Sociology Family Revision Notes

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Sociology Family Revision Notes         Topic 6

Family diversity and the life course

Modernism and the nuclear family

 ‘Society shapes us/individuals’

Modernists include Functionalists and New Rights 

Modern society is fairly fixed, clear cut and predictable structure

Best family type is Nuclear family this structure helps perform certain essential functions  

E.g. Talcott Parsons states that there is a ‘functional fit’ between the nuclear family and modern society. The nuclear family is uniquely suited to meet the needs of modern society;

Geographically and socially mobile workforce

Performs two ‘irreducible functions’ (difficult) primary and secondary socialization of children.

The stabilization of adult personalities

(All contribute to the overall stability and effectiveness of society)

This explains the functionalist’s view that because of the nuclear family’s ability to perform these functions, therefore we can assume that this would be the most common family in modern society.  Hence, other family types are viewed as abnormal, inadequate and unusual, since they are less able to perform the functions required of the family.

The New Right

Conservative and anti-feminist perspective on the family

Firmly opposed to family diversity

One correct and normal family type;

Traditional or Conventional Patriarchal Nuclear Family

Married couple and dependent children

Clear cut division of labour between breadwinner  and homemaker-wife  (Instrumental+Experessive)

The family is natural and based upon fundamental biological differences

‘Family is cornerstone of society; a place of refuge, contentment and harmony’

Increase in family diversity and decline of the traditional nuclear family is the cause of many social problems e.g. higher crime rates and educational failure.

Views on changes;

Lone parents are unnatural and harmful. Cannot discipline their children properly, burden on welfare state, leave boys without male role models resulting in higher rates in delinquency and threatening social stability.

Disapprove of mothers going out to work because they believe women should make caring for their family their first priority.

They see marriage as the essential basis for creating a stable environment in which to bring up children

They regard both cohabitation and divorce as creating family instability by making it easier for adults to avoid commitment and responsibility.

 

Conservative politicians and new right thinkers state that both the family and society at large are ‘broken’. They argue that a return to traditional values, including the value of marriage, is necessary to prevent social disintegration and damage to children.

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Conservatives are strongly opposed to high levels of taxation and government spending. They argue that family breakdown and the increase in numbers of lone-parents families has led to more spending on welfare benefits. As this has to be paid for out of public funds, it places a bigger tax burden on the working population.

High levels of taxation and benefits act as ‘perverse incentives’- punish responsible behaviour and reward irresponsible behaviour.

-Undermining the traditional family by discouraging men from working to support their families.

-Encourage a ‘dependency culture’ of living off welfare benefits.

The new right therefore favour cutting ...

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