Theories of the Family: Interactive Quizzes for Sociology Students

Question 1

Conflict theory suggests that the family is a site of:

Accepted Answer

Power struggles and inequality

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Cooperation and harmony

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Unconditional love and support

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Social control and conformity

Question 2

Kingsley Davis' functionalist explanation for the universality of the family is that it:

Accepted Answer

Serves basic biological needs

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Provides a means of social control

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Promotes economic efficiency

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Encourages individual autonomy

Question 3

The term 'family ideology' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The beliefs and values that shape our expectations about families

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The legal and institutional arrangements that govern families

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The physical and emotional environment in which families operate

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The social and economic conditions that influence family life

Question 4

A characteristic of post-modern families is:

Accepted Answer

Greater diversity in family structures and relationships

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Strong emphasis on traditional roles and values

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Increased emphasis on the role of the father

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Lower rates of divorce and separation

Question 5

The concept of 'family work' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The unpaid and often unrecognized labor that goes into maintaining a family

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The paid work that parents do to support their families

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The emotional and psychological labor that goes into raising children

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The physical labor that is required to manage a household

Question 6

A key tenet of symbolic interactionism is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals create and shape their social reality through interactions

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Social structures are objective and external to individuals

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Behavior is driven by biological instincts

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Culture is transmitted from generation to generation through language

Question 7

In family studies, the concept of 'intersectionality' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way in which different social identities overlap and intersect

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The way in which families are situated within larger social structures

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The way in which family relationships are influenced by cultural values

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The way in which family dynamics are shaped by economic conditions

Question 8

According to conflict theory, a primary source of conflict within families is:

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances

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Division of labor

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Scarce resources

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Ineffective communication

Question 9

Conflict theory posits the family as a site of:

Accepted Answer

Conflict

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Cooperation

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Exchange

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Adaptation

Question 10

Which feminist perspective views the family as a patriarchal institution that oppresses women?

Accepted Answer

Radical feminism

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Liberal feminism

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Marxist feminism

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Socialist feminism

Question 11

Identify the family structure that does not fall under the category of non-traditional families:

Accepted Answer

Traditional extended family

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Single-parent family

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Blended family

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Cohabiting couple

Question 12

The functionalist perspective on the family highlights its role in maintaining social order and stability. Which of the following statements best reflects this perspective?

Accepted Answer

The family is the primary unit responsible for socializing individuals into societal norms and values.

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The family is an institution that perpetuates social inequality and conflict within society.

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The family is a dynamic institution that constantly adapts to changing societal conditions.

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The family is an institution that is declining in importance in contemporary society.

Question 13

According to conflict theory, the family is shaped primarily by what factor?

Accepted Answer

Power and inequality

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Social norms

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Economic conditions

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Cultural values

Question 14

Social learning theory emphasizes the role of which factor in shaping children's behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others

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Positive and negative reinforcement

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Innate genetic predispositions

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Trial and error

Question 15

What is the concept of the 'double shift' in relation to family life?

Accepted Answer

Women working both outside and inside the home, resulting in a dual burden of paid and unpaid labor.

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Men taking on more household responsibilities and childcare.

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The increase in single-parent households.

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The decline in marriage rates.

Question 16

What is the primary goal of socialization within the family?

Accepted Answer

To transmit cultural values and norms to children, preparing them for society.

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To ensure children's obedience and compliance with parental authority.

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To provide children with emotional support and a sense of belonging.

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To foster children's creativity and independence.

Question 17

Which type of family structure includes extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, living together?

Accepted Answer

Extended family

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Nuclear family

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Blended family

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Single-parent family

Question 18

According to exchange theory, individuals enter into family relationships based on:

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

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Social norms

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Religious beliefs

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Biological instincts

Question 19

Which of the following is a key concept in symbolic interactionist theory as applied to families?

Accepted Answer

Negotiated order

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Social stratification

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Patriarchy

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Economic inequality

Question 20

Which theory of the family argues that the family is a key institution for maintaining social order and control?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

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Symbolic interactionism

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Conflict theory

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Feminist theory

Question 21

Which of the following is a key feature of postmodern theories of the family?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the fluidity and diversity of family forms

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Focus on the nuclear family as the ideal

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Rejection of the concept of the family as a social institution

Question 22

Which of the following is a strength of using multiple theoretical perspectives to study the family?

Accepted Answer

Provides a more comprehensive understanding of family dynamics

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Eliminates the need for empirical research

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Simplifies the analysis of family structures