sociology family flashcards

All 74 cards

1. Card 1

   How did industrialisation impact the structure and functions of the family, according to Parsons' 'functional fit' theory?

   Parsons argued that industrialisation necessitated a shift from the extended family to the nuclear family. Pre-industrial families were self-sufficient and extended, but industrialisation required a geographically and socially mobile workforce, making the smaller nuclear family more practical. This change also led the family to lose some functions, retaining only primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities.

2. Card 2

   Define George Murdock's concept of the nuclear family's 'stabilisation of the sex drive' function.

   Murdock argued that the nuclear family performs the function of stabilising the sex drive by providing a monogamous relationship. This satisfies sexual urges within a socially approved framework, thereby preventing sexual promiscuity and potential chaos in society.

3. Card 3

   Why do Marxists believe the family serves an 'ideological function' in a capitalist society?

   Marxists argue that the family socialises children into accepting capitalist society and its inherent inequalities. This ideological function ensures that future generations are prepared to accept their place within the capitalist system, thus maintaining the existing social hierarchy and economic structure.

4. Card 4

   According to the source, what is 'secularisation' and how has it contributed to the increase in divorce rates?

   Secularisation refers to the decline of religious influence on society. As marriage was traditionally a religious ceremony, a decrease in religious belief means people are less fearful of religious repercussions (like going to hell) associated with divorce, making them more likely to seek a legal termination of their marriage.

5. Card 5

   How do Functionalists view the increase in divorce rates, despite acknowledging greater family diversity?

   Functionalists remain optimistic about the family, believing that despite increased divorce rates, the nuclear family is still desired and aspired to. They point to high re-marriage statistics as evidence that people still value marriage and the nuclear family, suggesting that individuals are likely to be part of a nuclear family at some point in their lives.

6. Card 6

   Distinguish between Murdock's and Parsons' views on the number of functions the family performs.

   Murdock identified four universal functions of the nuclear family: reproduction, socialisation, economic needs, and stabilisation of the sex drive. Parsons, however, argued that due to industrialisation, the family lost some functions and now primarily performs only two: primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities.

7. Card 7

   Why do Feminists view the changes in divorce rates as a positive development?

   Feminists see the increase in divorce rates as positive because it allows women to escape from what they perceive as the oppression of men within marriage. Divorce provides women with the opportunity to live more fair, equal, and independent lives, free from potentially patriarchal structures.

8. Card 8

   Explain the Marxist concept of the family as a 'unit of consumption' in a capitalist society.

   Marxists argue that the family functions as a unit of consumption within capitalism. Families are encouraged to purchase consumer goods, which drives demand and profits for capitalist enterprises, thereby sustaining the economic system.

9. Card 9

   What is the 'functional fit' theory proposed by Parsons, and what does it explain?

   The 'functional fit' theory, proposed by Parsons, explains how the family structure adapts to fit the needs of society. Specifically, it discusses the impact of industrialisation, arguing that the extended family transformed into the nuclear family to meet the demands for a socially and geographically mobile workforce.

10. Card 10

    According to the source, what specific legal change contributed to the increase in divorce rates in the UK?

    The Divorce Reform Act (1969) significantly contributed to the increase in divorce rates. This act made divorce cheaper and easier to obtain by equalising and widening the grounds for divorce, thereby simplifying the legal process.

11. Card 11

    How does the 'rising expectations' ideology contribute to both increasing divorce rates and declining marriage rates?

    The 'rising expectations' ideology, often fueled by a 'soul mate' and 'true love' belief, leads people to set higher standards for relationships. If these expectations are not met in marriage, it increases the likelihood of divorce. For marriage rates, people wait longer to marry in search of 'the one,' or avoid marriage altogether if they fear their partner won't meet these high standards.

12. Card 12

    What is one criticism of Murdock's functionalist view of the family, as mentioned in the AO3 section?

    One criticism is that Murdock is accused of looking through 'rose-tinted glasses,' meaning he views the family too positively and fails to acknowledge its potential negative aspects. This suggests his analysis might overlook issues like conflict, abuse, or inequality within the family.

13. Card 13

    Why do the New Right view the increase in lone parent families negatively?

    The New Right views the increase in lone parent families very negatively, arguing that they do not adequately socialise children, particularly boys who grow up without a male role model. They believe this can lead to children failing in education and becoming criminals, and also suggest welfare benefits encourage such family diversity.

14. Card 14

    According to Marxists, how does the family contribute to the 'inheritance of property' in a capitalist society?

    Marxists argue that the nuclear, monogamous family ensures that private property is legitimately passed down to children. This mechanism helps to maintain wealth within affluent families across generations, thereby perpetuating social class inequalities and supporting the capitalist system.

15. Card 15

    What is the primary criticism leveled against the Marxist perspective on the family regarding its focus?

    A primary criticism of Marxism is its reductionist nature, arguing that it claims the only function and purpose of forming a family is for economic reasons. This overlooks other potential social, emotional, or personal motivations for family formation.

16. Card 16

    Explain how 'changes in the position of women' have contributed to both increased divorce rates and decreased marriage rates.

    Changes in the position of women, such as increased financial independence due to policies like the Equal Pay Act, mean women are less reliant on men. This enables them to seek divorce if unhappy and also leads them to prioritise careers or other goals over early marriage, contributing to lower marriage rates and later marriage ages.

17. Card 17

    How does the concept of 'reduced stigma' relate to the increase in divorce rates and the decline in marriage rates?

    Reduced stigma means that divorce and being unmarried are no longer as frowned upon by society. This normalisation makes people less hesitant to divorce if unhappy and less pressured to marry in the first place, contributing to both higher divorce rates and lower marriage rates.

18. Card 18

    What did Laslett (1972) argue in criticism of Parsons' 'functional fit' theory regarding pre-industrial family structure?

    Laslett (1972) criticised Parsons by arguing that the nuclear family was already the norm in pre-industrial society, not the extended family. He attributed this to short life expectancy, which meant there were simply fewer extended families in existence.

19. Card 19

    Define George Murdock's function of 'meeting its members economic needs' for the nuclear family.

    Murdock's function of 'meeting its members economic needs' refers to the family's role in allowing its members to pool together resources. This ensures the financial well-being and material support for all individuals within the family unit.

20. Card 20

    What is the 'stabilisation of adult personalities' function of the family, according to Parsons?

    The 'stabilisation of adult personalities' function, according to Parsons, refers to the emotional security and support found within marital relationships. This provides a stable environment for adults to relieve the stresses of modern life, thereby maintaining psychological balance.

21. Card 21

    Why do Functionalists believe the nuclear family is still the most highly regarded family type, despite increased diversity?

    Functionalists believe the nuclear family is still highly regarded because statistics show it remains the most common family type, and most people aspire to it. They also use 'life course analysis' to argue that individuals are likely to be part of a nuclear family at various points in their lives, and high re-marriage rates demonstrate continued value placed on this structure.

22. Card 22

    What is a key criticism that Feminists would level against the Marxist perspective on the family?

    Feminists would criticise Marxism for overly focusing on social class inequalities within society and largely ignoring gender inequalities. They argue that the Marxist analysis overlooks how the family can also be a site of patriarchal oppression, separate from economic class structures.

23. Card 23

    How did Young and Willmott (1973) explain the rise of the nuclear family, offering an alternative to Parsons?

    Young and Willmott (1973) argued that the rise of the nuclear family was due to factors such as better living standards, increased geographical mobility, improved housing, women entering the workforce, and the development of the welfare state, rather than solely industrialisation as Parsons suggested.

24. Card 24

    What is the 'fear of divorce' and how has it influenced marriage rates?

    The 'fear of divorce' is the apprehension many individuals feel about getting married due to the high divorce rates. This fear can lead people to postpone marriage or avoid it altogether, as they do not want to become 'just another statistic' of a failed marriage.

25. Card 25

    According to the New Right, what negative consequences arise from lone parent families, particularly for boys?

    The New Right argues that lone parent families do not adequately socialise children, especially young boys who may grow up without a male role model. This, they claim, increases the likelihood of the child failing in education and becoming involved in criminal activity later in life.

26. Card 26

    Define what the New Right perspective views as the ideal family type and explain why they consider other family structures problematic.

    The New Right views the nuclear family as the only family type that benefits society. They argue that lone parent families, for example, inadequately socialize children, particularly boys, leading to educational failure and criminality. They also believe welfare benefits encourage family diversity, which they see as a drain on society.

27. Card 27

    How do Functionalists reconcile the observed increase in family diversity with their belief in the nuclear family's importance?

    Functionalists acknowledge greater family diversity but still believe the nuclear family is the most highly regarded and common family type, which most people aspire to. They use 'life course analysis' to suggest that individuals are likely to be part of a nuclear family at various points in their lives, and point to high re-marriage rates as evidence of continued value placed on marriage and the nuclear family.

28. Card 28

    Explain Robert Chester's concept of the 'neo-conventional family' and how it differs from the 'conventional family'.

    Robert Chester proposes the 'neo-conventional family' as the new norm, which is a dual-earner family where both spouses go out to work. This differs from the 'conventional family,' which is the traditional nuclear family with 'segregated conjugal roles,' typically featuring a male breadwinner and a female homemaker, a type that Chester argues is in decline.

29. Card 29

    According to Feminism, what is the significance of the decline in the nuclear family?

    Feminists accept that the nuclear family is in decline and view this as a positive development. They believe that the decline of the nuclear family has granted women greater freedom from the oppression historically associated with traditional male-dominated family structures.

30. Card 30

    How do Postmodernists view the concept of 'family types' in contemporary society?

    Postmodernists argue that families are so diverse that it is no longer possible to categorize singular family types or make large-scale generalizations. They believe rapid social change has led to family diversification, increased individuality, and freedom, allowing people to choose relationships that suit their specific needs.

31. Card 31

    Distinguish between Parsons' 'instrumental role' and 'expressive role' within the family.

    Parsons, a functionalist, distinguishes between the instrumental role, typically held by the man as the breadwinner, and the expressive role, mostly held by the woman as the homemaker responsible for the emotional care of the home. He argues these are natural and beneficial roles within the family.

32. Card 32

    Define 'joint conjugal roles' and 'segregated conjugal roles' as identified by Elizabeth Bott.

    Elizabeth Bott defines 'joint conjugal roles' as where men and women share household tasks equally. In contrast, 'segregated conjugal roles' refer to situations where men and women split household tasks, with each performing different, distinct roles.

33. Card 33

    What is the 'symmetrical family' proposed by Young and Wilmott, and what are its key characteristics?

    The 'symmetrical family,' proposed by Young and Wilmott, describes a family type where there has been a steady movement towards equality. Its key characteristics include both partners working, both partners sharing housework and childcare, and partners spending their leisure time together.

34. Card 34

    According to Ann Oakley, why are claims of increased equality in conjugal roles exaggerated?

    Ann Oakley argues that claims of increased equality in conjugal roles are exaggerated because her study found that only 15% of men significantly contribute to housework and only 25% significantly contribute to childcare. She notes that men's contributions to childcare are often limited to 'fun activities' rather than routine responsibilities.

35. Card 35

    Explain the concept of the 'dual burden' as described by Ferri & Smith.

    Ferri & Smith's concept of the 'dual burden' suggests that women's entry into paid work has not led to equal roles within the household. Instead, women now have more work to do, performing both paid employment and the majority of housework, effectively carrying two burdens.

36. Card 36

    What is the 'triple shift' identified by Marsden, and how does it expand on the 'dual burden'?

    Marsden's 'triple shift' expands on the 'dual burden' by arguing that women now perform paid work, housework, and emotional work. This adds the crucial element of emotional labor, such as managing family feelings and relationships, to the existing burdens of paid employment and domestic tasks.

37. Card 37

    How does Boulton's research challenge Young and Wilmott's view of men's contribution to childcare?

    Boulton's research challenges Young and Wilmott's view by finding that fewer than 20% of husbands had a major role in childcare. He argues that Young and Wilmott exaggerate men's contribution, suggesting that while fathers may help with specific tasks, mothers still retain overall responsibility for childcare.

38. Card 38

    What are the key trends observed in marriage rates since the 1920s?

    Since the 1920s, marriage rates have reached their lowest point, with fewer people getting married and doing so at a later age. However, there has been an increase in re-marriages, indicating that while first marriages are declining, the institution itself still holds value for some.

39. Card 39

    How has the changing position of women contributed to the decline in marriage rates?

    The changing position of women, particularly their increased involvement in paid work, has contributed to the decline in marriage rates. Women now have other priorities beyond settling down and getting married, leading to them marrying later or choosing not to marry at all.

40. Card 40

    Explain how secularization has influenced marriage rates.

    Secularization, the decline in religious influence, has impacted marriage rates because marriage was traditionally a religious ceremony. If individuals are not religious, they feel less pressure or need to get married in the eyes of a deity, reducing the perceived importance of the institution.

41. Card 41

    How have changes in attitudes and reduced stigma affected marriage rates?

    Changes in attitudes and reduced social stigma have significantly impacted marriage rates. It is no longer frowned upon to be unmarried, and society now encourages singlehood, removing the past expectation, particularly for women, to marry young, and reducing shame for those who do not.

42. Card 42

    What is the 'true love and soul mate ideology' and how has it influenced marriage rates?

    The 'true love and soul mate ideology,' heavily contributed to by the media, refers to people having very high expectations for finding 'the one.' This has influenced marriage rates by causing people to wait longer to get married in their search for this ideal partner, contributing to later marriages and potentially fewer overall.

43. Card 43

    How has the fear of divorce contributed to the decline in marriage rates?

    The fear of divorce has contributed to the decline in marriage rates because high divorce rates make many people apprehensive about getting married. They worry about the possibility of ending up divorced and becoming 'just another statistic,' leading some to avoid marriage altogether.

44. Card 44

    What are the five types of family diversity identified by the Rappoports?

    The Rappoports identified five types of family diversity: Organisational diversity (differences in how family roles are organised), Cultural diversity (different cultural, religious, and ethnic group structures), Social class diversity (differences based on income), Life-stage/course diversity (differences across the life cycle), and Generational/cohort diversity (different attitudes and experiences across generations).

45. Card 45

    Define 'Organisational diversity' according to the Rappoports.

    Organisational diversity, according to the Rappoports, refers to the differences in the ways family roles are organised. This can include variations in how domestic tasks, childcare, and decision-making responsibilities are distributed among family members.

46. Card 46

    What does 'Cultural diversity' mean in the context of the Rappoports' typology?

    In the context of the Rappoports' typology, 'Cultural diversity' refers to the idea that different cultural, religious, and ethnic groups often have distinct family structures and practices. These variations are influenced by their unique traditions, beliefs, and societal norms.

47. Card 47

    Explain 'Social class diversity' as a type of family diversity.

    Social class diversity, as identified by the Rappoports, highlights how family structure and practices can differ based on income and social class. This means that families from different socio-economic backgrounds may exhibit variations in their organization, roles, and lifestyles.

48. Card 48

    How does 'Life-stage/course diversity' describe variations in family life?

    'Life-stage/course diversity' describes variations in family life based on the different stages individuals and families pass through over their life cycle. This includes changes in family structure and roles as people move from singlehood to partnership, parenthood, empty nest, and old age.

49. Card 49

    What is 'Generational/cohort diversity' and how does it contribute to overall family diversity?

    'Generational/cohort diversity' refers to the idea that different generations or cohorts have distinct attitudes and experiences towards family life. These varying perspectives, shaped by historical and social contexts, contribute to the overall diversity of family forms and practices within a society.

50. Card 50

    Why do the New Right believe that welfare benefits encourage family diversity?

    The New Right argues that welfare benefits encourage family diversity by making it financially viable for individuals to form non-nuclear family structures, such as lone parent families. They believe these benefits can disincentivize marriage and traditional family formation, leading to what they perceive as societal issues.

51. Card 51

    How have changes in the position of women contributed to the long-term decline in birth rates in the UK?

    Changes in the position of women, such as increased involvement in paid work due to policies like the Equal Pay Act, have given women other priorities than solely having children. This societal shift explains why women are choosing to have fewer children and often at a later age.

52. Card 52

    Why are children increasingly considered an economic liability in modern society, and how does this impact birth rates?

    Children are now an economic liability because child labor laws prevent them from contributing to family income, and the cost of raising a child has significantly increased (estimated at £230,000). This financial burden leads many adults to have fewer children, as they cannot afford the associated costs.

53. Card 53

    Explain the concept of 'child-centredness' and how it influences family decisions regarding the number of children.

    Child-centredness refers to society's increased focus on the well-being and development of children, leading to higher expected standards of parenting and greater time/commitment. This shift encourages families to adopt a 'quality over quantity' approach, resulting in fewer children but with more investment per child.

54. Card 54

    How does a decline in infant mortality rates affect the overall birth rate in a population?

    A decline in infant mortality rates means fewer children die before their first birthday. This reduces the need for parents to have additional children to 'replace' those lost, thereby contributing to a lower overall birth rate.

55. Card 55

    According to McKeown (1972), what was the primary factor in the reduction of death rates, and what was its mechanism?

    McKeown (1972) argued that improved nutrition accounted for up to half the reduction in death rates, especially for diseases like TB. Better nutrition enhanced resistance to infections and increased survival chances for those who became infected.

56. Card 56

    Why did medical improvements play a limited role in reducing deaths from infectious diseases before the 1950s, but become significant afterwards?

    Before the 1950s, medical improvements had little impact on infectious disease mortality. However, after the 1950s, advances such as antibiotics, widespread immunisation, blood transfusions, and higher midwifery standards significantly reduced death rates by effectively treating and preventing illnesses.

57. Card 57

    Describe how environmental improvements contributed to the decline in death rates during the 20th century.

    Environmental improvements in the 20th century, driven by government laws, included better housing (drier, better ventilated), purer drinking water, and improved sewer systems. Additionally, 'clean air acts' reduced air pollution, like the smog that caused 4,000 deaths in five days in 1952, directly lowering mortality.

58. Card 58

    Beyond nutrition and medical advances, what other social changes have contributed to the overall decline in death rates?

    Other social changes contributing to declining death rates include the decline of dangerous manual occupations, smaller families reducing infection transmission, greater public knowledge of illness causes, and higher incomes allowing for healthier lifestyles.

59. Card 59

    Define 'ageing population' and explain how declining birth and death rates contribute to this demographic shift.

    An ageing population refers to a growing number of elderly individuals and a declining number of working-age people. This occurs because declining birth rates mean fewer young people are entering the population, while declining death rates mean existing individuals live longer, increasing the proportion of older people.

60. Card 60

    How does an ageing population impact public services, particularly health and social care?

    An ageing population significantly increases demand on public services, especially health and social care, as older individuals (particularly over 75s) consume a larger proportion of these resources. This necessitates changes in policy and provision for housing, transport, and other services to accommodate the elderly.

61. Card 61

    Why has there been an increase in one-person pensioner households, and what social issues can this create?

    The increase in one-person pensioner households, predominantly female, is due to women generally living longer than men and often being younger than their husbands. This trend can lead to housing shortages and issues associated with elderly people living alone, such as isolation or lack of immediate support.

62. Card 62

    Define the 'dependency ratio' and explain how an ageing population affects it.

    The dependency ratio measures the number of dependents (aged 0-14 and over 65) relative to the working-age population (15-64). An ageing population leads to a higher dependency ratio, meaning a larger proportion of people need financial support (e.g., through taxes for healthcare and pensions) from a relatively smaller working population.

63. Card 63

    How does 'structured dependency' contribute to ageism in society, from a sociological perspective?

    Sociologists argue that ageism, the negative stereotyping of older people, results from 'structured dependency.' This means the elderly are largely excluded from paid work, making them economically dependent on family and society. This dependency can foster the view that they are a 'burden' and no longer productive.

64. Card 64

    According to Hirsch (2005), what are the main financial challenges posed by an ageing population, and what solutions does he propose?

    Hirsch (2005) argues the main challenge is financing a longer period of old age. He proposes solutions such as paying more taxes, working for longer, or both. He also suggests reversing early retirement trends and redistributing educational resources to allow elderly people to re-train and continue earning.

65. Card 65

    Distinguish between 'immigration' and 'emigration' in the context of population change.

    Immigration refers to the movement of people into a country or area, contributing to population growth. Emigration refers to the movement of people out of a country or area, leading to population decrease. Both are components of overall migration.

66. Card 66

    What is 'net migration' and how is it calculated to reflect population changes?

    Net migration is the difference between the number of people immigrating into a country and the number emigrating out of it. It results in a net increase if immigration is higher or a net decrease if emigration is higher, indicating the overall impact of migration on population size.

67. Card 67

    Describe the main immigrant groups arriving in the UK between the 1900s and 1940s.

    From 1900 until the end of World War II, the largest immigrant groups arriving in the UK were Irish, Eastern and Central European Jews, and people of British descent from Canada and the USA. During this period, few immigrants were non-white.

68. Card 68

    How did the pattern of immigration to the UK change significantly during the 1950s-1970s?

    During the 1950s-1970s, the pattern of immigration to the UK diversified significantly. Black immigrants from the Caribbean began to arrive in the 1950s, followed by South Asians from India and Sri Lanka in the 1960s and 1970s, marking a shift towards non-white immigrant groups.

69. Card 69

    According to Berthoud (2000), how do UK Asian family structures often differ from the general population?

    Berthoud (2000) found that while UK Asian families live within nuclear structures, a significant 33% also live in extended family structures, including grandparents, aunts, and uncles. They also tend to have more traditional family values, with high regard for marriage and less cohabitation or divorce.

70. Card 70

    Based on Epstein's (2011) research, what did he conclude about the stability of arranged marriages compared to 'love' marriages?

    Epstein (2011) concluded that arranged marriages tend to become more stable over time, with couples feeling more in love the longer they spent together. In contrast, 'love' marriages were found to be more likely to deteriorate over time.

71. Card 71

    What distinctive characteristics did Berthoud (2000) identify regarding Black Caribbean family structures in the UK?

    Berthoud (2000) found that only 39% of British-born African Caribbean adults were married, significantly lower than white adults. Black families also have a higher proportion of lone-parent households, with over half of lone-parent families in 2002 headed by a black person.

72. Card 72

    Explain the 'feminisation of migration' as an effect of globalisation.

    The 'feminisation of migration' refers to the trend where, unlike in the past when most migrants were male workers, today approximately half of all migrants are female. This is attributed to changes in the position of women globally, who are increasingly seeking work and opportunities abroad.

73. Card 73

    How has globalisation led to the 'differentiation' of migration types?

    Globalisation has led to the 'differentiation' of migration by increasing the variety of migrant types. This now includes not only permanent settlers but also temporary settlers, spouses, forced migrants (like refugees), and a significant group of students moving abroad for education, reflecting diverse motivations and statuses.

74. Card 74

    What are 'migrant identities' and how are they formed in the context of globalisation?

    Migrant identities are 'hybrid identities' formed by individuals who have moved between countries. They are made up of more than one source, blending cultural elements and affiliations from their home country with those of their new country (e.g., the UK), reflecting their unique transnational experiences.

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