C1 SB - Families & Relationships - Topic 5, Functionalism and the family

Question 1

How do functionalists view the family?

Answer 1

They view the nuclear family as the basic building blocks of society, and also playing a major role in achieving consensus within society.

Question 2

Murdock (1949) - family as a universal institution

Evaluation:

Answer 2

The 4 functions of the family:
1. Reproductive, 2. Sexual, 3. Educational. 4. Economic
Evaluation:
Families are the product of culture and also only looks at the nuclear family therefore excludes certain members of society (e.g. lone parents or homosexuals)

Question 3

Parsons (1959) - Nuclear family becoming specialised

Answer 3

Functions which in industrial society would’ve been performed by the family are now being performed by institutions such as social services and school. However Parsons also argue that primary socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities are functions of the family.
Family acts as a stress reliever - ‘warm bath’ theory.

Question 4

6 other functions of the family:

Answer 4

1 - gender role socialisation
2 - recreation & leisure 
3 - protective & welfare 
4 - economic consumption 
5 - social status 
6 - social status

Question 5

Criticisms of functionalist view of the family:

Answer 5

Ignores the “dark” side of the family - child abuse and domestic violence
Problems we face in adulthood can be traced back to childhood
Outdated as it ignores family diversity

Question 6

Feminist criticism of the family:

Answer 6

Traditional nuclear family based on male dominance and power.
Parsons dismisses women from instrumental role in the family as women in the 1950s were either in part time work or housewives.

Question 7

Postmodernist criticism of the family:

Answer 7

Ignores the degree of choice available in contemporary societies regarding family structure.