Key Study: Parsons Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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Who was Talcott Parsons, and what did he study about families?

A functionalist sociologist. He explained the role of the nuclear family in modern society.

What two key functions did Parsons say the modern family performs?

Primary socialisation of children. And the stabilisation of adult personalities.

What is primary socialisation in Parsons' theory?

Teaching children the norms and values of their culture in the family.

What does stabilisation of adult personalities mean in Parsons' study?

The family gives adults emotional support and reduces stress. This is the 'warm bath' idea.

What did Parsons mean by instrumental and expressive roles?

Instrumental is the breadwinner role, often by men. Expressive is the caring, emotional role, often by women.

What is an isolated nuclear family in Parsons' view?

A small, two-generation family. It is self-contained and less tied to wider relatives.

Why did Parsons think the nuclear family fits industrial society?

It lets people move for work and supports achieved status at work.

What is achieved status in Parsons' theory?

Status you earn by your own work, not one you are born with.

What is structural differentiation according to Parsons?

Other institutions take over old family jobs, like education and health care. The family becomes more specialised.

How did the shift to industrial society change family form in Parsons' view?

Before industry, extended families were common. Industrial society favours the nuclear family.