CAIE Sociology (9699)

One function of the family is primary socialisation, where children learn the norms, values and basic skills needed to function in society.

Another function of the family is the stabilisation of adult personalities, providing emotional support and security for adults.

One reason is the changing social acceptability of divorce. Divorce is now less stigmatised than in the past, so couples are more willing to end unhappy marriages.

Another reason is greater legal and economic independence for women. With more women in paid work and improved rights, they are less dependent on marriage and can leave unsatisfactory relationships.

One limitation is that liberal feminism may overstate the extent of equality in the family by focusing on legal and social reforms while ignoring continuing domestic inequality and unpaid labour.

Another limitation is that liberal feminism may be too optimistic about gradual reform and underplay the deeper structural nature of patriarchy, which radical feminists argue cannot be removed simply through legal change.

This view argues that the nuclear family is no longer the dominant or most important family form in society. There is now greater diversity in family structures, including lone-parent families, reconstituted families, cohabiting couples and same-sex families.

It also suggests that the functions once performed by the nuclear family have been reduced or taken over by other institutions such as the state, schools and welfare services. For example, childcare, education and support for the elderly are no longer provided only within the nuclear family.

In addition, changing social attitudes have made alternative family forms more acceptable, so the nuclear family is less likely to be seen as the only legitimate family type.

One argument against this view is that the nuclear family remains important because it is still the most common family type in many societies and continues to be associated with key functions such as socialisation and emotional support.

Indicative answer: Power is not always shared equally in the family. Feminist sociologists argue that men often retain greater decision-making power and control over resources, while women may carry a disproportionate share of domestic labour and emotional work. However, some sociologists argue that family relationships have become more symmetrical, with greater negotiation between partners, especially in dual-earner households. Evaluation may consider evidence on money management, domestic labour, decision-making, domestic violence, and the impact of class, ethnicity and age.

Indicative answer: The distinction between childhood and adulthood may be becoming less clear because children are exposed to adult culture through media and consumerism, and because some adult responsibilities are taken on earlier or delayed adulthood is more common. However, other sociologists argue that childhood remains a distinct and protected stage of life, with laws, education and child welfare policies reinforcing the boundary between children and adults. Evaluation may consider postmodern views, the role of the media, child protection, and cross-cultural differences.