Overview
This lecture reviews the major sociological perspectives and trends in the AQA A-level Sociology topic "Families and Households," covering theories, division of labor, family diversity, social policies, childhood, demographics, and migration.
Sociological Perspectives on the Family
- Functionalism: Murdoch defines nuclear family as universal, performing four functions: sexual, educational, economic, and reproductive.
- Critiques of functionalism: Many family functions can now be met outside the nuclear family; ignores negative impacts and alternative structures.
- Parsons: Family adapts functions to fit societal needs (functional fit), develops primary socialization and stabilizes adult personalities (warm bath theory, expressive/instrumental roles).
- New Right: Supports nuclear family and traditional roles; opposes state welfare and single-parent families, citing concern over delinquency and dependency.
- Critique of New Right: Myths about single mothers and negative stereotypes are challenged by data; media plays a role in shaping perceptions.
- Feminism: Family benefits men more; canalization and verbal appellation are processes that reinforce gender roles; discusses types of feminism (liberal, Marxist, radical, difference).
- Marxism: Family perpetuates capitalist ideology (ideological state apparatus), inheritance passes wealth, unpaid labor supports capitalism.
- Postmodernism: Family definitions are fluid; individuals exercise agency and construct their own relationships.
- Personal Life Perspective: Emphasizes personal, chosen relationships beyond traditional blood or marriage ties.
Division of Labour in Families
- Segregated and joint conjugal roles: Wilmot and Young see shift towards more equality (symmetrical family), but Oakley finds little real change.
- Women perform more domestic, emotional, and child care work (triple shift); decision-making still often male-dominated.
- Gender scripts uphold traditional expectations, but same-sex couples may have more equal roles.
Marriage, Divorce & Family Diversity
- Marriage and divorce have been influenced by changing laws, expectations, secularization, and women's roles.
- Cohabitation and single-person households have increased; nuclear family is less dominant.
- Theories differ: Functionalists favor marriage, New Right criticize family diversity, feminists focus on power imbalances, and postmodernists highlight individual choice.
Social Policy & the Family
- Social policy includes laws on marriage, divorce, contraception, education, and welfare, influencing family diversity and gender roles.
- Examples: Divorce Reform Act (1969), legalization of contraception (1967), same-sex marriage (2014), and Troubled Families Program (2012).
- Perspectives: Functionalists see benefits, feminists see reinforcement of patriarchy, Marxists see protection of ruling class.
Childhood & Social Construction
- Childhood is a social construct that varies by culture and history; children's roles separated from adults (Pilcher).
- Aries: Childhood did not exist in medieval times, evolved to meet societal needs.
- Changes in childhood position due to laws, education, and child rights.
- Postman: Childhood may be disappearing due to access to adult information.
- Palmer: Toxic childhood from technology and societal changes.
Family Demographics & Migration
- UK population, birth, and death rates are changing; fertility rates have declined.
- Aging population presents both challenges and opportunities.
- Migration has shaped family diversity; recent trends include greater movement from the EU and feminization of migration.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Nuclear Family — Two-generation family (parents and children).
- Functional Fit Theory — Family adapts functions to fit society's needs.
- Expressive Role — Nurturing and caring family responsibilities, traditionally assigned to women.
- Instrumental Role — Breadwinner and discipline, traditionally assigned to men.
- Canalization — Channeling children into gender-appropriate behaviors.
- Ideological State Apparatus — Institutions (family, schools) that maintain capitalist ideology.
- Confluent Love — Meaningful relationships based on personal satisfaction.
- Triple Shift — Women’s paid work, domestic work, and emotional work.
- Childhood Social Construction — Childhood as a non-universal, changeable status.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review definitions and theorists for all perspectives on the family.
- Memorize key legislation and its impact on family structure.
- Study demographic statistics and trends for UK families.
- Prepare examples and critiques for each sociological perspective.
- Complete any assigned readings or past paper exam questions.