How did the theory of 'transition' come about for the family?
Came about as the family evolved through industrialisation(large extended familys), into a modern society, isolated, nuclear family which was small and mobile.
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What did William Good argue about this process of transition?
That it was happening all over the world.
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Why do functionalists see the nuclear family as fitting modern industrial society?`
Nuclear family = small and geographically mobile. Other family structures don't fit into society as well - functions once performed by kin now taken over by other institutions.
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What are the three questions we can use to test the theory of transition?
1) Were all families extended in the past? 2) Has the extended family now disappeared? 3) Did industrialisation lead to a decline in extended families?
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Were all families extended in the past? Main theorist for this and year they carried out research.
Laslett (1965) Study: Analysed parish records from 1564 to 1821. Findings: Extended familys actually quite rare: only 10% included kin other than the nuclear family. Average household size = 4.75-close to today's norm.Argues nuclear family aided indu
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Did industrialisation lead to a decline in extended families? Comment on two main study's and their findings.
Anderson (1971) Study: Early industrial Preston 1851. Findings: Migration and poverty --> led to increase in extended families not a decrease. People needed support & solidarity. Haraven (1994) Argues extended families suit industrial society.
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Has the extended family disappeared? Comment on two studys and the findings.
Devine (1992) Study: Luton car workers Findings: lived as isolated families --> but strong connections with kin - phones, cars etc Finch and Mason (1993) Study: Greater manchester Findings:90% given or recieved help 50% helped to look after sick kin
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How do these studies constitute a criticism of the theory of transition?
- Show families before industrialisation were not mainly extended. - Show industrialisation increased importance of extended - Show extended family still important today.
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What do postmodernists think about the family?
-No overall dominant claim to truth - no type of family is 'normal. Individuals more free to choose lifestyles that have meaning for them at a particular time?
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What did William Good argue about this process of transition?
Back
That it was happening all over the world.
Card 3
Front
Why do functionalists see the nuclear family as fitting modern industrial society?`
Back
Card 4
Front
What are the three questions we can use to test the theory of transition?
Back
Card 5
Front
Were all families extended in the past? Main theorist for this and year they carried out research.
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