Sociology of the Nuclear Family and Societal Stratification Analytical Essay

This paper defines the nuclear family and discusses its role within society. The author also discusses how the breakdown of the nuclear family is blamed for social dysfunction. The stability and structure of society is examined in the light of the declining prevalence of the nuclear family.

From the paper:

"The nuclear family consisting of two adults, 1 male, 1 female, and children is the most common form of family in Australia according to 1996 census figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Talcott Parson?s cited in Jureidini & Poole, recognizes the nuclear family as the ?normal? family structure. While statistics show the nuclear family still being the most common family form in Australia they also show a decline in it?s predominance of approximately 10% over the last 20 years. It is for this reason that the functions and benefits of the nuclear family must be recognized before dysfunction alters the stability and structure of society."