Theories of the Family

    OCR
    GCSE

    This study area requires critical evaluation of sociological perspectives on the family, moving beyond descriptive accounts of family structures. Candidates must analyse the debate between structural theories (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism) which view the family as shaped by societal needs, and social action/postmodern approaches (Personal Life Perspective) which prioritise individual agency and choice. Mastery involves assessing the relationship between the family and social change, specifically regarding industrialisation, capitalism, and patriarchy. High-scoring responses will synthesise these theories to evaluate whether the nuclear family remains the 'norm' or if family diversity has rendered classical theories obsolete.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit accurate application of specific sociological concepts (e.g., Parsons' 'warm bath theory', Zaretsky's 'unit of consumption').
    • Award marks for explicit links between theory and social structure; candidates must distinguish between the family serving the needs of society (Functionalism) versus serving capitalism (Marxism) or patriarchy (Feminism).
    • Responses must differentiate between the 'New Right' and 'Functionalism'; while both favor the nuclear family, credit recognition of the New Right's political focus on the welfare state and the 'underclass'.
    • High-level responses must evaluate theories by highlighting their limitations (e.g., Functionalism ignores the 'dark side' of family life such as domestic abuse).

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate application of specific sociological concepts (e.g., Parsons' 'warm bath theory', Zaretsky's 'unit of consumption').
    • Award marks for explicit links between theory and social structure; candidates must distinguish between the family serving the needs of society (Functionalism) versus serving capitalism (Marxism) or patriarchy (Feminism).
    • Responses must differentiate between the 'New Right' and 'Functionalism'; while both favor the nuclear family, credit recognition of the New Right's political focus on the welfare state and the 'underclass'.
    • High-level responses must evaluate theories by highlighting their limitations (e.g., Functionalism ignores the 'dark side' of family life such as domestic abuse).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 'Discuss' questions, use the PERC structure: Point, Explain, Refer to theorist/study, Criticize/Counter-argue.
    • 💡When applying sources, explicitly quote or cite data from the stimulus to secure AO2 marks before expanding with own knowledge.
    • 💡Do not merely list advantages and disadvantages; use connecting phrases like 'However, interactionists would critique this structural view by arguing...' to demonstrate AO3 analysis.
    • 💡Allocate strictly 25 minutes for the 24-mark essay; a conclusion is mandatory for the top band to demonstrate a 'justified judgement'.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'Marxism' with 'Communism' generally, rather than focusing on the specific Marxist critique of the family as an ideological state apparatus.
    • Describing 'Feminism' as a monolith; failing to distinguish between Liberal, Marxist, and Radical viewpoints when relevant to the specific question.
    • Presenting a narrative description of family types (e.g., nuclear vs. extended) when the question demands theoretical analysis of family functions.

    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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