Welcome to the Study of Families!
Welcome! In this chapter, we are going to explore theories of the family and social change. We often take "the family" for granted because we all live in one, but for sociologists, it is one of the most important parts of society. We will look at how different thinkers view the family, how families are changing, and why there are so many different types of families today. Don't worry if some of the names or "isms" seem tricky at first—we will break them down step-by-step!
Section 1: Perspectives on the Role of the Family
Sociologists disagree about what the family does for society. We generally look at three main perspectives: Functionalism, Marxism, and Feminism.
1. Functionalism: The "Helping Hand" View
Functionalists see society like a human body. Every part (like the family) has a job to do to keep the body healthy. They focus on how the family benefits its members and society as a whole.
George Peter Murdock argued the family has four essential functions:
1. Sexual: Stable relationships for adults.
2. Reproductive: Having the next generation of society.
3. Economic: Providing food and shelter.
4. Educational: Teaching children the norms and values of society (Primary Socialisation).
Talcott Parsons (a very important name!) updated this. He argued that in modern society, the family has "lost" some functions (like education and healthcare, which schools and hospitals now do). He says the modern family now has two "core" functions:
1. Primary Socialisation: Teaching children how to fit into society.
2. Stabilisation of Adult Personalities: This is often called the "Warm Bath Theory." It means the family acts like a warm bath, soaking away the stresses of work so adults can stay mentally healthy.
Quick Review: The Loss of Functions Debate
Some people argue the family is less important now because the state (government) does so much. Functionalists argue the family has just become more specialized and is still vital for emotional support.
2. Marxism: The "Social Factory" View
Marxists are much more critical. They believe society is based on a conflict between the rich (the Bourgeoisie) and the workers (the Proletariat). They think the family helps Capitalism survive.
How does the family help the rich?
• Ideological Control: Parents teach children to obey authority, which prepares them to be submissive workers later in life.
• Unit of Consumption: Families are targeted by advertisers to buy products (cars, toys, clothes), making the rich even richer.
• Reproduction of Labour: The family produces the next generation of workers for free.
3. Feminism: The "Gender Power" View
Feminists argue that both Functionalists and Marxists ignore Gender. They believe the family often benefits men more than women. They respond to other theories by pointing out that the "warm bath" for the husband is often "cold water" for the wife who has to do all the chores!
Key Takeaway
Functionalists see the family as positive and necessary. Marxists see it as a tool for the rich. Feminists see it as a place where men hold more power than women.
Section 2: Diversity and Social Change
In the past, many people thought the Nuclear Family (two parents and their children) was the only "normal" type. Today, sociologists talk about Family Diversity—the idea that there are many different ways to "do" family.
Changing Patterns of Marriage and Divorce
Why are people getting married less and divorcing more? Think of these as "The Big Three" reasons:
1. Legal Changes: It is now much easier and cheaper to get a divorce.
2. Secularisation: Religion has less influence. Living together without being married (Cohabitation) is no longer seen as a "sin" by most people.
3. Women’s Independence: Women have better jobs and don't need to rely on a husband for money anymore.
Different Family Forms
Don't be overwhelmed by the list! You probably know most of these already:
• Nuclear: Parents and children.
• Extended: Includes grandparents, aunts, uncles (can be vertically extended like a beanpole or horizontally extended with cousins).
• Lone-parent: One parent (usually the mother) looking after children.
• Reconstituted (Step-families): Two families joining together after a divorce.
• Same-sex families: Couples of the same gender.
• Families of Choice: People who choose friends to be their "family" rather than blood relatives.
Memory Aid: The Five Types of Diversity (The Rapoports)
Use the mnemonic "CLOGS" to remember why families are diverse:
C - Cultural (different ethnic backgrounds have different family styles).
L - Life-cycle (your family type changes as you get older).
O - Organisational (how chores and work are divided).
G - Generational (older and younger people have different views on family).
S - Social Class (rich and poor families may operate differently).
The Dominance Debate: Is the Nuclear Family Dead?
The New Right: These thinkers are worried. They think the traditional nuclear family is the best and that lone-parent families lead to social problems. They want the government to encourage marriage.
Robert Chester: He argues that most people still live in a nuclear family at some point in their lives, so it’s still the "norm." He calls it the Neo-conventional family.
Postmodernists: They love diversity! They argue we live in a "pick and mix" society where individuals have the choice to create whatever family they want. There is no longer one "right" way to live.
Did you know?
Postmodernist Judith Stacey found that women have been the main drivers of family change because they are the ones who have rejected traditional roles to seek better lives!
Key Takeaway
Families are becoming more diverse due to changes in laws, attitudes, and women’s roles. While some worry about this (New Right), others see it as a sign of increased freedom (Postmodernists).
Section 3: The State and Social Policy
The State (the government) has a huge influence on our families through Social Policies (laws). These laws can encourage or discourage certain family types.
Examples of Policies:
• Divorce Laws: Made it easier to leave unhappy marriages.
• Tax Breaks: Sometimes governments give money to married couples to encourage marriage.
• Welfare Benefits: Providing money for lone parents (this is often criticized by the New Right, who say it makes people "depend" on the state).
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Laws that allow parents to take time off work to care for babies.
Common Mistake to Avoid:
Do not assume that all policies help all families. For example, a law that only gives tax breaks to married couples might make life harder for lone parents or cohabiting couples.
Key Takeaway
The government isn't neutral. Its laws can shape what families look like by making it easier or harder to live in certain ways.
Summary Checklist
Before you move on, make sure you can:
• Explain the Functionalist "Warm Bath" theory.
• Describe how Marxists think the family helps Capitalism.
• List three reasons why Divorce rates have increased.
• Define Reconstituted and Extended families.
• Explain the New Right view on family diversity.
Don't worry if this seems like a lot to remember. Sociology is about looking at the world you already know through a new set of glasses. Keep practicing these terms and they will soon feel like second nature!