A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

In a patrifocal family, who primarily takes care of the children?

1. A mother and her friends

2. A father and his children

3. Grandparents and their grandchildren

4. Unmarried couples

The correct answer is: A father and his children

In a patrifocal family structure, the father typically holds the primary authority and responsibility for the family's welfare, which often includes taking care of the children. This familial arrangement emphasizes the role of the male figure as the head of the household, which can lead to a situation where the father's presence and involvement with the children is more pronounced compared to other caregivers. In this context, the other choices don't reflect the same family dynamics. A mother and her friends might suggest a more collaborative or communal approach, which is less indicative of a patrifocal structure. In the case of grandparents caring for grandchildren, this usually denotes a generational caregiving arrangement that typically isn't as central to the definition of a patrifocal family. Lastly, unmarried couples suggest a broader range of family forms that do not specifically align with the traditional roles illustrated in a patrifocal setup. Thus, the emphasis on the father's role aligns perfectly with the characteristics of a patrifocal family.