Family sociology explores how different theories view the role of...
Sociology164 views·Updated 5 Aug 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Families: WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology Topic 2
j@joyoflife
1
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Sociological Theories and Family Diversity
Marxist sociologists reckon families are basically capitalism's best mate - they train kids to become the perfect workforce and help wealthy families keep their money within their circle. Engels argued that nuclear families also kept women under control, which secured inheritance for men.
Functionalists like Murdoch take a completely different view, claiming families provide four essential needs that no other institution can offer: primary socialisation, stable relationships, economic support, and childcare. Parsons added that families help stabilise adult personalities by providing emotional support and preventing disruptive behaviour.
Feminist perspectives highlight how families can be pretty unfair to women. Delphy and Leonard argue that women face a dual burden (career plus housework) or even a triple shift (adding emotional care). Ann Oakley's research shows that despite talk of 'New Man' masculinity, women still do most domestic tasks.
The New Right believes strongly that nuclear families are ideal - without them, they argue, society would face more crime, poverty, and moral decline. Meanwhile, family diversity has massively increased in modern Britain, with lone-parent families, cohabiting couples, and same-sex families becoming much more common.
Key Insight: Each theory offers a different lens for understanding families - whether as tools of oppression, essential social institutions, or sources of gender inequality.
2
of 2
Family Changes and Criticisms
Social changes have transformed British families dramatically. Divorce rates have risen (with 66% initiated by women), family sizes have shrunk due to better contraception, and more people are choosing cohabitation over marriage. The sandwich generation now cares for both elderly parents and young children simultaneously.
Conjugal roles (how partners divide household tasks) are supposedly becoming more symmetrical according to Willmott and Young's research. However, feminists argue this 'march of progress' ignores that women still handle most domestic work, even in dual-career families where both partners work full-time.
Family diversity reflects Britain's changing values - we've got beanpole families (multiple generations with few children), reconstituted families (blended from previous relationships), and empty-nest families. The Rapaports celebrate this diversity as positive choice, whilst Chester argues nuclear families still dominate despite the statistics.
Criticisms of families reveal their dark side. Feminists highlight ongoing gender inequalities and the triple shift burden on women. Some families become dysfunctional through neglect or domestic abuse. Parsons noted that isolated nuclear families get less support from extended networks, putting more pressure on couples.
Reality Check: Despite claims of progress towards equality, women often still carry the heaviest load when it comes to family responsibilities.
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Sociology164 views·Updated 5 Aug 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Families: WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology Topic 2
j@joyoflife
Family sociology explores how different theories view the role of families in society - from Marxists who see families as tools of capitalism, to functionalists who believe they're essential for social stability. Understanding these perspectives helps explain why families take...
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of 2
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Sociological Theories and Family Diversity
Marxist sociologists reckon families are basically capitalism's best mate - they train kids to become the perfect workforce and help wealthy families keep their money within their circle. Engels argued that nuclear families also kept women under control, which secured inheritance for men.
Functionalists like Murdoch take a completely different view, claiming families provide four essential needs that no other institution can offer: primary socialisation, stable relationships, economic support, and childcare. Parsons added that families help stabilise adult personalities by providing emotional support and preventing disruptive behaviour.
Feminist perspectives highlight how families can be pretty unfair to women. Delphy and Leonard argue that women face a dual burden (career plus housework) or even a triple shift (adding emotional care). Ann Oakley's research shows that despite talk of 'New Man' masculinity, women still do most domestic tasks.
The New Right believes strongly that nuclear families are ideal - without them, they argue, society would face more crime, poverty, and moral decline. Meanwhile, family diversity has massively increased in modern Britain, with lone-parent families, cohabiting couples, and same-sex families becoming much more common.
Key Insight: Each theory offers a different lens for understanding families - whether as tools of oppression, essential social institutions, or sources of gender inequality.
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Family Changes and Criticisms
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Conjugal roles (how partners divide household tasks) are supposedly becoming more symmetrical according to Willmott and Young's research. However, feminists argue this 'march of progress' ignores that women still handle most domestic work, even in dual-career families where both partners work full-time.
Family diversity reflects Britain's changing values - we've got beanpole families (multiple generations with few children), reconstituted families (blended from previous relationships), and empty-nest families. The Rapaports celebrate this diversity as positive choice, whilst Chester argues nuclear families still dominate despite the statistics.
Criticisms of families reveal their dark side. Feminists highlight ongoing gender inequalities and the triple shift burden on women. Some families become dysfunctional through neglect or domestic abuse. Parsons noted that isolated nuclear families get less support from extended networks, putting more pressure on couples.
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We thought you’d never ask...
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.
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