SOSC 200Y Gender and Society Lecture 11: Construction of Family

L11: Definition of Family Oxford Dictionary: a group consisting of one or two parents and their children (nuclear family) a group consisting of one or two parents, their children and close relations (extended family)

L11: Definition of Family (cont’) “The family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults” (Murdock, 1949:1) Ask further: - Is it ‘the family’? - Any difference between ‘our family’ and ‘others’ family’? - Any other types of families?

L11: Function of Family The emotional function Child-rearing Separation of home from work (Dyfunctional Families)

L11: Social Construction of Family Type of families (oversimplified): –Extended families or big families in pre-industrial society? –Nuclear families or small families in industrial society? –Monolithic and universal? Olive Twist (orphanhood) Finding Neverland (widowhood)

L11: Social Construction of Family Roles in families: –Children always under parents’ care and protection? –Men’s place as bread-winners –Women’s place as love providers and care takers

L11: Industrialization and Division of Labour Domestic Ideal: The separation of work from home The change of population structure  The role of caring at home  The emergence of the modern role of ‘housewife’  Increase women’s dependency

L11: Suggested Readings : Gittins, Diana (1993) The family in question: Changing households and familiar ideologies (2/e), Basingstoke: Macmillan, ch.1