The family in sociology: key perspectives and critiques
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AQA Sociology A Level - Theories of the Family
2,044
•
11 May 2023
•
How Rules Change Families: Different Ways to See It!
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
Marxist and Feminist Perspectives on Family
Marxist Critique of Family
The Marxist perspective views the family primarily in relation to capitalism:
• Family serves the interests of capitalism as a unit of consumption • Inheritance of wealth perpetuates class inequality • Family acts as an ideological state apparatus, providing a haven from capitalist exploitation
Quote: Engels argued that the family exists for the "inheritance of wealth," reinforcing capitalist class structures.
Key concepts in the Marxist view include:
• "Pester power" - how children's consumer demands impact family spending • "Keeping up with the Joneses" - families' desire to match others' consumption • Family as a "safety valve" from capitalist exploitation
Critics argue this view ignores family diversity and patriarchy, and may only apply to capitalist societies.
Feminist Perspectives on Family
Feminist theories offer a critical view of family structures, focusing on gender inequality:
• Emphasis on the dual burden and triple shift faced by women in families • Critique of the family as an oppressive force in the private sphere • Argument that gender roles are socially constructed, not biologically determined
Highlight: Feminists challenge the idea that women are naturally suited for housework and childcare.
Key feminist concepts and theorists include:
• Conjugal roles and domestic division of labor • Marxist feminist perspectives • Difference feminism, recognizing diverse experiences of women in families
Example: Elizabeth Bott's research on conjugal roles in families.
Feminist perspectives also acknowledge positive aspects of family life, such as emotional support and protection from other social oppressions.
The document concludes by noting that liberal feminists see improvements in family life for women, while recognizing ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality within family structures.
The New Right and Postmodern Views on Family
The New Right Perspective
The New Right view emphasizes the importance of the nuclear family as the cornerstone of society. They argue that the government should not intervene in family matters and oppose welfare for families.
Key points of the New Right perspective include:
• Support for traditional gender roles within the family • Opposition to family diversity and promotion of homosexuality • Belief that family breakdown is lower among married couples • Concern that children from "broken homes" are more likely to become young offenders
Highlight: The New Right claims that a "dependency culture" creates perverse incentives, such as teenage pregnancies to obtain council housing.
Example: Section 28 legislation in the UK, which prohibited promoting homosexuality in schools, reflected New Right family values.
Theorists associated with this view include Charles Murray, who wrote about an "underclass" of single-parent families.
Postmodern Perspective on Family
In contrast to the New Right, the postmodern view emphasizes family diversity and rejects the idea of one dominant family structure. Key aspects include:
• Importance of family diversity and alternatives to the nuclear family • Concept of the "negotiated family" where individuals can choose their family structure • Recognition of same-sex marriages and cohabitation • Belief that family roles are not biologically determined
Vocabulary: "Pure relationship" - Giddens' term for relationships that last only as long as they work for both people, leading to higher divorce rates.
Theorists like Beck, Giddens, and Stacey have contributed to postmodern family theory. Rappoport identified 5 types of family diversity.
The postmodern view sees divorce as potentially positive, allowing escape from abusive relationships. However, critics argue this perspective may overstate the decline of the nuclear family and underestimate structural constraints on family choices.
Definition: Life course analysis - examining how individuals may live in many family types throughout their lives, though the nuclear family remains common in some form.
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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
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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
How Rules Change Families: Different Ways to See It!
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
The family in sociology: key perspectives and critiques
• This document explores various sociological perspectives on the family, including the New Right, Postmodernism, Marxism, and Feminist views.
• It examines how different theories conceptualize family structures, roles, and functions in... Show more
Marxist and Feminist Perspectives on Family
Marxist Critique of Family
The Marxist perspective views the family primarily in relation to capitalism:
• Family serves the interests of capitalism as a unit of consumption • Inheritance of wealth perpetuates class inequality • Family acts as an ideological state apparatus, providing a haven from capitalist exploitation
Quote: Engels argued that the family exists for the "inheritance of wealth," reinforcing capitalist class structures.
Key concepts in the Marxist view include:
• "Pester power" - how children's consumer demands impact family spending • "Keeping up with the Joneses" - families' desire to match others' consumption • Family as a "safety valve" from capitalist exploitation
Critics argue this view ignores family diversity and patriarchy, and may only apply to capitalist societies.
Feminist Perspectives on Family
Feminist theories offer a critical view of family structures, focusing on gender inequality:
• Emphasis on the dual burden and triple shift faced by women in families • Critique of the family as an oppressive force in the private sphere • Argument that gender roles are socially constructed, not biologically determined
Highlight: Feminists challenge the idea that women are naturally suited for housework and childcare.
Key feminist concepts and theorists include:
• Conjugal roles and domestic division of labor • Marxist feminist perspectives • Difference feminism, recognizing diverse experiences of women in families
Example: Elizabeth Bott's research on conjugal roles in families.
Feminist perspectives also acknowledge positive aspects of family life, such as emotional support and protection from other social oppressions.
The document concludes by noting that liberal feminists see improvements in family life for women, while recognizing ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality within family structures.
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The New Right and Postmodern Views on Family
The New Right Perspective
The New Right view emphasizes the importance of the nuclear family as the cornerstone of society. They argue that the government should not intervene in family matters and oppose welfare for families.
Key points of the New Right perspective include:
• Support for traditional gender roles within the family • Opposition to family diversity and promotion of homosexuality • Belief that family breakdown is lower among married couples • Concern that children from "broken homes" are more likely to become young offenders
Highlight: The New Right claims that a "dependency culture" creates perverse incentives, such as teenage pregnancies to obtain council housing.
Example: Section 28 legislation in the UK, which prohibited promoting homosexuality in schools, reflected New Right family values.
Theorists associated with this view include Charles Murray, who wrote about an "underclass" of single-parent families.
Postmodern Perspective on Family
In contrast to the New Right, the postmodern view emphasizes family diversity and rejects the idea of one dominant family structure. Key aspects include:
• Importance of family diversity and alternatives to the nuclear family • Concept of the "negotiated family" where individuals can choose their family structure • Recognition of same-sex marriages and cohabitation • Belief that family roles are not biologically determined
Vocabulary: "Pure relationship" - Giddens' term for relationships that last only as long as they work for both people, leading to higher divorce rates.
Theorists like Beck, Giddens, and Stacey have contributed to postmodern family theory. Rappoport identified 5 types of family diversity.
The postmodern view sees divorce as potentially positive, allowing escape from abusive relationships. However, critics argue this perspective may overstate the decline of the nuclear family and underestimate structural constraints on family choices.
Definition: Life course analysis - examining how individuals may live in many family types throughout their lives, though the nuclear family remains common in some form.
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.
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