A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What type of kinship network is typically found in working-class families?

1. Geographically mobile networks

2. Extended kinship networks

3. Nuclear kinship networks

4. Fluid kinship networks

The correct answer is: Extended kinship networks

The answer identifies extended kinship networks as typically found in working-class families due to the close relationships and supports often maintained among wider family members. In many working-class environments, practical needs and economic constraints may lead to families relying on relatives outside the immediate household, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This communal approach enables mutual support in childcare, financial assistance, and shared resources. Extended kinship networks provide emotional and practical support, helping families navigate challenges such as job loss or housing instability. In contrast, nuclear kinship networks, which consist only of parents and their children, are often more characteristic of middle-class families where mobility and independence are emphasized. Geographically mobile networks refer to families that frequently relocate, which might not align with the stability often seen in working-class extended networks. Fluid kinship networks involve more flexible and less formal relationships, which may not capture the traditional roles often adhered to in working-class settings. Thus, the structure and dynamics of extended kinship networks provide a more accurate portrayal of familial relationships within working-class communities.