A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What aspect of the nuclear family does Parsons highlight as beneficial for modern society?

1. Greater connection with extended families

2. Fulfillment of traditional gender roles

3. Ability for individuals to move up the social class system

4. Increased focus on communal living

The correct answer is: Ability for individuals to move up the social class system

The emphasis on the ability for individuals to move up the social class system aligns with Parsons’ view of the nuclear family as efficient in fulfilling the needs of modern industrial society. Parsons argued that the nuclear family serves as a key social unit that provides emotional support and stability, allowing individuals to pursue opportunities for upward mobility. In a society where the economy and job markets are continuously changing, a nuclear family structure is adaptive, providing the necessary support for members to engage in the competitive environment of social mobility. The focus on individual achievement within the nuclear family unit can facilitate personal development, skills acquisition, and ultimately, the chance to improve one's social standing. While the other options touch on various aspects of family configurations and societal roles, they do not as directly reflect Parsons' arguments regarding the beneficial aspects of the nuclear family in the context of social mobility and individual progress in modern society.