Functions of the Family

OCR

GCSE

Analysis of the sociological perspectives on the role of the family within the social structure. Candidates must evaluate Functionalist claims of universal necessity against Marxist and Feminist critiques regarding the reproduction of inequality. The study necessitates understanding the transition from pre-industrial to industrial family structures and the debate surrounding the 'loss of functions' in late modernity. Mastery requires linking theoretical mechanisms (e.g., primary socialisation, ideological conditioning) to broader societal stability or conflict.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology: primary socialisation, stabilisation of adult personalities, instrumental/expressive roles.
Credit accurate citation of key theorists: Murdock (4 functions), Parsons (2 irreducible functions), Zaretsky (unit of consumption).
Candidates must analyse the 'Warm Bath' theory not just as a definition, but as a mechanism for social stability.
High-level responses must evaluate the functionalist perspective by applying Marxist or Feminist critiques regarding exploitation and patriarchy.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology: primary socialisation, stabilisation of adult personalities, instrumental/expressive roles.
Credit accurate citation of key theorists: Murdock (4 functions), Parsons (2 irreducible functions), Zaretsky (unit of consumption).
Candidates must analyse the 'Warm Bath' theory not just as a definition, but as a mechanism for social stability.
High-level responses must evaluate the functionalist perspective by applying Marxist or Feminist critiques regarding exploitation and patriarchy.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion provides a definitive judgement on the 'extent' of the statement.
💡Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence/Theorist, Explanation, Link) to ensure depth in body paragraphs.
💡When citing Parsons, explicitly distinguish between the 'instrumental' (male) and 'expressive' (female) roles to access AO1 marks.
💡Allocate 15 minutes for the 12-mark essay; failing to complete this section caps the overall grade significantly.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'functions of the family' with 'types of family' (e.g., describing lone-parent families instead of what the family *does*).
Presenting a 'rose-tinted' Functionalist view as fact without acknowledging conflict theories.
Describing biological functions (reproduction) without linking them to sociological implications (maintenance of society).

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

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic