Sociologist Theory/ Topic Key findings
Functionalism Nuclear family is functionally fit for modern society as it is geographically and socially mobile. It performs two key
(Modernists) functions, primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities. Therefore, it is the best type of family
and other family types are dysfunctional, abnormal and deviant because they are less able to perform functions
required of the family.
New Right The perspective is conservative, anti-feminist and opposed to family diversity. Argues that the traditional family
(Modernists) is due to biological differences, marriage and the nuclear family being essential and the cornerstone of society
performing positive functions. Therefore, family diversity is the cause of all social problems. Lone-parent
families are concerning as mothers cannot discipline children properly and this leaves boys without a role
model. They are also a burden on the welfare state and taxpayers and create a dependency culture. They point
to cohabitation as the cause of lone-parent families.
Research support: Benson (2006) analysed data of over 30,000 parents (15,000 babies). After 3 years,
relationships breakdown was 20%-cohabitating couples, 6%-married couples. Couples are more stable when
married as it requires a deliberate commitment to each other whereas cohabitation allows partners to avoid
commitment and responsibility.
BUT Oakley- roles aren’t fixed by biology as show by cross-cultural variation in the roles of men and women,
Negative reaction to feminist success, Nuclear family is based on patriarchy and female oppression- keeps
women financially dependent (feminists), No evidence that lone-parents are part of a dependency culture
(weak foundations to theory) & Marxists argue that delinquency is the result of social class not parenthood.
Chester (1985) Neo- Recognises that there has been some increased family diversity but doesn’t regard as significant or view in
conventional negative light. Argues that the nuclear family is dominant. Only important change is the move from traditional
family to conventional family to neo-conventional family. Conventional family: men as breadwinner, women as
(Modernists) homemaker vs the Neo-conventional family: dual-earner family where both spouses go to work (similar to
symmetrical family).
Most people are not choosing alternatives to the nuclear family on a long-term basis as it is not the ideal to
which most people aspire. People only live-in alternative structures for short periods of time and will be or have
been part of a nuclear family at some point due to life course structure e.g., not being married yet or widows.
Statistics on household composition are a snapshot at a single moment and therefore can be misleading – most
people will spend the majority of their lives in a nuclear family.
Identifies 6 patterns: (1) Most people live in a household headed by a married couple, (2) Most adults marry and
have children, (3) Most children are raised by two natural parents (47% of births outside marriage, nearly all are
jointly registered), (4) Most marriages last until death (2012-60%), (5) Divorces usually re-marry (40% of
marriage is re-marriage) & (6) Cohabitees generally get married eventually (Coast- 75% of cohabitating couples
expect to marry at same point).
Rapoports (1982) Family diversity Diversity is of central importance in understanding family life today. We live in a pluralist society where cultures
Functionalism Nuclear family is functionally fit for modern society as it is geographically and socially mobile. It performs two key
(Modernists) functions, primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities. Therefore, it is the best type of family
and other family types are dysfunctional, abnormal and deviant because they are less able to perform functions
required of the family.
New Right The perspective is conservative, anti-feminist and opposed to family diversity. Argues that the traditional family
(Modernists) is due to biological differences, marriage and the nuclear family being essential and the cornerstone of society
performing positive functions. Therefore, family diversity is the cause of all social problems. Lone-parent
families are concerning as mothers cannot discipline children properly and this leaves boys without a role
model. They are also a burden on the welfare state and taxpayers and create a dependency culture. They point
to cohabitation as the cause of lone-parent families.
Research support: Benson (2006) analysed data of over 30,000 parents (15,000 babies). After 3 years,
relationships breakdown was 20%-cohabitating couples, 6%-married couples. Couples are more stable when
married as it requires a deliberate commitment to each other whereas cohabitation allows partners to avoid
commitment and responsibility.
BUT Oakley- roles aren’t fixed by biology as show by cross-cultural variation in the roles of men and women,
Negative reaction to feminist success, Nuclear family is based on patriarchy and female oppression- keeps
women financially dependent (feminists), No evidence that lone-parents are part of a dependency culture
(weak foundations to theory) & Marxists argue that delinquency is the result of social class not parenthood.
Chester (1985) Neo- Recognises that there has been some increased family diversity but doesn’t regard as significant or view in
conventional negative light. Argues that the nuclear family is dominant. Only important change is the move from traditional
family to conventional family to neo-conventional family. Conventional family: men as breadwinner, women as
(Modernists) homemaker vs the Neo-conventional family: dual-earner family where both spouses go to work (similar to
symmetrical family).
Most people are not choosing alternatives to the nuclear family on a long-term basis as it is not the ideal to
which most people aspire. People only live-in alternative structures for short periods of time and will be or have
been part of a nuclear family at some point due to life course structure e.g., not being married yet or widows.
Statistics on household composition are a snapshot at a single moment and therefore can be misleading – most
people will spend the majority of their lives in a nuclear family.
Identifies 6 patterns: (1) Most people live in a household headed by a married couple, (2) Most adults marry and
have children, (3) Most children are raised by two natural parents (47% of births outside marriage, nearly all are
jointly registered), (4) Most marriages last until death (2012-60%), (5) Divorces usually re-marry (40% of
marriage is re-marriage) & (6) Cohabitees generally get married eventually (Coast- 75% of cohabitating couples
expect to marry at same point).
Rapoports (1982) Family diversity Diversity is of central importance in understanding family life today. We live in a pluralist society where cultures
