Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an assumption made by Murdock in his definition of a family?

Accepted Answer

Murdock's definition of a family does not include the assumption that all adults must contribute financially. His definition focuses on residence, shared culture, and the presence of a heterosexual, married couple.

Question 2

Social constructs often result in double standards between the ways humans behave and the ways in which they are expected to behave. Which of the following is a social construct that results in double standards?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 3

Using examples from Gittins, describe the relationship between gender and age in determining the allocation of work within a society. Then, provide an example from your own life demonstrating how gender and/or age impacted your understanding of family.

Accepted Answer

Varies. May include the following:
-Although gender is ascribed in all societies, very few jobs are performed solely by men or women and are instead allocated through a combination or gender and age.
-Young men may hunt, while old men and women may care for children.
-Young men and women may work in fields, while old women prepare food.
-Eldest daughters often take responsibility for younger siblings, whereas sons tend to have more free time for playing and socializing

Question 4

What conclusion can you draw from the universality of an incest taboo?

Accepted Answer

The universality of an incest taboo suggests that all societies have social rules and norms for sexuality and reproduction. It is a cultural trait that reflects the importance of maintaining social order and avoiding genetic disorders from inbreeding. It does not necessarily indicate a concern for keeping bloodlines "pure" or a set definition for kinship, as different cultures may have varying degrees of what constitutes incest.

Question 5

According to Gittins, why is Edholm's anthropological definition of kinship preferable to the functionalist definition of the family?

Accepted Answer

According to Gittins, Edholm's anthropological definition of kinship is preferable to the functionalist definition of the family because it stresses the fact that kinship is a social construct and emphasizes the variability of kinship. This is in contrast to the functionalist definition, which focuses on the functions that families serve in society rather than the social and cultural construction of kinship. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 6

The negative impact of the socially constructed nature of biological kinship in western societies can be seen in which of the following examples?

Accepted Answer

The socially constructed nature of biological kinship in western societies often leads to discrimination and stigmatization of non-traditional family structures. A child with two mothers, for example, may be teased or bullied for not having a "real" family, even though her family is just as valid and loving as any other. Options A, B, and D do not necessarily relate directly to the negative impact of socially constructed biological kinship in western societies.

Question 7

Because of the historical emphasis on studying vertical relationships in families and neglecting lateral relationships, in addition to siblings, which potential kin group has been underexamined?

Accepted Answer

Aunts and uncles have traditionally been underexamined in family research because of the historical emphasis on studying vertical relationships in families and neglecting lateral relationships.

Question 8

Which of the following concepts of family are NOT variable over time and among cultures?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following concepts of family...

Question 9

Using at least two pieces of evidence that demonstrate why many definitions of family do not adequately account for the diversity within and outside of contemporary western society, explain why "the family" is a social construction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using at least two pieces of evidence...

Question 10

Which of these statements supports the notion that maternal instinct is a social fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Choice D acknowledges that women actively make choices regarding motherhood and often employ methods to delay or alter this role, contradicting the idea of an inherent "maternal instinct."

Quiz 1: The Family in Question: What Is the Family Is It Universal