Family Part 1

AQA A Level Sociology - Year 1
NAME
Theories of
The Family
Unit 1:
• Introduction to the family
• Functionalist Views
• Marxist Views
• Feminist View
• Postmodernism and Personal Life Perspective.
How to use this booklet:
Each section of this booklet contains:
• Topic overview sheet

• What you need to know
• Key Terms
• Key Thinkers
• Links to Resources
• Knowledge Organiser
• Completed to help ensure notes are full.
• Notes Prioritisation and Check

• Key questions to use to check your notes are complete and to
prioritise your knowledge.
• Quick Question Quiz

• 10 questions to check your understanding
• Consolidation Activity
• To bring together your learning and ensure your understanding.
• Exam Style Question Tasks
• 10 marker without Item

• Planner and first paragraph.
• 10 marker with item

• Planner sheet and first paragraph
• 20 Mark Questions
• Plan and Chain of Reasoning / Filter sheet
• Introduction and first paragraph.
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you need to focus on for your study.
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Functionalist
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Views
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Marxist Views

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Feminist Views

See me for help
and Personal Life
Postmodernism

Perspective

See me for help
Social Policy and

the Family

See me for help
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Introduction to the family
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
❑ Definitions of the family.
❑ Different types of Family
KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES
• Kinship
• Hodder:174 - 175
• Family
• Household
• Nuclear Family
• Bean Pole Family
WEBSITES
• Reconstituted Family
• Empty Nest Family
• Empty Shell Family
• Same Sex Family
• Single Parent Family
• Extended Family
• Chosen Family
Lumen Learning Hectic Teacher
• Adoption
Sociology
• Surrogacy
• Invitro Fertilisation
Revise Sociology Revise Sociology:

Glossary
VIDEO CLIPS
Sanjay Srivastava Crash Course Sociology

NOTE TAKING TASK
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content,
you need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.
Types of Family Definitions of the Family
Outline the different types of family listed below:
• Kinship What are the different ways that family can be

• Family defined?
• Household
• Nuclear Family
• Bean Pole Family
What is the difference between a family and a
• Reconstituted Family household?
• Empty Nest Family
• Empty Shell Family
• Same Sex Family
• Single Parent Family What are the issue relating to defining family
sociologically?
• Extended Family
• Chosen Family
PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!
FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF THE FAMILY
❑ Definitions of Family and Household and universal nuclear family

❑ The functions of the family according to Murdock
❑ The Functions of the Family according to Parsons
❑ Evaluation of the functionalist view if the family.

• Family • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and
Townend:189 – 191
• Household • Browne: 270 - 277
• Collins: 225 - 233
• Universal Nuclear Family • Hodder:177
• Sexual Function
• Reproduction WEBSITES
• Economic Support
• Socialisation
• Warm Bath Theory
• Structural Differentiation
Tutor2U Hectic Teacher
• Stabilisation of Adult
Personalities Sociology
• Best Fit Theory / Functional

Fit Theory
KEY THINKERS
• Murdock Revise Sociology The Sociology

Teachers
• Parsons
VIDEO CLIPS
Esher Sociology Joel Stephens I love Socio

NOTE TAKING TASK
Overview Murdock Parsons New Right
What is functional fit /

Outline Murdock’s Best fit theory and How does the New
1949 study into the how does this differ Right view the role of
family? from Murdock? the Family in society?
What does Parson’s

mean by Structural
What are the four
Differentiation? How is the new right
functions of the family
What is the role of the view similar and
according to
family in society? different to the
Murdock?
What is meant by the Functionalists?
Stabilisation of adult
personalities?
What are the criticisms What are the criticisms What are the criticisms
of Murdock’s view of of Parson’s view of of the New Right view
the family? the family? of the family?
PRIORITISATION
KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS.
Complete the following questions firstly without your notes and then check using your notes.
Define the term Family
What are the four

functions of the family
according to Murdock?
Define the term structural

differentiation.
What are the two functions

of the family according to
Parsons?
Define the term

household.
What term does Murdock

use to describe the most
common family type?
What is meant by the best fit

theory?
Give one criticism of

functionalist view of the
family.

Murdock's four functions of
the family.

Parson's Warm Bath
Theory.
Consolidation Activity
CONSOLIDATION TASK
For each of the statements, determine how far you agree with it by colouring in the blocks
(the more you colour in the more you agree) and explain why.
Level of
Statement Why
Agreement
It is the families main

function to socialise the
next generation into
societies norms and
values.
Functionalist views of the

family is not that useful
anymore.
The nuclear family is a

universal institution found
in all societies.
The family acts as like a

warm bath for its
members, providing
safety and a place to
relax.
The family is no longer

needed to carry out the
functions as set out by
Murdock.
10 Mark no item
Outline and explain two functions of the family as described by Murdock. [10]
Command Words Topic Focus

10 Mark with Item Planner
Item
Functionalist sociologies take a positive view of the nuclear family. They argue that the
modern nuclear family evolved from earlier types of family as society evolved. In the past,
people had rely on the family to meet many needs, for example, to care for them when
they are sick or old, to lend financial support when needed and to teach the norms and
values of society. However other sociologists would argue that the family no longer needs to
meet these needs as other social institutions as part of modern society.
Applying material from the item analyse two criticisms of the functionalist theory of
the family. [10]
Deconstruct the Think of possible Look for hooks in Write the

question answers the Item paragraph.

Arguments Essay
ITEM:
For functionalists, the family fulfils a number of important functions for individuals and for
society, such as the socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities.
However, some sociologists suggest that in today’s society, these functions are being taken
over by other institutions and the family is losing its importance. For example, nurseries and
playgroups have an increasingly important role ins the socialisation of young children
whose parents are working full-time. Also, family life is much less stable than it was in the
past and this undermines the traditional functions of the family.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that in today’s
society, the family is losing its functions. [20]
Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem
Context
Background
Definition
Trend
Content
FOR AGAINST
The family is losing its functions because……. The family is NOTlosing its functions because…….
Answer
I respectfully disagree because…
Regardless of your objections
That might be so but….
You are not listening,
But don’t forget that….
But what about
But have you considered….
I believe that…
MARXIST THEORIES OF THE FAMILY
❑ Marxist views of the family.

❑ The ways that the family unit can support the capitalist society.
❑ Evaluation of the Marxist view of the family.

• Economic Base • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townend:
191 - 193
• Superstructure • Browne: 277 - 278
• Collins: 234 - 235
• Ideological State • Hodder:177 - 178
Apparatus
• Cushioning Effect
WEBSITES
• Capitalism
• Reserve Workforce
• Inheritance of Wealth
• Socialisation
• Unit of Consumption.
Hectic Teacher’s Turot2U: Marxism
A Level Site
KEY THINKERS
• Zaretsky
• Engels
• Althusser
The Sociology
Revise Sociology
Teacher
VIDEO CLIPS
Esher Sociology The Teacher The Sociology

Sociology Guy
Marxist Theory of Crime and Deviance
NOTE TAKING TASK
Overview Functions of the Family Evaluation
What is the function of the family

according to Engels and how does
this help to maintain capitalism?
What are the strengths of
Marxism compared to
What is the function of the family functionalist view?
according to Althusser and how
does this help to maintain
capitalism?
What is the role of
the family in society?
What are the two functions of the
family according to Zaretsky and
how do they help to maintain
capitalism?
What are the criticisms of the
Marxist view of the family?
In what other ways does the family
support capitalism and maintain
ruling class power?
PRIORITISATION
What is meant by the

Cushioning Effect?
Which thinkers are

associated with the Marxist
theory of the family?
What is the main purpose of the

family according to the
Marxists?
What is meant by reserve

labour force?
What is meant by an
Ideological state
apparatus?
Name three ways that the

nuclear family supports
capitalism.
Give one criticism of the

Marxist theory of the family.
In what way are the

Marxists and functionalists
similar in their view of the
functions of the family.
Which theorist is
associated with the
cushioning effect?
Which theorist is
associated with the idea
of inheritance of wealth?
CONSOLIDATION TASK
For each of the pictures below identify what the function of the family is according to
Marxist thinkers. Describe what this means and who the key thinkers are.
10 mark without Item
Outline and explain two criticisms of the Marxist view of society. [10]

Item
Capitalist Society is based on a wealthy capitalist class exploiting the labour of the
propertyless working class in order to extract a profit. However, to obtain the profit,
capitalists must sell what has been produced and this requires people who are willing to buy
it. For capitalism to continue, the proletariat must be persuaded to accept their exploitation.
Capitalist also need to retain control of their wealth in order to maintain the privileged
position.
Applying material from the item, analyse two functions that the family May perform for
capitalism. [10]


Arguments Essay
ITEM:
In the view of Marxist sociologists, all of society’s institutions contribute to maintaining the
capitalist system. These institutions include the family, which Marxists see as performing
important functions for capitalism. For example, its role in socialising the young helps to
ensure that capitalism is provided with the next generation of docile workers. However
critics argue that the Marxist view of the family ignores issues such as family diversity as well
as inequalities within the family.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of
Marxist theory in the study of families and households. [20]
Context
Background
Definition
Trend
Content
FOR AGAINST
Marxist theory of the family is useful because……. Marxist theory of the family is not useful
because…….
Answer
But what about
I believe that…
FEMINIST THEORY OF THE FAMILY
❑ The ways that the family can be seen as a patriarchal institution.

❑ Different Feminist views on the family
❑ Evaluation of feminist views of the family.

• Feminism • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townend:
193 - 194
• Liberal Feminism • Browne: 278 - 281
• Collins: 235 - 240
• Marxist Feminism • Hodder:178 - 180
• Radical Feminism
• Patriarchy
WEBSITES
• Triple Shift
• Duel Burden
• Sandwich Generation
• Malestream Sociology
Hectic Teacher’s Tutor2U
• March of progress A Level Site
KEY THINKERS
• Jenny Sommerville
• Fran Ansley
• Anne Oakley The Sociology
Revise Sociology
Teacher
VIDEO CLIPS
Esher Sociology Sociology Sociology Ferret

Coach
NOTE TAKING TASK
Overview Views of the Family Evaluation
How do the Liberal Feminists view

the modern family?
What are the criticisms of
the feminist view of the
family overall?
How do the Radical Feminists view
the modern family?
What is the role of

the family in society?
How do the Marxist Feminists view

the modern family?
What are the criticisms of
each of the branches of
feminism and their views of
the family?
How do the Intersectional Feminists
view the modern family?
PRIORITISATION
What is meant by
patriarchy?
What is the triple Shift?
What is the duel burden?
What is political lesbianism?
Identify two criticisms of

feminist views of the family.
Which feminist is
associated with the liberal
feminist view of the family?
What is malestream
sociology?
What is the liberal feminist

view of the family?
According the Marxist

Feminists what three
functions do women
perform for capitalism?
What is the intersectional

feminist view of the
family?
Write a Tweet
Write a tweet from each of the key thinkers about function of crime. Remember a tweet can
only be 280 characters (including spaces) and should include 1 hashtag.
@Liberal_Feminism
@Radical_Feminists
@Marxist_Feminists
@Instersectional_Feminists
Outline and explain two ways that the family is considered patriarchal. [10]

Item
In the last 50 years or so, they have been major changes in the position of women in society.
For example, girls now outperform boys in education and more females than males go to
university. Major changes in the Labour market and the economy, such as the expansion of
the service sector, have benefited women. So to have equal rights laws and equal
opportunities policies in many areas of society. These include sexuality, where they have been
moved towards equality between heterosexual and lesbian women. Women now also have
much greater access to reliable contraception.
Applying material from the item, analyse two ways in which changes in women's
position in society in the last 50 years have affected family patterns. [10]


Arguments Essay
ITEM:
There have been important changes in the position of men and women in couple roles and
relationships in the last 50 years or so. For example, it is now the norm for married women to
take paid work, although often this is part-time rather than full-time. There are also signs of a
‘new man’ who is more involved in housework and childcare. However, feminists argue that
such changes have done little to change the family from a patriarchal institution based on
male power and female subordination.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that the family
today remains a patriarchal institution. [20]
Context
Background
Definition
Trend
Content
FOR AGAINST
The family is a patriarchal institution because……. The family is not a patriarchal institution
because…….
Answer
But what about
I believe that…
Personal Life and Postmodernist View of the Family
❑ The main beliefs of the personal life perspective and postmodernist approach.
❑ Evaluation of the personal life perspective and post modernist approach.
❑ The ways these approaches are different to the structural approaches

• Personal life • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and
Townend:194 – 196 / 228 - 222
• Choice • Browne: 281 – 282 / 289 - 292
• Collins: 280 - 281
• Blood ties
• Donor Children
WEBSITES
• Fictive Kin
• Friends
• Pets
• Postmodernism
• Fragmentation
Hectic Teacher Hectic Teacher– The Sociology
• Negotiated Family – Personal Life Postmodernism Teacher
• Needs based Family
• Pure Relationship
• Confluent Love
Revise Sociology- Revise Sociology –

KEY THINKERS Personal Life Postmodernism
• Carol Smart
• Petra Nordvqst VIDEO CLIPS
• Stacey
• Giddens
• Beck
Esher The Sociology The Sociology

Sociology Coach: Guy:
Postmodernism Postmodernism
NOTE TAKING TASK
Personal Life Perspective Postmodernism
What is the personal life perspectives What does Giddens mean by the Needs
definition of the family and how does it differ based family, confluent love and Pure
from the structural approaches? Relationships?
What does the personal life perspective

What does Beck mean by negotiated
mean by other significant relationships that
family?
can hold the meaning of family?
Outline the findings of the study completed Outline the findings Stacey’s studying into
by Carol Smart and Petra Nordqvist looking postmodernist families in Silicon Valley
at donor conceived children. (1998).
What are the criticisms of the Personal Life What are the criticisms of the Postmodernist
perspective of the family? perspective of the family?
PRIORITISATION
What does Beck mean by

the term negotiated
family?
Identify 2 ways that the

personal life perspective
differs from that of the
structural approaches.
Changes in what three

areas have led to women
being able to shape their
families to suit their need?
Which sociologist is
associated with the
Personal life perspective?
Give one criticism of the

postmodernist theory of
the family.
Name three types of family

members mentioned by
that go beyond the
traditional.
Which sociologist worked

with Carol Smart on a study
of donor children?
Give 2 ways in which the

and postmodernism are
similar.

personal life perspective.
Outline Giddens ideas on

the family.
CONSOLIDATION TASK
For each of the statements, determine how far you agree with it by colouring in the blocks
(the more you colour in the more you agree) and explain why.
Level of
Statement Why
Agreement
The definition of family in

modern society goes
beyond blood and legal
ties.
Traditional social
structures have lost their
influence over people’s
choices regarding their
family structure.
The greater freedom in

family structures and roles
has benefited women in
freeing them from
oppression and
exploitation.
The personal life

perspective on the family
is too broad to be useful.
The postmodernist theory

of the family exaggerates
the amount of choice
people have regarding
family structure and roles.
Outline and explain two significant relationships that could be considered family but
defies the traditional definition. [10]

Item
According to the individualisation thesis, greater individual choice has transformed family
and intimate relationships. Unlike in the past when individuals lives were governed by
tradition, today both men and women are free to make their own choices about
relationships, sexuality and so on, following their own self-interest. Class, gender and family
structure no longer limit our are choices.
Applying material from the item, analyse two criticisms of the individualisation thesis
[10]


Arguments Essay
ITEM:
Despite their disagreements, functionalists, Marxist and Feminists approaches to the family share
certain similarities. They are all structural approaches: they see the family as a structure that
performs certain functions – although they disagree about what these functions are and who
benefits from them. Similarly they all assume that by ‘family’ we mean the conventional nuclear
family. Other sociologists reject this structural approach. For example, the personal life
perspective take s a bottom up view that focuses on people’s meanings and how they
themselves define what counts as ‘family’.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of
structural approaches to our understanding of families and households. [20]
Context
Background
Definition
Trend
Content
FOR AGAINST
The structural approaches are useful because……. The structural approaches are not useful
because…….
Answer
But what about
I believe that…

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AQA A Level Sociology - Year 1

• Topic overview sheet

• Notes Prioritisation and Check

• Quick Question Quiz

• Exam Style Question Tasks

• 10 marker without Item

• 10 marker with item

When completing the booklet you will need 3 different colours.

❑ Completed without any notes

Complete this section

More detail required

Use different colours

Complete this section

Complete this section

Complete this section

More detail required

Complete this section

More detail required

Section Complete ISB is up to date and complete well.

ISB is mostly complete which a few tasks to check

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ Definitions of the family.

❑ Different types of Family

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

Revise Sociology Revise Sociology:

Sanjay Srivastava Crash Course Sociology

Types of Family Definitions of the Family

Outline the different types of family listed below:

• Kinship What are the different ways that family can be

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ Definitions of Family and Household and universal nuclear family

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• Warm Bath Theory

• Best Fit Theory / Functional

• Murdock Revise Sociology The Sociology

Esher Sociology Joel Stephens I love Socio

Overview Murdock Parsons New Right

What is functional fit /

What does Parson’s

Define the term Family

What are the four

Define the term structural

What are the two functions

Define the term

What term does Murdock

What is meant by the best fit

Give one criticism of

Give one criticism of

Give one criticism of

It is the families main

Functionalist views of the

The nuclear family is a

The family acts as like a

The family is no longer

Command Words Topic Focus

Deconstruct the Think of possible Look for hooks in Write the

Command Words Topic Focus

Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem

Regardless of your objections

That might be so but….