Topic 4 of 7 · Form 3
Family
Nuclear, extended, lone-parent, reconstituted, same-household and transnational families; polygamy and monogamy; cohabitation; household diversity.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Family types
Nuclear, extended, lone-parent, reconstituted, same-household and transnational families; polygamy and monogamy; cohabitation; household diversity.
Functions of the family
Functionalist views (Murdock, Parsons) and critical views (Marxist, feminist); the loss of functions debate.
Changes in families
Changing roles of men and women (symmetrical families, the dual burden), children and the elderly; changes in marriage, divorce and cohabitation; the impact of urbanisation, industrialisation, migration and economic change.
Divorce
Causes: legal changes, changing attitudes, secularisation, women's economic independence; consequences for adults and children.
Domestic violence
Its extent and causes; feminist explanations; under-reporting.
Worked example: Explain one reason why the extended family remains important in many developing countries.
It provides mutual support (childcare, financial help, care for the elderly) where state welfare is limited.
Check yourself
- What is a reconstituted family?
- What is the dual burden?
- Give two reasons for the increase in divorce in many societies.
Show answers
- A family formed when partners bring children from previous relationships.
- Women doing paid work as well as most of the housework and childcare.
- Any two: easier divorce laws, changing attitudes/less stigma, women's independence, secularisation, higher expectations of marriage.
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