Family Structures

    OCR
    GCSE

    This study area examines the sociological evolution of family structures from pre-industrial forms to the diversity of late modernity. Candidates must analyse the transition from the dominance of the nuclear family (as posited by Functionalists like Parsons) to the pluralistic landscape identified by Postmodernists. Critical focus is required on the impact of demographic changes, state social policy, and shifting gender roles on family formation. Analysis must juxtapose structuralist perspectives (Marxism, Feminism) against interactionist and personal life theories, evaluating the extent to which the 'conventional' family remains the norm in contemporary UK society.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit accurate distinction between kinship ties (family) and residential arrangements (household)
    • Award marks for explicit application of theoretical perspectives (e.g., Parsons' functional fit vs. Zaretsky's unit of consumption)
    • Candidates must utilize specific sociological evidence (e.g., Rapoports, Young and Willmott) to support claims about structural changes
    • Credit analysis that contrasts the 'ideal' nuclear family with statistical trends in cohabitation and divorce

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate distinction between kinship ties (family) and residential arrangements (household)
    • Award marks for explicit application of theoretical perspectives (e.g., Parsons' functional fit vs. Zaretsky's unit of consumption)
    • Candidates must utilize specific sociological evidence (e.g., Rapoports, Young and Willmott) to support claims about structural changes
    • Credit analysis that contrasts the 'ideal' nuclear family with statistical trends in cohabitation and divorce

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use the mnemonic 'CLOGS' (Cultural, Life-stage, Organisational, Generational, Social class) to recall Rapoports' diversity types
    • 💡In 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion explicitly addresses the 'to what extent' command by weighing the evidence
    • 💡Explicitly name sociologists (e.g., Ann Oakley, Delphy and Leonard) to access top-band AO1 marks
    • 💡Do not spend more than 1 minute per mark on low-tariff questions; save time for the final essay

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'reconstituted families' (step-families) with 'extended families'
    • Asserting that the nuclear family has been 'abolished' rather than identifying it as one of many co-existing forms
    • Describing changes in family structure (AO1) without explaining the sociological reasons or theoretical implications (AO2/AO3)

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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