Theories of the family (functionalist, Marxist, feminist)

AQA

GCSE

This study component requires a critical evaluation of structural and conflict perspectives on the family. Candidates must analyse the relationship between the family and the wider social structure, specifically contrasting Functionalist views of social cohesion with Marxist and Feminist analyses of power and oppression. Mastery involves assessing the validity of the nuclear family as a universal norm against the backdrop of industrialisation, capitalism, and patriarchy. Responses must demonstrate understanding of how these theories conceptualise the family's role in socialisation, economic reproduction, and the maintenance of social order.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Credit accurate deployment of sociological terminology (e.g., 'instrumental/expressive roles', 'ideological state apparatus', 'patriarchy').
Award marks for explicit linkage between the family and wider social structures (e.g., economy for Marxists, organic analogy for Functionalists).
Responses must evaluate theoretical claims using contrasting perspectives (e.g., criticizing Functionalist 'warm bath' theory using Feminist evidence of domestic abuse).
Candidates must apply theories to contemporary society, acknowledging changes in family diversity where relevant to the critique.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Credit accurate deployment of sociological terminology (e.g., 'instrumental/expressive roles', 'ideological state apparatus', 'patriarchy').
Award marks for explicit linkage between the family and wider social structures (e.g., economy for Marxists, organic analogy for Functionalists).
Responses must evaluate theoretical claims using contrasting perspectives (e.g., criticizing Functionalist 'warm bath' theory using Feminist evidence of domestic abuse).
Candidates must apply theories to contemporary society, acknowledging changes in family diversity where relevant to the critique.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In 12-mark 'Discuss how far' questions, ensure the conclusion directly answers the specific command rather than summarising arguments.
💡Use the 'Item' provided in the exam paper as a conceptual hook; explicitly quote or refer to the item to secure AO2 marks.
💡Structure evaluation paragraphs using the 'PERC' method: Point, Explain, Refer to theorist/study, Critique with opposing view.
💡Memorise specific studies (e.g., Young and Willmott vs. Oakley) to substantiate theoretical claims regarding the division of labour.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the specific functions proposed by Parsons (primary socialisation, stabilisation of adult personalities) with Murdock's four functions.
Presenting anecdotal or common-sense assertions (e.g., 'families are good for love') instead of sociological concepts.
Failing to distinguish between different strands of Feminism (e.g., treating all feminists as radical separatists).
Describing the theory without evaluating its validity or relevance to modern society in 12-mark questions.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Discuss how far

Evaluate

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Practice questions tailored to this topic