31 Questions
What is one of the main characteristics of a family according to George Peter Murdock's definition?
One or more children, own or adopted
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
How does Murdock define a family's common residence?
Members living in the same home
In terms of relationships, what flexibility does Murdock's definition allow for within families?
Accommodates both monogamous and polygamous relationships
What distinguishes family groups from other social groups according to Murdock's perspective?
Family groups have specific defining characteristics
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
Why did the extended family serve as the primary economic unit in the past?
Due to the need for labor-intensive subsistence agriculture
What limited people's ability to move away from their family groups in the past?
Poor communication and lack of advanced transport systems
Why did nuclear families gradually become more common during industrialization and urbanization?
Because they were more mobile and fit the needs of industrial societies
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
How did industrialization impact the type of family structure in societies?
By encouraging the dominance of nuclear families
What was one major consequence of declining favoritism towards friends and relatives during industrialization?
Need for specific skills and knowledge in new industries
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.
What do neo-functionalists focus on in terms of families?
Linking the individual to wider economic society.
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.
What was the main economic requirement that led to the dominance of nuclear families in modern industrial societies?
Geographic mobility and labour flexibility.
According to the 'fit' thesis, why did industrialization lead to changes in family structures?
To accommodate geographic mobility and labor flexibility.
What do traditional functionalists believe is the role of the family in providing socialized individuals?
To provide examples of proper behavior.
Why do modern industrial societies have less need for extended families according to the text?
'Peripheral functions' being taken over by other institutions.
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.
Why do children learn co-operative behavior from their parents, according to Horwitz's argument?
Rules enforced subconsciously through observation.
What is the main advantage of Giddens' inclusive definition of the family?
It covers a wide range of family forms and relationships.
According to Murdock, what is the core social unit at the heart of extended families?
Nuclear families
Which of the following is NOT one of the four functional prerequisites of the family identified by Murdock?
Financial independence
According to Parsons and Bales, what has happened to the family in modern societies?
It has become increasingly specialized.
What is the primary socialization function of the family, according to Parsons?
Developing human personalities and teaching societal values and norms.
According to Fletcher, which of the following is NOT considered a core function of the contemporary family?
Economic provision
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.
What is the main difference between the nuclear family and extended families?
Nuclear families are more self-contained and isolated.
Which of the following is NOT one of the two essential functions of the family, according to Parsons?
Economic provision
What does the text suggest is the main role of family relationships, according to Parsons?
Providing motivation for paid work and emotional/sexual comforts.
This quiz covers perspectives on the role of the family, focusing on Functionalist accounts of how families benefit members and society. It also discusses the evolution of family functions over time, including the 'loss of functions' debate.
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