A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which researchers argued that nuclear families were functional for industrial economies?

1. Talcott Parsons and William Goode

2. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

3. Deniz Kandiyoti and Patricia Hill Collins

4. Anthony Giddens and Nancy Chodorow

The correct answer is: Talcott Parsons and William Goode

Talcott Parsons and William Goode are known for their contributions to the understanding of family structures in relation to the needs of industrial economies. Parsons specifically emphasized the nuclear family as a vital component of the social structure within industrial societies. He argued that the new demands of industrialization required a family type that was more mobile and adaptable, allowing for effective participation in a rapidly changing economy. According to Parsons, the nuclear family, consisting of two parents and their children, was particularly suited to meet the needs of industrial life because of its ability to move easily for employment opportunities and its focus on the immediate household rather than extended kin networks. This adaptability and focus on emotional support were essential in the context of industrial societies, where individuals needed to be more self-contained yet supportive of one another. William Goode further supported this view by examining family forms and suggesting that the rise of the nuclear family was an inevitable response to the transformations brought about by industrialization. His research reinforced the idea that, in industrial economies, the nuclear family provided the necessary functions such as socialization of children and emotional support that were critical in the face of social change. This analysis contrasts with the perspectives of the other researchers listed, who focused on different aspects of society or family structures, such as