What does the AQA GCSE Sociology families topic cover?

The families topic, examined on Paper 1, covers the functions of families using functionalists such as Murdock and Parsons, the diversity of family forms (nuclear, extended, reconstituted, lone-parent and same-sex), conjugal roles and power including the symmetrical family and the dual burden, changing patterns of marriage and divorce, and the Marxist and feminist criticisms of family life. Research methods and key concepts are woven through it.

Which sociologists do I need for the families topic?

Key named thinkers include Murdock (four functions) and Parsons (two basic and irreducible functions) for the functionalist view, Willmott and Young for the symmetrical family, Ann Oakley for the feminist critique and the dual burden, and the Rapoports for family diversity. You should also bring in Marxist and feminist criticisms of the family as a whole.

What is the dual burden in the families topic?

The dual burden is the feminist idea that a woman does paid work and then also does most of the unpaid housework and childcare at home. It is used to criticise the symmetrical family thesis of Willmott and Young, who argued roles had become equal. The triple shift adds a third layer of emotion work, where the woman also manages the family's feelings.

How is the families topic assessed in AQA GCSE Sociology?

Families is examined on Paper 1, alongside education, research methods and the sociological approach. Questions range from one-mark and four-mark knowledge and application questions to twelve-mark extended answers that reward a balanced evaluation using competing perspectives, named sociologists and, often, a printed source.

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AQA GCSE Sociology: The sociology of families overview

A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Sociology families topic. Covers the functions of families (Murdock and Parsons), the diversity of family forms, conjugal roles and power, changing family patterns, and the Marxist and feminist criticisms of the family, with the key thinkers and exam technique.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.814 min read8192Updated 2026-06-02

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Jump to a section

The functions of families
Family forms and diversity
Conjugal roles and power
Changing family patterns
Criticisms of the family
How to revise the families topic

The sociology of families is one of the two topics on Paper 1 of AQA GCSE Sociology (8192), alongside education. It asks what the family does, what forms it takes, how power and roles are divided within it, how it has changed, and whether it really benefits everyone. This overview maps the topic and links to the dot-point answer pages.

The functions of families

Functionalists see the family as a positive, necessary institution. Murdock studied 250 societies and argued the family meets four needs: sexual, reproductive, economic and educational (socialisation). Parsons argued that in modern society the family has two basic and irreducible functions: the primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities (the "warm bath" theory). See functions of families.

Family forms and diversity

Britain has many family forms: nuclear, extended, reconstituted (step), lone-parent, same-sex and single-person households. The Rapoports identified several types of diversity. Diversity has grown because of more divorce, secularisation, changing attitudes, same-sex marriage and women's independence. See family forms.

Conjugal roles and power

Conjugal roles can be segregated (separate) or joint (shared). Willmott and Young argued the family had become symmetrical, with more equal roles. Ann Oakley disagreed, showing women still did most housework and childcare, the dual burden. Power also covers decision-making and control of money. See conjugal roles and power.

Changing family patterns

Marriage rates have fallen, cohabitation has risen, divorce rose sharply after the 1969 Divorce Reform Act, and Britain has an ageing population. The reasons include changes in the law, secularisation, changing attitudes and women's financial independence. See changing family patterns.

Criticisms of the family

Marxists argue the family serves capitalism by socialising obedient workers and acting as a unit of consumption. Feminists argue it is patriarchal and benefits men. Both point to the dark side of family life: domestic violence and child abuse. See criticisms of families.

How to revise the families topic

Attach a thinker to every idea. Murdock, Parsons, Willmott and Young, and Oakley should appear in your answers.
Master the symmetrical family debate. It is a favourite for twelve-mark questions; learn both sides.
Know the reasons behind the trends. Diversity and divorce questions reward causes, not just descriptions.
Practise evaluation. Set functionalism against feminism and Marxism and reach a judgement.

Test yourself with the families quiz.

Sources & how we know this

AQA GCSE Sociology (8192) specification — AQA (2017)