Keywords

An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than the state (government).

Relating to or denoting a system of society or government controlled by men.

Two generations living together (parents and their dependent children).

Three or more generations of the same family living together or close by, with frequent contact between grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins.

Nuclear families that live apart from their extended family, but keep in regular contact, e.g. via phone or email.

A single parent and the dependent children.

New step families created when parts of two previous families are brought together. For example, two new partners who bring children from their former partners together to create a new family group.

A family where the roles of husband and wife or cohabitating partners have become more alike (symmetrical) and equal.

A multi-generation extended, in a pattern which is long and thin, with fewer aunts, uncles, cousins, reflecting fewer children in each generation.

A family in which the mother (with or without a husband) bears most of the burden of supporting her children economically and nurturing them emotionally and intellectually.

Having several marriage partners one after the other (not at the same time).

Used to criticise theories which not only reflect the dominant culture of a society but also try to impose its values of that culture.

Direct men to be procreators, protectors and providers.

Direct women to provide emotional support by being warm, sensitive and sympathetic. Women are the homemakers and family mediators.

A set of ideas or beliefs that justify inequality and maintain the capitalist system by persuading people to accept it as fair, natural or unchangeable.

Are the roles of the husbands and wives (or partner and partner) within the home.

Husbands and wives lead seperate lives with clear and distinct responsibilities within the family. The man goes out to work and does DIY. The woman stays at home, looks after the kids and provides emotional support. They do not share decisions, leisure time or housework/childcare.

Husbands and wives roles are more flexible and shared, with less defined tasks for each. Usually lesure time is shared. Responsibility for making decisions is also shared.