Families is a core part of GCSE Sociology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Nuclear familyTwo-generation household of parents and dependent children; Parsons (1955) saw it as the ideal family of industrial society.
Extended familyThree or more generations living together or in close contact; more common in pre-industrial and collectivist societies.
Reconstituted familyStep-family formed when separated adults remarry with children from prior relationships; around 11% of UK families with children (ONS).
Symmetrical familyYoung and Willmott (1973): conjugal roles become more shared as families become privatised; criticised by Ann Oakley.
Functionalism on familyMurdock (1949): family performs four functions: sexual, reproductive, economic and educational.
Feminist viewOakley (1974): housework remains gendered; women perform 'dual burden' of paid work and domestic labour.
Personal life perspectiveSmart (2007): focus on chosen relationships including friends, pets and ex-partners as part of personal life.
Pure relationshipGiddens (1992): modern relationships continue only while both partners feel rewarded; couples renegotiate continually.
Confluent loveGiddens: love based on equality and openness rather than romantic destiny; reflects late modern reflexivity.
Negotiated familyBeck and Beck-Gernsheim (1995): family relationships negotiated rather than ascribed by tradition; risk and freedom rise.
Conjugal rolesBott (1957): segregated vs joint roles; influenced by network density.
Connectedness thesisSmart and May (2010): individuals embedded in networks of family connections that shape choices and identities.
Single-parent familyOne parent raising one or more children.
Beanpole familyLong, thin: many generations, few children.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Has the nuclear family always been the only family type?✗ Yes, the nuclear family is the only natural form. ✓ No — family diversity is widespread and has changed over time.
Is family life the same across all cultures and time?✗ Yes, families are identical everywhere. ✓ No — family forms and roles vary across cultures and history.
What is a reconstituted family?✗ A reconstituted family is one that has been put back together after divorce. ✓ A family formed when partners with children from previous relationships come together — a 'blended' or step-family — one of several family forms recognised in family diversity literature.
What did Murdock claim about the nuclear family?✗ It is the only valid family form and others are dysfunctional. ✓ It is universal and performs four essential functions in all societies.
What is the Marxist view on white-collar crime?✗ It does not really happen - only the working class commit crime. ✓ It is widespread but under-policed because law serves ruling-class interests.
Practise Families — free games
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