Sociology Family Views: Functionalism vs Marxism

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Questions and Answers

What perspective do functionalists have regarding the family?

It has no significant function in modern society.

It primarily serves the interests of the wealthy.

It destabilizes society by creating conflict.

It plays a vital role in meeting the needs of society. (correct)

According to functionalist theory, which of the following is a primary function of the family?

To foster competition among members.

To provide emotional support and stability. (correct)

To produce wealth for its members.

To encourage individualism over community.

Which of the following best describes the consensus view held by functionalists about the family?

There is universal agreement that families are failing in their roles.

Families fulfill essential functions for the well-being of society. (correct)

Families create more problems than they solve.

Families are solely responsible for socializing children.

Functionalists would argue that the family contributes to society in all of the following ways EXCEPT:

Creating isolated individuals with no community connection. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the functionalist view of the family’s role in society?

The family serves multiple functions important for society’s stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary perspective that Marxists hold regarding the family?

It helps maintain class inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

According to feminist theory, the family is seen as which of the following?

The main source of oppression for women. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of nuclear families on individuals, according to Poulantzas?

They condition individuals to accept capitalist norms. Signup and view all the answers

How do nuclear families influence future generations in relation to capitalism?

They teach conformity and cooperation with capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

How do both Marxists and feminists view the family?

As an institution that serves conflicting interests. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying belief does Poulantzas suggest families instill within their members regarding capitalism?

That capitalism operates fairly for all individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What do Marxists focus on concerning the role of the family in society?

Its role in perpetuating class inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

What commonality exists between Marxist and feminist views on the family?

They agree that the family operates as a conflictual agent in society. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does Poulantzas describe as being used by nuclear families to influence behavior?

Reinforcement of capitalist ideologies through education. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do nuclear families contribute to societal structures, based on Poulantzas' view?

By teaching compliance with existing systems. Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists believe about the relationship between different parts of society?

They function together to meet societal needs. Signup and view all the answers

In the organic analogy, how is society compared to the human body?

Both consist of interdependent parts that work together for a greater purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a key belief of functionalists?

Each part of society serves a unique and essential function. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the functionalist perspective?

It often overlooks the complexity of social relationships. Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalists, what is the primary function of societal parts?

To contribute to the stability and maintenance of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the family according to Engels?

To facilitate the transfer of private property to offspring Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Zaretzky describe as the 'cult of private life'?

The belief that family life is central to personal fulfillment, distracting from broader societal issues Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist perspectives, how does the family contribute to social inequality?

By enabling wealth to be concentrated through inheritance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes Engels' view of family and property?

Family exists to perpetuate the transfer of private property to male descendants. Signup and view all the answers

Zaretzky's assertion about the family suggests what about individual awareness of social issues?

Family life provides a distraction from recognizing social exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'wives soak up their husband’s frustration'?

Wives provide emotional support to their husbands. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'reserve army of cheap labour' suggest about women's roles in the workforce?

Women workers are readily available but often temporary. Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about the relationship between work outside the home and domestic roles for women?

Women's work outside the home is often temporary and reversible to domestic duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential emotional consequence for wives as a result of absorbing their husband's anger?

Wives may develop anxiety or stress from this burden. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not align with the concept of the ‘reserve army of cheap labour’?

Women have the opportunity to balance both work and family life at all times. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist View of the Family

Functionalists see the family as vital for society, meeting societal and individual needs
They believe the family performs essential functions, like socializing young people, providing economic support, and maintaining social order
The family is crucial for maintaining the social system
Different parts of society (like education, government, and religion) work together just like organs within a body
The family's functions vary based on societal structure. Pre-industrial families engaged in production and consumption, while modern families focus on primary socialization and stabilizing adults

Marxist View of the Family

Marxists view the family as a tool of oppression, maintaining class inequalities
The family helps maintain private property, transferring it to future generations
The "cult of private life" discourages people from focusing on societal inequalities through family life
Families are brainwashed by capitalism into accepting the current system

Feminist View of the Family

Feminists see the family as the main source of women's oppression
Capitalism uses the family to exploit women, performing functions for it
Women are the ones who reproduce the labour force
Women absorb men's frustrations related to exploitation at work

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Description

Explore the contrasting perspectives on the family from functionalist and Marxist viewpoints. This quiz highlights the key functions and implications of families in society, underlining their roles in either maintaining social order or perpetuating inequality. Test your understanding of these fundamental sociological theories.