality is enforced through socialization?

<p>Canalisation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of post-feminism?

<p>Encouraging women to adopt traditionally masculine traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Budgeon & Roseneil argue regarding conjugal relationships?

<p>Close friendships can be more significant for women than romantic relationships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is Sylvia Walby known for?

<p>The concept of Triple Systems Theory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the rising age of marriage in many countries?

<p>Women's improved education and economic power due to globalization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best definition of a forced marriage?

<p>A marriage without valid consent, often under duress, such as physical or emotional pressure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of 'empty-shell marriages'?

<p>Spouses stay together in name only, often due to factors like children, religion, or finances. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which of the following statements best reflects the impact of 'no-fault divorce' laws?

<p>They have made divorce easier and cheaper to obtain, contributing to increased rates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological perspective suggests that high divorce rates indicate that marriage is still valued?

<p>Functionalist perspective, arguing that people seek better marriages after leaving unhappy ones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is one of the main reasons women initiate divorce more often than men?

<p>Women have higher expectations for emotional satisfaction in marriage and are more likely to seek divorce when these needs are unmet. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of male murders are committed by family members?

<p>5% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has secularization influenced divorce trends?

<p>By reducing religious influence and the stigma around divorce, making it a 'lesser moral evil'. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of individualization, as described by Ulrich Beck, that contributes to conflict in marriage?

<p>An increased prioritizing of personal happiness over family expectations, leading to conflicts between career ambitions and family life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often do three women get murdered by partners or family in the UK?

<p>Every two weeks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the killing of a girl or woman by a family member for bringing shame?

<p>Honor Killing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge often faced by reconstituted (step-) families as reported by De’Ath & Slater?

<p>Children feeling torn between their biological parents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has contributed to a massive post-war increase in single-person households, particularly in industrialized societies?

<p>Factors such as urbanization, geographical mobility, and changing social norms that allow for greater independence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does toxic masculinity primarily reinforce?

<p>Male dominance over women (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to R.D. Laing, what family dynamic can contribute to mental illness?

<p>Dysfunctional family relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'blended family' as defined in the provided context?

<p>A family where parents have new children together in a step-family. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of cohabitation trends worldwide?

<p>Cohabitation rates are rising in many countries, but face opposition in Islamic societies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many honor killings are estimated to occur worldwide each year?

<p>5,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible consequence of high emotional expectations within the nuclear family, according to Edmund Leach?

<p>Conflict between spouses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has global migration influenced marriage trends?

<p>It is increasing inter-ethnic marriages as people from different backgrounds come into contact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is marriage increasingly becoming a middle-class institution?

<p>Weddings have become increasingly expensive, making marriage less accessible for poorer individuals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a form of violence originating from family dynamics?

<p>Bullying at school (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor explains why single men in less industrialized societies often remain in extended family networks?

<p>Limited economic opportunities and greater reliance on family support networks. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common critique of radical feminism?

<p>It overstates the concept of patriarchy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major change contributed to the emergence of the symmetrical family?

<p>Geographical mobility reducing extended family influence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ann Oakley's research indicate about domestic labour?

<p>Only a small percentage of men perform significant housework. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'partnership penalty' as discussed by Lyn Craig?

<p>Women's domestic responsibilities increase after childbirth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the combined responsibilities of paid work, housework, and emotional labor for women?

<p>Triple shift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Stephen Edgell's findings, who dominates in very important family decisions?

<p>Men dominate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'second shift' refer to in the context of family dynamics?

<p>The extra domestic tasks women undertake after their paid work. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one finding from BBC's 2014 survey on young couples and housework?

<p>A majority argue about housework responsibilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'emotional labor' in domestic settings refer to?

<p>Women managing family emotions and relationships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gillian Dunne's research suggest about lesbian couples?

<p>They generally exhibit more egalitarian dynamics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of domestic inequality, what does the term 'triple burden' describe?

<p>Women's responsibilities in paid work, housework, and emotional labor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Anthony Giddens, what is a significant characteristic of family life?

<p>The mix of love and hate makes domestic violence common. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Rosemary Crompton suggest could lead to more gender equality in households?

<p>Increased financial independence for women. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key issue persists in domestic labor among men and women despite progress?

<p>Women continue to engage in more unpaid domestic work. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recognized impact of the 'motherhood penalty'?

<p>Women experience a financial penalty after having children. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Functionalism

A theory prioritizing social structures over individual actions, analyzing institutions and their societal roles.

Nuclear Family

A family unit consisting of two parents and their children; seen as essential for social order.

Murdock's Four Functions

Functions of the nuclear family include reproduction, sexual regulation, economic support, and education.

Primary Socialization

Process by which children learn society's core values and norms within the family context.

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Stabilization of Adult Personality

Family provides emotional security and support for adults, aiding stress relief.

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Parsons' Industrialization Shift

Shift from extended families to nuclear families due to geographic and social mobility during industrialization.

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Instrumental Roles

Traditional male roles in the family as economic provider and protector.

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Expressive Roles

Traditional female roles in the family as caregiver and nurturer.

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Functionalist Theory

A perspective that views society as a structure focusing on the functions of each part.

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Parsons’ Loss of Functions

The idea that the nuclear family loses functions (like education and welfare) over time.

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Diverse Family Structures

Refers to the variety of family forms beyond the nuclear model in modern society.

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Ethnocentrism in Family Studies

The belief that one’s own culture is superior, often seen in family critiques.

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Marxism and Family

A theory that argues the family structure serves the capitalist system, benefitting the wealthy.

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Engels’ Perspective on Family

Engels argued that the nuclear family emerged to secure wealth inheritance in capitalism.

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Zaretsky’s View

Believed the family socializes individuals into capitalist ideology and stabilizes adult lives.

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Consumerism in Family Dynamics

Families as targets for consumer culture and advertising strategies.

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Changing Marriage Patterns

Shifts in marriage trends, including declining rates and acceptance of various forms.

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Types of Marriage

Different forms of marriage, including monogamy, polygamy, and same-sex marriage.

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Same-Sex Marriage Legality

Recognition of marriage between same-sex couples varies across cultures and countries.

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Arranged Marriages

A marriage where families play a significant role in selecting partners, requiring mutual consent.

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Serial Monogamy

A pattern of having multiple monogamous relationships one after another, often due to divorce.

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Polygamy

The practice of marrying multiple partners; can be polygyny (one man, multiple wives) or polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands).

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Global Marriage Trends

Widespread decline in marriage rates observed across many countries over recent decades.

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Age of Marriage

The average age at which individuals marry, rising in many countries.

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Forced Marriage

Marriage conducted without valid consent, often under duress or pressure.

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DINK Families

Dual-Income, No-Kids families that are becoming more common.

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Cohabitation Rate

The percentage of couples living together without marriage, increasing globally.

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No-Fault Divorce

A legal dissolution of marriage without proving wrongdoing.

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Empty-Shell Marriage

A marriage where partners stay together without emotional connection.

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Divorce Trends

Patterns showing the increase of divorce rates over time.

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Single-Parent Families

Families led by one parent, often due to divorce or separation.

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Reconstituted Families

Families formed when one or both partners remarry with children from previous relationships.

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Blended Families

Step-families that have biological children together after remarriage.

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Globalization Impact

The influence of global interconnectedness on marriage trends and gender roles.

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Marital Breakdown

The dissolution of marriage, including separation and divorce.

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First Marriage Rate

The share of individuals entering marriage for the first time.

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Individualization

The process where individuals prioritize personal happiness over traditional family structures.

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Cohabitation's Role

Cohabitation is seen to strengthen marriages by filtering out weaker relationships.

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Boomerang Generation

Young adults returning home due to job insecurity and high housing costs, receiving support from parents.

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In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

A reproductive technology that helps create babies outside the womb, impacting family dynamics.

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Decentring of Conjugal Relationships

The idea that not all women seek traditional heterosexual marriages; friendships can be more important.

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Families of Choice

Concept where individuals define their own families, including friends or pets, beyond biological ties.

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Cult of the Individual

Rise in single-person households in industrialized societies, supported by technology and social media.

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First-Wave Feminism

Period advocating for women's education, property rights, and suffrage, mainly in the early 20th century.

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Second-Wave Feminism

Focused on legal and policy reform for gender equality during the 1960s and 70s; includes notable texts.

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Radical Feminism

Argues patriarchy as a universal system of oppression, emphasizing marriage and family as tools of control.

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Intersectional Feminism

Acknowledges multiple oppressions based on race, class, and gender, critiquing earlier feminist waves.

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Marxist Feminism

Views patriarchy as benefiting capitalism, focusing on the economic roles of women.

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Digital Feminism

Fourth-wave feminism using social media for activism, tackling issues of misogyny and gender identity.

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Third-Wave Feminism

Introduced concepts like intersectionality; addresses critiques from earlier feminist movements.

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Criticism of Radical Feminism

Overgeneralizes men as oppressors and ignores women's agency and positive family experiences.

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Successes of Feminism

Women's legal rights improved, including divorce, equal pay laws, and increased educational achievements.

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Private vs Public Patriarchy

Types of patriarchy identified by Sylvia Walby; private is personal and public refers to societal structures.

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Organisational Diversity

Different structures of families including marriage, cohabitation, and single-parent families.

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Domestic Diversity

Variations in gender roles and responsibilities within families.

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Cultural Diversity

Presence of multicultural families due to migration and inter-ethnic marriages.

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Class Diversity

The impact of social class on family life and opportunities.

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Beanpole Family

Families with multiple generations but fewer members per generation, increasing connections between them.

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Neo-Conventional Family

Chester's idea that varied family forms exist, but the nuclear family remains common.

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New Right Perspectives

A belief that nuclear families are optimal for child-rearing, opposing policies that weaken them.

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Dependency Culture

A concept suggesting that welfare benefits encourage reliance rather than marital commitment.

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Life-Course Analysis

Study of how family structures evolve through different life stages and events.

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Personal Life Perspective

Focus on relationships based on choice and emotional connection rather than traditional family units.

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Voluntary Childlessness

The decision by some individuals, often graduates, to remain child-free for various personal reasons.

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Co-Parenting

Arrangement where divorced parents share custody of children across separate households.

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LAT Relationships

Couples who maintain a long-term relationship while living in separate homes.

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Postmodern Family Diversity

Recognition that family structures are fluid and can vary greatly based on individual experiences.

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Mixed-Race Children

Children from inter-ethnic marriages who may face unique societal challenges.

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Radical Feminism Critique

Radical feminism claims patriarchy overstates all men oppress women.

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Marxist Feminism Critique

Marxist feminism fails to acknowledge women's advancements in careers and politics.

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Intersectionality

The complexity in feminism due to varying experiences across different identities.

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Post-feminism

The belief that women have already achieved equality, particularly in the 1990s-2000s.

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Conjugal Roles

The roles played by husband and wife in a marriage, traditionally divided.

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Young and Willmott's Study

Research identifying segregated conjugal roles in 1950s working-class families.

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Symmetrical Family

Family model where both partners share responsibilities and leisure.

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Ann Oakley's Findings

Fewer husbands participate in housework despite claims of equality.

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Partnership Penalty

The increase in women’s domestic workload after marriage and childbirth.

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Second Shift

The dual burden where women work full-time jobs and manage household duties.

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Mental Load

The unseen effort women invest in managing household and childcare tasks.

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Fathers in Childcare

Dads are spending more time with kids compared to past generations.

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Gender and Family Decision-Making

Men dominate significant family decisions while women handle lesser ones.

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Triple Shift

Women's responsibilities encompassing paid work, housework, and emotional labor.

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Domestic Violence Stats

Family dynamics can lead to emotional and physical abuse; a concerning reality.

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Family Murders

A small percentage of murders are committed by family members, with significant cases reported annually.

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Honour Killings

Murders committed by family members to restore perceived family honor due to a woman’s actions.

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Toxic Masculinity

Cultural norms that promote male dominance and discourage emotional expression in men.

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Radical Psychiatrist View

Perspective that the nuclear family can cause stress and lead to dysfunction.

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Family Dysfunction

Dysfunctional dynamics can result in mental illness among family members.

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Domestic Violence Statistics

Significant rates of domestic violence occur globally, impacting women's safety.

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Children and Family Violence

Approximately 200 children are murdered by family members annually.

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Global Violence in Families

75% of all violence worldwide occurs within families, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.

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Study Notes

Functionalist Accounts of the Family

  • Functionalism views the family as a crucial social institution, fulfilling vital societal functions.

  • It prioritizes social structure over individual experiences, examining how institutions like the family shape individuals.

  • Functionalists believe institutions serve a positive function for society.

  • Murdock (1949) proposed the nuclear family as the universal norm, performing four key functions: reproductive, sexual regulation, economic, and educational.

  • Parsons (1965) analyzed how industrialization altered family structures.

    • Pre-industrial extended families met various needs (economy, education, healthcare), but industrialization led to nuclear families due to factors like geographic and social mobility and a separation of work and home.
    • Nuclear families' functions include primary socialization of children (instilling societal values) and stabilizing adult personalities.
    • Parsons posited complementary gender roles (instrumental/expressive).

  • Criticisms of functionalist theory include ignoring family diversity, overlooking alternative structures, and suggesting that the nuclear family is not universal. Also neglecting individual agency, historical inaccuracies, and family dysfunctions (e.g., domestic violence).

Marxist Perspectives on the Family and Capitalism

  • Marxism and Functionalism are structural theories, focusing on societal contributions of families.

  • Functionalists see families maintaining order, while Marxists link families to capitalist exploitation.

  • Engels linked the nuclear family's rise to capitalism, claiming it secured wealth inheritance.

  • Zaretsky (1976) noted that families socialize children into capitalist ideology, stabilizing workers financially and discouraging resistance.

  • Ansley links frustrated workers' anger toward their wives, resulting in domestic abuse.

  • Marxists see capitalism's preference for nuclear families over extended families as a tool to reduce solidarity amongst workers and promote consumption through targeted advertising.

  • Criticisms of Marxist theories include oversimplification of free will and neglecting emotional family aspects, as well as limited consideration of women’s and other cultural perspectives.

Changing Patterns of Marriage and Cohabitation

  • Marriage exists in most societies but varies.

  • Murdock found legal monogamy (one man, one woman) in many societies.

  • Types of marriage include monogamy (common), polygyny (one man, multiple wives), and polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands).

  • Marriage rates are declining globally (UK, USA, China, Japan).

  • Age of marriage is rising worldwide.

  • Economic factors influence marriage decisions.

  • Forced marriage occurs due to duress (physical or emotional pressure) and is prevalent in some countries.

  • Cohabitation rates are rising globally, with acceptance differing in various societies.

  • Cohabitation can strengthen marriage by screening out weaker relationships.

Marital Breakdown

  • Key types of marital breakdown include divorce, separation, and empty-shell marriages.
  • Divorce rates have increased globally since 1970.
  • Younger marriages are more prone to failure, and remarriages have higher divorce rates.
  • Explanations for increased divorce include legal reforms, changing social attitudes, secularization, declining extended family influence, and individualisation.

Family Diversity

  • Family diversity is increasing due to divorce, remarriage, and new social structures.

  • Common diverse family forms include single-parent families, reconstituted families, blended families, and single-person households.

  • Dimensions of diversity include organizational, domestic, cultural, and class variations.

  • New family forms like beanpole families (multiple generations) and LAT relationships (living apart together) are emerging.

  • Debates persist about whether the nuclear family remains the dominant structure.

New Right Perspectives on Family Diversity

  • The New Right advocates for the traditional nuclear family, arguing government policies have weakened its stability.
  • Critics argue that the New Right overlooks factors like poverty as drivers of single parenthood.

Postmodernist Perspectives on Family Diversity

  • Postmodernists view family life as fluid and diverse, shaped by individual experiences rather than fixed structures.
  • Life-course analysis emphasizes how stages and events affect family experiences.
  • Concepts like personal communities and personal life are more relevant than the concept of family.
  • Family diversity examples include voluntary childlessness, co-parenting, same-sex parenthood, LAT relationships, the boomerang generation, and reproductive technologies.

Feminist Theories of the Family

  • Feminism addresses gender inequality within families.
  • First to fourth waves of feminism and branches (Liberal, Radical, Marxist, and Intersectionality theory) with various critical perspectives on families.

Conjugal Roles and Debates About Gender Equality in the Family

  • Traditionally, segregated roles saw men as wage earners & women as homemakers.
  • Symmetrical families are more equal, but gender inequalities persist.
  • Evidence indicates that women continue to bear more domestic responsibilities, including emotional labor.
  • Lesbian couples often share domestic responsibilities more equally.

The Dark Side of Family Relationships

  • Families can encompass violence, abuse, honor killings, and mental health issues.
  • The nuclear family, though idealized, can face various forms of family dysfunction and negative impacts.

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This quiz explores key concepts related to functionalist theory in sociology, particularly focusing on the family structure and its evolution. Questions cover theorists like Parsons and Murdock, and critical perspectives on their views. Test your understanding of how social institutions operate within a functionalist framework.

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