A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which criticism relates to Parsons' view of the family's function in an industrialized society?

1. It promotes community diversity

2. It fails to recognize women's contributions

3. It overlooks the impact of technology

4. It is based on outdated research

The correct answer is: It is based on outdated research

Parsons’ view of the family emphasizes its role in maintaining social stability and facilitating the transition into an industrialized society, focusing primarily on the functions of primary socialization and stabilization of adult personalities. This perspective has been critiqued for being based largely on research and assumptions that may not fully capture the complexity of modern family dynamics or the varying societal structures that have emerged since Parsons' time. The choice highlighting that his view is based on outdated research reflects the idea that social norms and family structures have evolved significantly, particularly concerning gender roles and contributions within the family context. This critique suggests that Parsons’ framework may not adequately address the realities of contemporary society, where dual-income households and diverse family forms are more prevalent, thus limiting its applicability and relevance today. In contrast, while other options touch upon relevant themes—such as community diversity or technology—the strength of the criticism related to outdated research points directly to the issue of relevance and adaptability in the face of changing societal norms and family structures. This makes the option addressing outdated research a significant critique of Parsons' views.