Which theory takes the most positive view of the family?

functionalism. It sees the family as good for individuals and society.

What does the "dark side of the family" refer to?

violence, abuse and neglect within families. It is the main criticism of the positive view.

Which is a strength of the Marxist view of the family?

it shows the link between the family, wealth and the economy. Inheritance and consumption tie the family to capitalism.

Why might two members of one family experience it differently?

power, work and care are not shared equally within it. A comfort for one can be a burden for another.

Which conclusion best fits the evidence about family life?

it is positive for many people, but the experience varies between families and between members. A balanced judgement recognises both sides.

Is family life good or bad for its members? · Cambridge IGCSE Sociology

In plain words

The family is where most people are loved best, and it is also where some people are hurt most. Both statements are true. A good essay on the family holds them together and does not pick one.

7 things to know

The positive view. The family gives love, security and a sense of belonging. It socialises children, supports its members with money and care, and looks after the young, the sick and the old.
This is the view of functionalists, who see the family as good for individuals and for society, and of the New Right.
The negative view. The "dark side of the family" includes domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Family life can also mean conflict, control and pressure.
Marxists see the family as serving capitalism. Feminists see it as a place where women do unpaid work and men hold power.
The experience differs between members of the same family. It may be a comfort for one, and a burden or a danger for another.
Strengths of each theory. Functionalism explains why some form of family is found in almost every society. Marxism shows the link between the family, wealth and the economy. Feminism brought housework and violence at home into public view.
Limitations of each theory. Functionalism ignores the dark side. Marxism and feminism ignore the benefits that most people say they get. All three tend to write as if every family were the same.

Worked example

"The family is a positive institution for all its members." Plan an answer.

For: it provides love, support, socialisation and care. Use the functionalist view and the "warm bath" theory.
Against: the dark side of the family, with violence and abuse. Use the feminist point about unpaid work and unequal power.
Against: Marxists argue that the family benefits capitalism, not its members.
Conclusion: it is positive for many, but not for all members equally, so the word "all" in the statement goes too far.

Tips and tricks

Look for the extreme word in an essay statement, such as "all", "always" or "only". Challenging that word gives you a ready conclusion.
"Dark side of the family" is the phrase to use against any theory that sees the family as wholly good.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Is family life good or bad for its members?: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

Which theory takes the most positive view of the family?
- Marxism
- functionalism (the answer)
- feminism
- labelling theory
It sees the family as good for individuals and society.
What does the "dark side of the family" refer to?
- families that live in poverty
- violence, abuse and neglect within families (the answer)
- families with no children
- families that move often
It is the main criticism of the positive view.
Which is a strength of the Marxist view of the family?
- it explains domestic violence fully
- it shows that all families are happy
- it treats every family as different
- it shows the link between the family, wealth and the economy (the answer)
Inheritance and consumption tie the family to capitalism.
Why might two members of one family experience it differently?
- power, work and care are not shared equally within it (the answer)
- they have different names
- they are the same age
- the law treats them the same
A comfort for one can be a burden for another.
Which conclusion best fits the evidence about family life?Stretch
- it is always positive
- it is always negative
- it no longer matters
- it is positive for many people, but the experience varies between families and between members (the answer)
A balanced judgement recognises both sides.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Is family life good or bad for its members?

Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

What is meant by the "dark side of the family"?[2]
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The negative aspects of family life, such as domestic violence, abuse and neglect.
I got this one
Describe two ways in which family life can be positive for its members.[4]
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Any two, each described: it gives love, emotional support and security; it socialises children; it provides financial support; it cares for the young, sick and old; it gives a sense of identity and belonging.
I got this one
Explain one strength and one limitation of the feminist view of the role of the family.[4]
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Strength: it drew attention to inequalities that had been ignored, such as unpaid housework and domestic violence. Limitation: it can ignore the fact that many women find family life rewarding, and that roles have become more equal in many families.
I got this one

Answers: Is family life good or bad for its members?

1. The negative aspects of family life, such as domestic violence, abuse and neglect.
2. Any two, each described: it gives love, emotional support and security; it socialises children; it provides financial support; it cares for the young, sick and old; it gives a sense of identity and belonging.
3. Strength: it drew attention to inequalities that had been ignored, such as unpaid housework and domestic violence. Limitation: it can ignore the fact that many women find family life rewarding, and that roles have become more equal in many families.