Question 1

If defined functionally, the family is:

Accepted Answer

The family can be defined functionally as a social unit that provides care and support for its members, as well as fostering emotional and social development. This definition applies to families across all cultures and societies, making it essentially universal. The other answer choices are not accurate representations of a functional definition of the family.

Question 2

Why are modern couples more prone to divorce than in the past?

Accepted Answer

One significant reason why modern couples are more prone to divorce than in the past is the difficulty in fulfilling emotional gratification. As societal norms and expectations change, couples may have higher expectations for emotional support and intimacy from their partners, and if those expectations are not met, it can lead to divorce. Additionally, couples in the past may have been more willing to stay together for practical reasons, such as financial stability or societal pressure, even if they were not emotionally fulfilled in their relationship.

Question 3

Which of the following questions would likely be asked by a researcher who has adopted Richard Geles' definition of family?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

In our modern and complex society, functions formerly completed by the family are now carried out by other institutions. This process is called:

Accepted Answer

The process described in the question is that of differentiation, where functions such as education, healthcare, and social welfare that were once typically provided by the family are now carried out by other institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies. Assimilation refers to the process of individuals or groups adopting the culture and practices of a dominant society, while diffusion refers to the spread of cultural traits or practices from one society to another. "Complexion" is not a relevant term in this context.

Question 5

Ivan Beutler suggests that any definition of the family must include a discussion of:

Accepted Answer

Ivan Beutler asserts that any definition of the family should include discussion of intergenerational ties, as this is a crucial aspect of many family units. While the other choices may be relevant to some definitions of family, they are not universally applicable or necessary for a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a family.

Question 6

A broad definition of family focuses on the fact that the institution controls:

Accepted Answer

The broad definition of family focuses on reproduction and sexual interaction, meaning that the institution of family is primarily responsible for these functions. While families also play a role in the other areas listed (i.e. controlling the behavior of children, influencing intimacy and emotional development, and transmitting values), these are not the primary areas of responsibility for the family according to this definition.

Question 7

The ____ family consists of a mother, a father, and their children.

Accepted Answer

The term "nuclear family" specifically refers to a family unit consisting of a mother, a father, and their children. A composite family refers to a blended family with members from previous relationships. A consensual family refers to a family unit that is based on mutual agreement and understanding rather than legal or formal commitments. A communal family refers to a group of individuals living together and sharing resources, responsibilities, and decision-making.

Question 8

The single parent family is the fastest growing family structure. The characteristics that have led to this growth are represented by all EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that growing up in a nuclear family is NOT a characteristic that has led to the growth of single parent families, therefore choice A is the correct answer. The other choices - high divorce rate, greater social acceptance of unmarried parents who keep their children, and a temporary period before the parent remarries - are all cited as factors that have contributed to the increase in single parent families.

Question 9

Cox and Demmitt believe that a free and creative society offers:

Accepted Answer

Cox and Demmitt argue that a free and creative society offers many structural forms by which family functions can be fulfilled. They believe that individuals should have the freedom to choose the family structure that works best for them, whether it be traditional nuclear families, single-parent families, blended families, or any other form of family. Therefore, option D is the best choice. The other options are not directly related to Cox and Demmitt's beliefs.

Question 10

The contemporary American family has full responsibility for:

Accepted Answer

Contemporary American families are primarily responsible for supplying human replacement, meaning they bear children to continue the population. Other responsibilities like economic production, maintaining societal order, and educating the young are shared with or primarily managed by other institutions such as businesses, the government, and educational systems.

Question 11

In a national opinion poll, Americans were asked, "What constitutes a family?" Results indicate that Americans:

Accepted Answer

The question implies that there is no clear consensus on what constitutes a family among Americans, and option C reflects this by stating that Americans vary in the types of intimate relationships they define as a family. Option A is too restrictive and option B is too specific, while option D contradicts the fact that the respondents were polled on the topic.

Question 12

The past decade was characterized by a rapid increase in the number of:

Accepted Answer

Data from the United States and many other countries suggest that the number of single-parent families has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This trend may be due to various factors, such as the rise in divorce rates, the increase in births to unmarried women, and the growing number of women who choose to raise children alone.

Question 13

Many people now expect their marriages to be a spiritualized union of souls as opposed to:

Accepted Answer

Historically, marriages were often more about practical considerations, such as economic stability and raising children, rather than the deeply personal and spiritual connection many seek today. Thus, the contrast is between viewing marriage as a spiritual union versus a more traditional, child-centered arrangement focused on raising a family.

Question 14

The term the Census Bureau uses to describe a cohabiting couple is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term the Census Bureau uses to...

Question 15

Michael and Sabrina have been living together for two years. They intend to get married as soon as she graduates from medical school. What term would the Census Bureau use to describe the couple?

Accepted Answer

A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. Michael and Sabrina living together would be considered a household by the Census Bureau, as it encompasses any group of people or a person living in a residence.

Question 16

The New York Court of Appeals said that family could be defined by focusing on all of the following factors EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The New York Court of Appeals did not mention the sexual division of labor as a factor in defining family. The other factors mentioned are exclusivity and longevity, financial commitment, and caring and self-sacrifice.

Question 17

A single-parent family becomes a ____ family when the single parent remarries.

Accepted Answer

A reconstituted family is a family that has been restructured due to divorce, death, or other changes, by adding new members (through remarriage, for example) or by changing the family composition in some way. In this case, a single-parent family becomes a reconstituted family when the single parent remarries and a step-parent enters the family. The other choices (composite, communal, and consensual) do not accurately describe this type of family.

Question 18

The intergenerational ties bind a family in ways other relationships do not. Which of the following is an example of those ties?

Accepted Answer

Timmy's spending time with both sets of grandparents shows the intergenerational ties that bind his family together, despite his parents' divorce.

Question 19

Richard Geles' definition of family notes that they are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Richard Geles' definition of family notes that...

Question 20

According to the Census Bureau, a family is a collection of people who:

Accepted Answer

The Census Bureau defines a family as a group of people who live together and are related by birth, marriage, or adoption. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. Options A, B, and C are not complete definitions of a family as they do not include the requirement of living together and being related.

Quiz 2: Human Intimacy, Relationships, Marriage, and the Family