A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to Morley's findings on family dynamics, who traditionally controls the television remote?

1. The oldest child

2. The mother

3. The breadwinner

4. The grandmother

The correct answer is: The breadwinner

Morley's findings highlight the dynamics of power and control within family settings, particularly in relation to who has authority over the television remote. The correct response identifies the breadwinner as the traditionally dominant figure in this context. This reflects broader societal norms and the traditional allocation of power in family structures, where the breadwinner, often seen as the main provider, exercises control over shared resources, including media consumption. In many families, especially those up until recent decades, the breadwinner would often be the male figure, reinforcing traditional gender roles that dictate control in domestic settings. This authority not only extends to financial decisions but also to shared leisure activities, such as what is watched on television. Therefore, this finding illustrates how family decisions about media can serve as a microcosm for larger societal power structures, where the economic contributor also holds sway over entertainment choices. Other choices, while they represent various family roles, do not align with Morley's findings in the same way. The oldest child, while they might seek control, typically do not have the same authority as the breadwinner. The mother may have influence, particularly in contemporary families, yet traditionally, the structure has favored the breadwinner's control, which aligns more closely with historical socio-economic patterns. Similarly, the grandmother