I really wouldn't panic too much! I've basicly learnt a couple of theories that can be put into any answer, for example:
Parsons, the nuclear family is essential for society as it fits society's needs. Maggie Thatcher also thought this and said that the family was the bedrock of all society. Parsons is a good one cause he was writing in 1955, so you can show how stuff has changed.
Marxist feminists say that the capitalism exploits woman.
Feminists in general say that although roles are more equal at home, woman still do more. ie Gershuny, who said women now have a 'triple burden' meaning they have to work, emotionaly support & care for their children as well as do all the domestic chores. or Germaine Greer who stated the disadvantages of being a mother and that women are limited.
Judith Stacey, saying that family is way diverse, saying people can pick what they do, meaning theres more oppertunities.
10% of families today are led by a single parent, way more cohabitating.
Allan & Crow say that this increase in divorce shows a greater acceptance to diversity.
Young & Willmot, in their book the symmetrical family, stated that in modern society husband & wife share decision making/chores.
Only 4% of the people in the cabinet are women, only 15% of board rooms have women in them.
Neil Postman = Childhood is a thing of the past.
New Right think that welfare is way too easy to get.
New Labour = The Third Way = Tony Blair, 1997, going hard on crime, hard on welfare.
Divorce Act = 1969
Equal Pay Act = 1971.
Ok so these are pretty much relatable to basicly any question, you reckon?
I think childhood will come up since that hasnt come up on the new exam yet?