Types of family and the role of the family

Last time

Before we start: last time, in How family life is changing, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

What is a family?

A family can be a mother, father and two children, or three generations under one roof, or a single parent and child. Families take many forms across cultures. This lesson covers the types of family and marriage, and what families do for people and for society.

Types of family

A nuclear family is two parents and their children. An extended family adds other relatives, such as grandparents, uncles or cousins. A lone-parent family has one parent and children. A reconstituted, or step-family, forms when a parent remarries. A beanpole family has many generations but few people in each, as people live longer and have fewer children.

Types of marriage

Monogamy is marriage to one partner at a time. Serial monogamy is a series of marriages, one after another. Polygamy is marriage to more than one partner: polygyny, a man with more than one wife, is allowed in some cultures. Cohabitation is living together without marriage, increasingly common in many countries.

Arranged marriages

In an arranged marriage, families choose or help choose the partner. Reasons: to keep family and religious traditions, to link families of similar status or caste, and to keep wealth and property within the community. Supporters say family experience helps choose well; critics worry about lack of choice, especially forced marriages, which are different and illegal.

Murdock's functions

George Murdock argued the nuclear family is universal and performs four functions. Sexual and reproductive: it regulates sex and produces the next generation. Economic: it provides food and shelter. Educational: it socialises children.

Parsons

Talcott Parsons argued the modern family has two essential functions. Primary socialisation of children, teaching them society's norms and values. And the stabilisation of adult personalities: the family is a place to relax and recover from work stress.

Critical views

Marxists argue the family serves capitalism: it raises the next generation of workers and passes on wealth in the ruling class. Feminists argue the family oppresses women: unequal housework, childcare, and sometimes domestic violence. So the family can be both supportive and a source of inequality.

Gender socialisation in the family

Families may treat girls and boys differently: different toys, clothes and colours. Different chores and freedoms: girls may help with housework, boys may be allowed out more. Different expectations about education and careers. Ann Oakley called this manipulation and canalisation.

Family types

The main family types with an example of each.

Mistakes that lose marks

Mistake one: confusing an extended family with a reconstituted family. Mistake two: confusing arranged marriage with forced marriage. Mistake three: listing functions without the theorist or an example. The fix: precise type, the theorist, and an example.

The full-marks tip

The full-marks tip: define each family type precisely, with an example. For functions, name the theorist and say how the family performs each.

On one card

So, on one card: family types and roles. Keep it for revision.