2. Functionalism and The Family Flashcards
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Stable Satisfaction of the sex drive
Benefits to society
Benefits to Individual
Expressing sexuality in a socially approved context with a marital partner
Prevents sexual free for all
Sexual relationship reinforced
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Reproduction of the next generation
Children
Need children for physics survival of society
Children are a symbol of emotional commitment
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Socialisation of the young
Teaching new members shared norms and values
Teaches kids how to behave in society
Prevents anti social behaviour
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Meeting its members economic needs
Providing food and shelter
Everyone has necessities
Place to bring up a family
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Parsons
Primary Socialisation
Personality Stabilisation
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY:
Criticism of Parsons
Ignores the dark side of family like abuse or violent - 25% of UK children exposed to domestic violence
He has too original views on the family
FUNCTIONAL FOT THEORY:
Define
The family has many functions. The functions it performs will depend on the needs of the society it’s found in.
FUNCTIONAL FOT THEORY:
Parsons - Pre-Industrial and Modern Industrial Society.
He claims ind. society is the most dominant type and that nuclear meets it’s needs, whereas the extended meets the needs of pre-ind. society
Geographically Mobile Workforce:
Define
Nuclear Family is small meaning it can move with ease. Industries can pop up anywhere and the NF can move to these locations
Socially Mobile Workforce:
Define
Industrial society places status on effort. A son can match a higher status than his father by leaving the NF. The son leaves the family to create his own and climbs the social ladder, avoiding conflict and tension
LOSS OF FUNCTIONS:
What does Parsons day about the nuclear family in modern society
It’s lost many of its functions;
He argues the family changes structure and loses functions, yet still providing Personality Stabilising and Primary Socialisation
