PG82-85 Theories of the Family and Social Change 3.1

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What is one of the main characteristics of a family according to George Peter Murdock's definition?

Monogamous relationships only

Economic competition between family members

One or more children, own or adopted (correct)

Living in different homes

According to Murdock, why does the family have a universal presence in societies?

Societies have not come up with an adequate alternative to the family (correct)

Families provide economic competition with other social groups

Families are strictly monogamous in all societies

Only one sex is involved in maintaining relationships in families

How does Murdock define a family's common residence?

Members living in the same home (correct)

Living in different states or regions

Occasional visits between family members

Living in separate homes but close by

In terms of relationships, what flexibility does Murdock's definition allow for within families?

Accommodates both monogamous and polygamous relationships Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes family groups from other social groups according to Murdock's perspective?

Family groups have specific defining characteristics Signup and view all the answers

According to Murdock, what is the significance of adults of both sexes maintaining socially approved sexual relationships within a family?

It provides a normative basis for sexual relations within the family Signup and view all the answers

Why did the extended family serve as the primary economic unit in the past?

Due to the need for labor-intensive subsistence agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What limited people's ability to move away from their family groups in the past?

Poor communication and lack of advanced transport systems Signup and view all the answers

Why did nuclear families gradually become more common during industrialization and urbanization?

Because they were more mobile and fit the needs of industrial societies Signup and view all the answers

According to Talcott Parsons, why did he see the nuclear family as ideal for modern industrial societies?

For providing clear roles, socializing children, and enabling mobility Signup and view all the answers

How did industrialization impact the type of family structure in societies?

By encouraging the dominance of nuclear families Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of declining favoritism towards friends and relatives during industrialization?

Need for specific skills and knowledge in new industries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument for why a child's natural parents are best suited to their survival and development?

They have a deep emotional commitment to the child. Signup and view all the answers

What do neo-functionalists focus on in terms of families?

Linking the individual to wider economic society. Signup and view all the answers

Why are extended families said to be common in traditional societies according to traditional functionalists?

To carry out a wide range of functions for family well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main economic requirement that led to the dominance of nuclear families in modern industrial societies?

Geographic mobility and labour flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'fit' thesis, why did industrialization lead to changes in family structures?

To accommodate geographic mobility and labor flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

What do traditional functionalists believe is the role of the family in providing socialized individuals?

To provide examples of proper behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Why do modern industrial societies have less need for extended families according to the text?

'Peripheral functions' being taken over by other institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concept behind the argument made by Horwitz (2005) about the family's role in linking individuals to society?

'Micro world' vs. 'macro world' connection. Signup and view all the answers

Why do children learn co-operative behavior from their parents, according to Horwitz's argument?

Rules enforced subconsciously through observation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Giddens' inclusive definition of the family?

It covers a wide range of family forms and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

According to Murdock, what is the core social unit at the heart of extended families?

Nuclear families Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four functional prerequisites of the family identified by Murdock?

Financial independence Signup and view all the answers

According to Parsons and Bales, what has happened to the family in modern societies?

It has become increasingly specialized. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary socialization function of the family, according to Parsons?

Developing human personalities and teaching societal values and norms. Signup and view all the answers

According to Fletcher, which of the following is NOT considered a core function of the contemporary family?

Economic provision Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the main reason for the family's loss of functions in modern societies?

The development of new social institutions like education systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the nuclear family and extended families?

Nuclear families are more self-contained and isolated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the two essential functions of the family, according to Parsons?