Question 1

What was concluded to be the most effective unit of social organization for foraging societies?

Accepted Answer

The band, typically consisting of a small, kinship-based group of around 20-50 individuals, was concluded to be the most effective unit of social organization for foraging societies. This structure allowed for flexibility, cooperation in hunting and gathering, and sharing of resources, which were crucial for survival and adaptation in various environments.

Question 2

George Murdock stated that the nuclear family in 250 societies is founded on a "socially approved, long-term sexual and economic relationship between a man and a woman." What was he referring to?

Accepted Answer

Murdock was referring to marriage as a socially approved, long-term sexual and economic relationship between a man and a woman, which is foundational to the nuclear family structure he observed across 250 societies.

Question 3

Lisbet has done a lot of research and argues with her classmates that gender inequality predates capitalism. Which theoretical perspective are her views in line with?

Accepted Answer

Feminism is the theoretical perspective that Lisbet's views align with, as it focuses on gender inequalities and argues that such inequalities are not only present in capitalist societies but are historical and systemic issues that have existed across various economic systems.

Question 4

In 2009, Winston Blackmore of Bountiful, British Columbia was charged with polygamy. Which of the following would be produced in court as evidence for the charge?

Accepted Answer

Having 15 wives directly supports the charge of polygamy, as polygamy involves being married to more than one person at the same time.

Question 5

Friedrich Engels maintained that once men began to build up a concentration of wealth, they became concerned with how to pass that wealth on to their legitimate sons. What did Engels believe to be the only way men could safely pass their wealth on to their sons?

Accepted Answer

Engels argued that the patriarchal family structure and the control of women, both sexually and economically, were essential for men to ensure their wealth was inherited by their legitimate offspring.

Question 6

What happened with marriage rates and age at first marriage during the post-World War II years?

Accepted Answer

During the post-World War II years, marriage rates and age at first marriage experienced a short-term interruption of previous trends, with a significant increase in marriage rates and a decrease in the age at first marriage, often referred to as the "marriage boom."

Question 7

Which of the following couples is most likely to experience the highest egalitarian division of household duties?

Accepted Answer

Couples with similar levels of education and professional status, like Jason and Melanie, are more likely to share household duties equally. This is because a more balanced power dynamic often leads to a more egalitarian division of labor.

Question 8

What is the main feature of a foraging society?

Accepted Answer

Foraging societies, also known as hunter-gatherer societies, typically feature shared responsibilities within the community, including child socialization. This communal approach to raising children ensures the transmission of cultural and survival skills across generations.

Question 9

All Tyler can think about is when he will finally meet the woman of his dreams so they can fall deeply in love, marry, and raise perfect children. According to the textbook, which Hollywood-fuelled desire is Tyler strongly exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Tyler is exhibiting self-gratification as he is focused on fulfilling his own desires and fantasies about love and a perfect family, which is often fueled by idealized Hollywood portrayals.

Question 10

Wilbur, a staunch Marxist, agrees with Engels about how society must change to usher in gender equality. What does he believe must be eliminated in order to bring about this revolution?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory, as supported by Engels, posits that the abolition of private property is essential for achieving gender equality, as it would dismantle the capitalist system that perpetuates gender disparities.

Question 11

Which two philosophies form the basis of the idea that marriage should be based on romantic love?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism and individualism form the basis of the idea that marriage should be based on romantic love, emphasizing personal choice and individual rights over traditional, collective, or familial obligations.

Question 12

Rhonda argues that the traditional nuclear family has always been a site for gender conflict and social inequality. As a fan of Engels's work, what does she believe is the cure for these ills that oppress women?

Accepted Answer

Rhonda, being a fan of Engels, likely believes that the transition from capitalism to communism would address the issues of gender conflict and social inequality within the traditional nuclear family. Engels argued that the capitalist system, with its emphasis on private property, perpetuates these inequalities, and that communism would eliminate the economic foundations of these social issues.

Question 13

What happened with regard to fertility in Canada in the late 1950s?

Accepted Answer

In the late 1950s, Canada experienced a peak in fertility rates, part of what is commonly referred to as the Baby Boom period following World War II.

Question 14

Trends in marriage, divorce, and childbearing in Canada show a gradual weakening of the nuclear family form in the second half of the 1800s until the mid-1940s, and then continued weakening after the 1950s. What does this phenomenon imply with regard to the immediate post-World War II period?

Accepted Answer

The immediate post-World War II period does not show a weakening of the nuclear family form, which is historically atypical compared to the trends before and after this period.

Question 15

In the immediate post-World War II period in Canada, employment and personal income reached an all-time high, as did home ownership. Which of the following also accompanied these developments?

Accepted Answer

After World War II, Canada, like many other countries, experienced a marriage boom. This was partly due to the return of soldiers and the desire to return to normalcy and build families after the disruptions of the war.

Question 16

Mara dislikes family get-togethers because of Grandpa's nonstop comments such as "The ruination of this country was when women went out to work" or "A woman's place is in the home." What theoretical perspective is Grandpa arguing from?

Accepted Answer

Grandpa's comments reflect a functionalist perspective, which often emphasizes traditional roles within society, including traditional gender roles where women are primarily seen as homemakers. This perspective argues that each part of society serves a function, and in this context, it suggests that women have a specific role within the family structure.

Question 17

What is polygamy?

Accepted Answer

Polygamy is a form of marriage involving more than two spouses, which can include multiple husbands or wives.

Question 18

Marilyn and John have bought a beautiful house in the suburbs. While John works all day at an office in the city, Marilyn devotes herself to keeping the house and children scrubbed, preparing gourmet meals, wallpapering the den, ironing the household laundry, and reading books about how to keep her marriage functioning smoothly. What type of family is exemplified here?

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies the traditional nuclear family, where the husband works outside the home and the wife takes care of the home and children, adhering to traditional gender roles.

Question 19

According to the textbook, what percentage of married Canadian women were in the paid labour force in 1951?

Accepted Answer

In 1951, 11 percent of married Canadian women were in the paid labour force, reflecting the social norms and economic conditions of the time.

Question 20

When did marriage rates peak in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When did marriage rates peak in Canada?
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Quiz 15: Families