1. The Role of the Family Further Perspectives
CS Sociology
The Role of the Family
Further Perspectives

2. Starter…
Complete the gap fill activity by the time I have finished the register.

3. Learning Objectives
To be able to recall points about the Functionalist and Feminist perspective of the family.
To be able to explain the Marxist and New Right perspective of the family.
To consider the strengths and weaknesses of these sociological perspectives.

4. Marxist Perspective
Marxism similarly to Feminism offers a critical perspective of the family.
Feminism focuses on gender inequality. Marxism focuses on social class inequality.

5. Marxist Perspective Proletariat Bourgeoisie
Work for the Bourgeoisie, making them richer.
Earn very little
Bourgeoisie
a.k.a the ruling class
Own land and factories (means of production)

6. Marxist Perspective
Institution of the family  reproduces social inequality over time. (generations) E.g. the rich pass their wealth down to their family members.
As the family is an agency of socialization, the working class therefore learn to accept their position in an unequal society.

7. Marxist Perspective
So… we have identified that the Bourgeoisie yield wealth, land and the means of production. The Bourgeoisie are a group in society who have a large amount of power which they exploit and use, to control societies institutions for example religion, the education system and the media.
Task: Mind map the things the Bourgeoisie may hold an advantage over compared to the Proletariat.

8. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister Charles Murray, Sociologist
New Right Perspective
Who are the New Right?
New Right perspectives are influenced by the governments throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister
Charles Murray, Sociologist

9. New Right Perspective What do the New Right believe?
Nuclear family is the best for society.
Children are best brought up by two married biological parents.
Children brought up by two parents fair better educationally, physically. Psychologically and socially than children brought up by single parents.
NR seen by critics to be an attack on gay and lesbian rights, single parents and fatherless families.
So… is this view of the family a positive or negative view?

10. Task
To consolidate your learning of the Sociological perspectives of the family create a poster or leaflet showing the four perspectives we have covered and show there key points, comparisons and contrasts.