Family Studies: Structure, Functions, and Social Change

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary function of the nuclear family according to Talcott Parsons' theory?

Accepted Answer

Economic production and consumption

Answer

Socialization of children

Answer

Provision of emotional support

Answer

Regulation of sexual behavior

Question 2

According to Talcott Parsons, which of the following is NOT a feature of the traditional nuclear family?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the significance of the extended family

Answer

Emphasis on the male breadwinner role

Answer

Emphasis on the female homemaker role

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT recognized as a primary function of the family in sociological theory?

Accepted Answer

Political indoctrination

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Economic support

Answer

Emotional support

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a type of family structure recognized in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Polygamous family

Answer

Nuclear family

Answer

Extended family

Answer

Single-parent family

Question 5

The sociological perspective that views the family as a reflection of the broader society is:

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 6

According to feminist analysis, traditional family structures often perpetuate:

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 7

A primary function of the family within society is:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Religious worship

Answer

Economic production

Answer

Political governance

Question 8

Cohabitation, as an alternative to traditional marriage, has gained increasing acceptance. Which of the following is a potential advantage of cohabitation?

Accepted Answer

Flexibility and freedom

Answer

Social acceptance

Answer

Financial stability

Answer

Legal protection

Question 9

The concept of the 'family life cycle' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The stages and transitions families typically experience over time

Answer

The specific roles and responsibilities of individual family members

Answer

The impact of social class on family dynamics

Answer

The historical evolution of family structures

Question 10

Which of the following is a core function of the family?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Transportation

Answer

Political advocacy

Question 11

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of hierarchy and inequality within the family?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 12

A family formed when individuals from two previously separate families come together through remarriage is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Blended family

Answer

Extended family

Answer

Nuclear family

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential consequence of divorce for children?

Accepted Answer

Emotional distress

Answer

Enhanced social skills

Answer

Improved academic performance

Answer

Increased self-esteem

Question 14

The concept of 'family values' is:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and varies across cultures

Answer

Universal and unchanging

Answer

Based solely on religious beliefs

Answer

Determined by the government

Question 15

Which of the following factors has not contributed to the decline of marriage rates?

Accepted Answer

Increased economic stability

Answer

Changing attitudes towards marriage

Answer

Increased cohabitation

Answer

Delayed childbearing

Question 16

'Quality time' in parenting refers to:

Accepted Answer

Spending focused and emotionally engaged time with children

Answer

Allowing children to have complete freedom

Answer

Ignoring children's emotional needs

Answer

Harshly disciplining children

Question 17

The concept of 'family diversity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The wide range of family forms, relationships, and experiences found in society

Answer

Only families with adopted children

Answer

Only families headed by single parents

Question 18

Which of the following is not considered a primary function of the family within society?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding individual liberties

Answer

Providing emotional support

Answer

Socializing children

Answer

Preserving social stability

Question 19

In the functionalist perspective, what is a prominent feature of the traditional nuclear family structure?

Accepted Answer

Assigned roles based on gender

Answer

Absence of extended family connections

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Emphasis on personal autonomy

Question 20

Which renowned sociologist asserted that the family is a repressive institution perpetuating women's oppression?

Accepted Answer

Friedrich Engels

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 21

Cohabiting before marriage offers potential advantages. Which of these is one?

Accepted Answer

Assessing compatibility in a romantic partnership before legal commitment

Answer

Reducing the financial risks associated with marriage

Answer

Gaining social validation and status

Question 22

Which characteristic is prevalent in families of pre-industrial societies?

Accepted Answer

Extended family structure

Answer

Nuclear family structure

Answer

High divorce rates

Question 23

Divorce can have detrimental effects on children. Which of these is a potential consequence?

Accepted Answer

Emotional distress and behavioral issues

Answer

Improved academic performance

Answer

Enhanced social skills

Answer

Improved physical health

Question 24

Research on the impact of poverty on family life has shown that:

Accepted Answer

It can lead to increased stress and conflict within the family

Answer

It reduces the risk of family breakdown

Answer

It strengthens family cohesion

Answer

It improves parent-child relationships

Question 25

Which of the following is considered a fundamental function of families in most societies?

Accepted Answer

Socialization of children into society's values and norms

Answer

Producing and distributing goods and services

Answer

Organizing religious rituals and ceremonies

Answer

Exercising political power and authority

Question 26

According to empirical research, which factor has significantly contributed to the decline in the prevalence of traditional nuclear family structures?

Accepted Answer

Increased rates of divorce and remarriage, leading to more complex and blended family arrangements

Answer

Enhanced governmental support and resources for families, reducing economic pressures

Answer

Improved economic conditions, enabling couples to better support themselves and their children

Question 27

A key concept in symbolic interactionist theories of the family is:

Accepted Answer

Negotiation and the creation of shared meanings among family members through ongoing interactions

Answer

Economic exchange and the allocation of resources among family members

Answer

Structural differentiation based on roles and responsibilities within the family unit

Answer

Social stratification and the differential distribution of power and resources within families

Question 28

According to feminist theories, a significant criticism of traditional family structures is that they:

Accepted Answer

Perpetuate gender inequality and power imbalances, limiting opportunities and choices for women

Answer

Are overly rigid and inflexible, hindering the adaptation to changing societal norms and values

Answer

Fail to provide adequate support and resources for children's development and well-being

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can influence the stability of a family unit?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition or inherited traits

Answer

Economic circumstances and access to resources that impact family well-being

Answer

Level of relationship satisfaction and commitment between partners

Answer

Cultural norms and values that shape family expectations and behaviors

Question 30

A characteristic of postmodern families is:

Accepted Answer

Increased diversity and fluidity in family structures and relationships, challenging traditional definitions

Answer

Emphasis on maintaining economic stability as the primary goal of family life

Answer

Limited involvement of extended family members and a focus on nuclear family units

Answer

Strict adherence to conventional norms and expectations regarding family roles and responsibilities

Question 31

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of divorce for children?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or acting out

Answer

Improved academic performance due to reduced distractions and increased parental attention

Answer

Enhanced social skills and resilience as children learn to navigate complex family dynamics

Question 32

A significant role that grandparents can play in family life is:

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support, guidance, and financial assistance to both parents and grandchildren

Answer

Enforcing strict family rules and discipline, ensuring order and conformity within the family

Answer

Resolving conflicts between parents and children, acting as mediators and peacemakers

Answer

Assuming the primary responsibility for raising grandchildren, replacing the role of parents

Question 33

According to the functionalist perspective, the family primarily serves which of the following purposes within society?

Accepted Answer

Socializing individuals into societal norms and values

Answer

Regulating sexual behavior

Answer

Providing economic support to its members

Question 34

Which sociological theory posits that the family is shaped by and serves to maintain inequalities within society?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Question 35

Which of the following criticisms of conflict theory focuses on its portrayal of family life?

Accepted Answer

It overemphasizes the negative aspects of family relationships.

Answer

It ignores the role of culture in shaping family structures.

Answer

It does not adequately explain the diversity of family forms.

Question 36

Which of the following is a central concept in feminist theory's analysis of the family?

Accepted Answer

Patriarchy

Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Class conflict

Question 37

According to postmodernist theory, the family is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

A fluid and diverse social construct

Answer

A product of economic and political forces

Answer

A reflection of individual experiences

Answer

A universal and unchanging institution

Question 38

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of their family?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Enculturation

Answer

Acculturation

Question 39

Which of the following is considered a significant challenge facing families in contemporary society?

Accepted Answer

Balancing work and family life

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Climate change

Question 40

What is the term used to describe a family that includes members who are not biologically related to each other?

Accepted Answer

Blended family

Answer

Nuclear family

Answer

Single-parent family

Answer

Extended family

Question 41

Which of the following is **NOT** a **primary** function of the family?

Accepted Answer

Economic production

Answer

Reproduction

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Emotional support

Question 42

According to **sociological theory**, what is the **primary** role of the nuclear family?

Accepted Answer

To provide a stable and supportive environment for child development

Answer

To promote economic growth

Answer

To regulate sexual behavior

Question 43

What is the concept of the 'family life cycle'?

Accepted Answer

A model that describes the stages of development that most families go through

Answer

A framework for assessing family health

Answer

A theory that explains why families break down

Question 44

Which of the following is a **key** difference between **traditional** and **modern** views of the family?

Accepted Answer

Modern views emphasize the importance of individual choice and autonomy

Answer

Modern views are more supportive of extended families

Answer

Traditional views are more accepting of divorce

Question 45

What is the **primary** role of government in supporting families?

Accepted Answer

Providing financial assistance, healthcare, and childcare services

Answer

Regulating family relationships

Answer

Enforcing traditional family values

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a function of the family, according to the functionalist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Providing entertainment and leisure activities

Answer

Regulating sexual behavior

Answer

Socializing children into society's norms and values

Answer

Providing emotional support and companionship

Question 47

The changing family landscape, including the decline of the traditional nuclear family, can be attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Social and cultural changes, such as individualism, secularization, and increased women's rights

Answer

A lack of government support for families

Answer

The diminishing value of marriage and commitment

Question 48

Which sociological theory emphasizes the power dynamics within families, often focusing on the inequality between genders?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 49

The term 'cohabitation' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Living together in a romantic relationship without being legally married

Answer

Sharing financial resources with a partner

Answer

Residing with extended family members

Answer

Having a close platonic friendship

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential impact of high divorce rates on children?

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of emotional and behavioral issues

Answer

Greater independence and self-reliance at an earlier age

Answer

Improved academic performance due to reduced family stress

Question 51

The term 'reconstituted families' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Families created after remarriage or cohabitation, typically involving step-parents or step-siblings

Answer

Families headed by same-sex parents

Answer

Families consisting of multiple generations living together

Question 52

Despite growing social movements and legal recognition, which factor can still hinder the acceptance of same-sex relationships and families?

Accepted Answer

Traditional religious and cultural beliefs

Answer

Changing attitudes and increased awareness of LGBTQ+ issues

Answer

Growing social movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights

Answer

Legal recognition of same-sex marriage in some countries

Question 53

The sociological concept of the family as a 'social construct' implies that:

Accepted Answer

Family structures and norms are not fixed but vary across cultures and historical periods, being shaped by social factors

Answer

Families are universal and unchanging across all societies

Answer

Families are primarily defined by biological relationships

Question 54

A potential benefit of the growing diversity of family forms is:

Accepted Answer

Increased tolerance and understanding of different ways of living and relating to others

Answer

Reduced social cohesion and community bonds

Answer

Increased pressure on individuals to conform to traditional family models

Question 55

One way that the family can act as an agent of social control is through:

Accepted Answer

Parents instilling societal norms and values in their children

Answer

Family members offering emotional support during challenging times

Answer

Family gatherings facilitating bonding and shared memories