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8
eva
10/12/2025
Sociology
AQA GCSE Sociology 12/12 marker
155
•
10 Dec 2025
•
Understanding AQA GCSE Sociology: Mastering 12/12 Markers
eva
@eva3742
1 / 3
Family Structure and Social Inequality
The 'cereal packet family' theory (a functionalist concept from the 1950s) presents the nuclear family as the ideal type, suggesting other family structures are somehow inferior. This perspective is increasingly challenged as outdated and narrow.
Rapoport and Rapoport's research demonstrates significant family diversity in modern Britain, suggesting that the traditional model isn't necessarily the most appropriate for raising children in today's society. Their work shows how family structures have evolved beyond the nuclear ideal.
Marxist sociologists offer another critical perspective. Zaretsky argues that the nuclear family primarily serves capitalism rather than children's needs. According to this view, the traditional family acts as a unit of consumption that teaches children their position in the social hierarchy.
The nuclear family also functions as a mechanism for wealth transfer (through property inheritance), which reproduces and reinforces class inequality. This perspective suggests the nuclear family helps maintain capitalist structures rather than serving as the best environment for child-rearing.
Contemporary Views on Family Structures
While some functionalists defend the traditional model, most contemporary sociologists argue against the nuclear family being the most appropriate structure for raising children in today's Britain. They consider it outdated and unrepresentative of modern British family life.
The growing acceptance of family diversity reflects changing social attitudes and recognition that children can thrive in various family structures. Modern sociologists acknowledge that single-parent families, blended families, same-sex parent families and extended families can provide supportive environments for child development.
Critics of the traditional model point out that it often reinforces rigid gender roles that may limit children's perspectives and opportunities. The emphasis on flexibility and adaptation in contemporary views suggests that the quality of family relationships matters more than conforming to a particular structure.
Remember: While theories help us understand family structures, real families are complex and unique—there's no single "perfect" family type that works for everyone.
Sociological Perspectives on the Nuclear Family
Some functionalists like Parsons argue that the traditional nuclear family is ideal because it performs two critical functions: stabilisation of adult personality and primary socialisation of children. Parsons believes men and women have biologically suited roles—women handling the expressive (nurturing) role and men the instrumental (breadwinner) role.
However, this functionalist view has been widely criticised as outdated, having been developed 60-70 years ago. It fails to acknowledge the rise of families with shared domestic responsibilities, as highlighted in Young and Willmott's research on conjugal roles.
Feminist sociologists like Delphy and Leonard have strongly criticised Parsons' work, arguing that the family remains patriarchal. Their research indicates that within the nuclear family, men hold power while women and children are subordinate, allowing men to dominate decision-making and potentially exploit women.
Think about it: How might a family where power is unequally distributed affect children's understanding of relationships and gender roles?
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding AQA GCSE Sociology: Mastering 12/12 Markers
eva
@eva3742
The debate over whether the traditional nuclear family is the most appropriate for raising children in today's Britain reveals significant divisions among sociologists. Different perspectives from functionalist, feminist, and Marxist approaches offer contrasting views on the suitability of the nuclear... Show more
Family Structure and Social Inequality
The 'cereal packet family' theory (a functionalist concept from the 1950s) presents the nuclear family as the ideal type, suggesting other family structures are somehow inferior. This perspective is increasingly challenged as outdated and narrow.
Rapoport and Rapoport's research demonstrates significant family diversity in modern Britain, suggesting that the traditional model isn't necessarily the most appropriate for raising children in today's society. Their work shows how family structures have evolved beyond the nuclear ideal.
Marxist sociologists offer another critical perspective. Zaretsky argues that the nuclear family primarily serves capitalism rather than children's needs. According to this view, the traditional family acts as a unit of consumption that teaches children their position in the social hierarchy.
The nuclear family also functions as a mechanism for wealth transfer (through property inheritance), which reproduces and reinforces class inequality. This perspective suggests the nuclear family helps maintain capitalist structures rather than serving as the best environment for child-rearing.
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Contemporary Views on Family Structures
While some functionalists defend the traditional model, most contemporary sociologists argue against the nuclear family being the most appropriate structure for raising children in today's Britain. They consider it outdated and unrepresentative of modern British family life.
The growing acceptance of family diversity reflects changing social attitudes and recognition that children can thrive in various family structures. Modern sociologists acknowledge that single-parent families, blended families, same-sex parent families and extended families can provide supportive environments for child development.
Critics of the traditional model point out that it often reinforces rigid gender roles that may limit children's perspectives and opportunities. The emphasis on flexibility and adaptation in contemporary views suggests that the quality of family relationships matters more than conforming to a particular structure.
Remember: While theories help us understand family structures, real families are complex and unique—there's no single "perfect" family type that works for everyone.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sociological Perspectives on the Nuclear Family
Some functionalists like Parsons argue that the traditional nuclear family is ideal because it performs two critical functions: stabilisation of adult personality and primary socialisation of children. Parsons believes men and women have biologically suited roles—women handling the expressive (nurturing) role and men the instrumental (breadwinner) role.
However, this functionalist view has been widely criticised as outdated, having been developed 60-70 years ago. It fails to acknowledge the rise of families with shared domestic responsibilities, as highlighted in Young and Willmott's research on conjugal roles.
Feminist sociologists like Delphy and Leonard have strongly criticised Parsons' work, arguing that the family remains patriarchal. Their research indicates that within the nuclear family, men hold power while women and children are subordinate, allowing men to dominate decision-making and potentially exploit women.
Think about it: How might a family where power is unequally distributed affect children's understanding of relationships and gender roles?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Sociological Functionalism
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user