Question 1

Domestic violence can occur in a household of any social class, but in households where there is a high degree of gender inequality, there is a greater likelihood of domestic violence.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 2

Outline the history of divorce laws in Canada.

Accepted Answer

The history of divorce laws in Canada can be traced back to the British North America Act of 1867, which gave the federal government jurisdiction over marriage and divorce. Prior to this, divorce was only granted through private acts of Parliament, making it a costly and time-consuming process.

In 1968, the Divorce Act was passed, which established a uniform divorce law across Canada. This allowed for "no-fault" divorces, meaning that couples could divorce without having to prove that one party was at fault. This was a significant change from the previous laws, which required proof of adultery, cruelty, or desertion.

In 1986, amendments to the Divorce Act introduced the concept of "equal contribution" to the marriage, meaning that the economic consequences of the marriage breakdown should be shared equally between the spouses. This was a major shift in the way divorce settlements were handled.

Further changes to the Divorce Act in 1997 and 2019 aimed to modernize and streamline the divorce process, including the introduction of alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and collaborative law.

Overall, the history of divorce laws in Canada reflects a gradual shift towards more progressive and equitable approaches to divorce, with a focus on reducing conflict and promoting fair outcomes for both parties involved.

Question 3

Bernadette was doing background research for a historical drama being produced for television. The production company wanted to make the show as historically accurate as possible, and the senior writer asked her to find out about marriages in medieval France. According to the textbook, which of the following would she tell her writing team was the dominant motivation for marriage for the characters in their program?

Accepted Answer

A)   religious loyalties
B)   economic benefits
C)   romantic feelings
D)   social functions B

Question 4

Describe the conflict and feminist perspectives on the growing diversity of family forms.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the conflict and feminist perspectives on...

Question 5

Ram and Padma have saved enough money for a down payment on a large suburban home with a basement suite. It has enough room for both their sons to live comfortably with their wives and small children as well, and the family shares the household tasks and earned income equitably. What type of family do these people exemplify?

Accepted Answer

A)   a nuclear family
B)   a traditional nuclear family
C)   an extended family
D)   a polygamous family

Question 6

In pre-modern times, having children was an economic asset to the family.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Distinguish polygamy from the extended family. Identify which is a vertical expansion of the nuclear family and which is a horizontal expansion of the nuclear family.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Distinguish polygamy from the extended family. Identify...

Question 8

Despite strong opposition in some nations, such a the United States, there is a global trend of accepting same-sex unions. Identify the impact of this trend on the definition of the family.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite strong opposition in some nations, such...

Question 9

Friedrich Engels argued that gender inequality could be eliminated only by the abolition of private property. Explain his argument and then evaluate its validity. Be sure to address the changes in the family and the economy in the 150 years since he made that argument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Friedrich Engels argued that gender inequality could...

Question 10

Much research shows that divorce has a long-term, adverse impact on children. Why is a great deal of this research unrepresentative?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is based on families that have at least one alcoholic parent.
B)   It is based on families that are multiethnic.
C)   It is based on families that seek psychological counselling.
D)   It is based on families that have not sought clinical counselling.

Question 11

Explain why, with respect to social functions, the nuclear family has become less prevalent since the nineteenth century.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why, with respect to social functions,...

Question 12

The smaller the difference between a husband and wife's earnings, the more equal the division of household labour.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

If abortion laws in Canada were repealed, and abortion were recriminalized, one of the consequences would be that abortions would no longer be paid for by Medicare. Some sociologists predict that under those circumstances which of the following would occur?

Accepted Answer

A)   The traditional nuclear family would make a comeback.
B)   Poor women and their children would suffer the most.
C)   The balance of the number of male and female babies would be restored.
D)   The Church would be strengthened, so violence in society would be reduced.

Question 14

In most societies, marriage has traditionally been based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   economic benefits and political advantage
B)   love
C)   the nurturing of children
D)   the emotional well-being of partners

Question 15

Despite the importance of love in mate selection today, there are significant social forces that influence mate selection. Describe these.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite the importance of love in mate...

Question 16

According to functionalists, which of the following is the most important function of the family?

Accepted Answer

A)   emotional support
B)   sexual regulation
C)   socialization
D)   economic cooperation

Question 17

Which of the following perspectives defines the traditional nuclear family as the ideal?

Accepted Answer

A)   postmodernism
B)   functionalism
C)   conflict theory
D)   feminism

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A)   They began a long-term upward trend.
B)   They began a long-term downward trend
C)   They experienced a short-term interruption of previous trends.
D)   They experienced a continuing downward trend.

Question 19

Use a functionalist perspective to argue that the Canadian family is in decline. Identify the social changes that have influenced the relationship of the family to society, and that have influenced the types of functions that fall within the domain of the family.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use a functionalist perspective to argue that...

Question 20

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

A)   functionalism
B)   Marxism
C)   feminism
D)   postmodernism

Exam 9: Families