1.1 - Functionalist Theory Flashcards
Who is Murdock?
A functionalist
What functions do families perform according to Murdock?
Sexual
Education
Reproduction
Economic
Sexual AO1 AO2 (Murdock) (2)
Basic needs met and legitimate outlet for sex.
Sets ground rules for acceptable social behaviour
Sexual AO3 (Murdock)
Not all married couples stay faithful to each other
Economic AO1 AO2 (Murdock)
Attitudes and values of workplace instilled in the home (support smooth running of economy)
Adults need to provide food and shelter so kids become economically productive workers
Economic AO3 (Murdock)
Some adults cant provide this as on low income or disabled
Reproduction AO1 AO2 (Murdock)
Pass on norms to next generation and pass on inheritance
Reproduction AO3 (Murdock) (3)
Increasing population
Infertile
Not want kids
Education AO1 AO2 (Murdock)
Taught how to be good moral citizens
Education AO3 (Murdock)
Everyone’s morals are different
Who is Parsons?
A functionalist
What theory did Parsons come up with?
The Fit Theory
Name 2 functions of the family according to Parsons
Primary socialisation
Stabilisation of adult personalities
AO1 AO2 primary socialisation (Parsons) (3)
Happens in family before school
Mould personality to fit needs of capitalism
Achieved by internalisation of society’s culture which ensures value consensus is maintained
AO1 AO2 stabilisation of adult personalities (Parsons)
Adults get emotional security and a source of release from stress.
AO3 stabilisation of adult personalities (Parsons) (3)
Assume family is a positive thing
Assume both partners of opposite sex
Only benefits bread winner
What is stabilisation of adult personalities similar to?
Warm bath theory
AO3 primary socialisation (Parsons)
Can pass on negative norms and values
Parsons - a nuclear family should be ………. and ………… mobile
Socially and geographically
Why should a family be geographically mobile
Move around the country for job opportunities
Why should a family be socially mobile
Able to move between social classes (lower to middle)
How does Fletcher criticise Functionalist views?
Function of family has increased
Family helps in welfare and money
How are Functionalists outdated?
Postmodernists - Heteronormality (assume everyone is heterosexual)
Changing roles as women work
What do Feminists think about Functionalist views? (2 and who?)
Women can work and are against gender roles
The family is oppressive and exploits women
Delphy and Leonard - Women are exploited ot men’s benefit
What do Marxists think about Functionalist views? (2)
Who?
Ansley - warm bath theory and takers of shit
Reinforces capitalist ideologies
