Nuclear Family
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 2.2.2
The Nuclear Family
The nuclear family is one of the most common UK family types despite changes in family patterns. The nuclear family is socially constructed, meaning that it's created by society.
What is a nuclear family?
- A nuclear family is a family consisting of two parents and their dependent child or children.
Importance in modern Britain
- The nuclear family is still seen as the traditional and stereotypical form of family in the UK.
- Research conducted by E. Lynch and A. Oakley suggests that the nuclear family is the typical family used in adverts as it is representative of a large portion of the population.
Media presentation
- The media presents the nuclear family as being made of three main figures:
- The father, who has the instrumental role (i.e. the breadwinner).
- The mother, who has the expressive role (i.e. the caregiver).
- Their dependent children.
What is the family life cycle?
- The family life cycle refers to the different types of families people go through in their lives.
- 'Most people tend to be part of a nuclear family at some point in their lives'. (Robert Chester)
Nuclear Family: Key Study
A key study on the nuclear family is by the feminist Ann Oakley and is called ‘Conventional families’ (1982).
Point 1
- Oakley describes conventional families as being ‘nuclear families that consist of legally married couples, who choose to be parents of one or more children’.
Point 2
- Oakley explains why being part of a nuclear family can be a challenge.
Point 3
- Even though Oakley's research was undertaken before British society became more progressive (e.g. accepting homosexual couples living together and getting married), she argues that society is moving forward and away from stereotypes.
Test yourself on Nuclear Family
According to E.Lynch and A.Oakley's research, why is the nuclear family the typical family used in UK adverts?
Which of the following do the media present as the main figures in nuclear families?
Which family members does the media present as the main figures in nuclear families?
In which year did Ann Oakley publish her key study on nuclear families entitled 'Conventional families'?
What are the key points made in Oakley's key study 'Conventional families' (1982)?