F&H: Theoretical Views Flashcards
identify the theoretical views of the family we study (5/6)
- functionalist
-new right
-Marxist
-feminist
-postmodernist + personal life perspective
what TYPE of theory is functionalism? (3 words)
-macro
-structural
-consensus
which 2 key functionalists comment the most on the family institution?
Murdock
Parsons
which type of family do functionalists favour?
the nuclear family: a heterosexual marriage with children
which roles do functionalists argue men and women should perform?
man - instrumental - breadwinner, provider, protector. ‘naturally dominant’
women - expressive - nurturer, carer. ‘naturally suited’ to caring roles
who argued that the family unit has 4 key functions for society?
MURDOCK
NAME the 4 key functions of the family that Murdock identified
1) reproductive
2) economic
3) educational
4) sexual
explain Murdock’s reproductive function of the family
the family reproduces the next generation for society. This can only be done by a man and a woman
explain Murdock’s educational function of the family
the family socialises the next generation into the norms/values of society. This requires a male instrumental role model + a female expressive role model.
explain Murdock’s economic function of the family
the family unit financially provides for the development of the unit (shelter, food, clothing etc) by having a worker and a consumer
explain Murdock’s sexual function of the family
the family unit is centred around a monogamous relationship between 2 consenting adults of the opposite sex. This controls sexual behaviour, stabilises the adult sex drive and therefore prevents a sexual free for all in society.
give a criticism for Murdock’s 4 family functions.
Arguably, same-sex couples could perform all of these functions well, not just the nuclear family!
describe the Nayar tribe
-females are very powerful. they have traditions of matrilineal inheritance and matrilocal residence. Women practice polyandry.
-Women can terminate marriages, hold the right to their land = property etc.
which case study can criticise Murdock’s claim that the nuclear family is the most functional and so is found in all societies.
the Nayar Tribe
Who’s theory is the functional fit theory?
parsons
how does Parsons link PRE INDUSTRIAL life to the dominant type of family of that time?
-economy was based on animal breeding + agricultural farming
-this meant work was labour intensive + required a lot of workers.
-therefore, people had a lot of children to help with work. they were cared for & educated by their family. Little geographical mobility.
- Extended family / multigenerational family was best suited to pre industrial society
how does Parsons link INDUSTRIAL life to the dominant type of family of that time?
-economy is based on factories, machinery , businesses.
-work was less labour intensive, requires less workers. (less kids)
-more geographical mobility - formal education, hospitals, nurseries
- Nuclear family is best suited to industrial society
NAME Parson’s 2 functions of the family in the modern industrial era
1) Primary Socialisation
2) Stabilisation of Adult Personalities
explain Parsons’s family function of primary socialisation
the family passes on the norms / values of society to the new generation (0-3 yrs old). Other institutions like education take on secondary socialisation
what is Parsons’s family function of Stabilisation of Adult Personalities also known as
the warm bath theory
explain Parsons’s family function of Stabilisation of Adult Personalities
the family is a relaxing place taking away stress / frustration.
prevents the overflow of emotion + stabilises personalities.
where do Murdock and Parsons have slightly different beliefs about the nuclear family
Murdock - nuclear family is universal vs
Parsons - functional fit theory
how could feminists criticise the functionalist view of family
the warm bath theory arguably only benefits men as women are usually expected to come home and continue domestic work , childcare. Plus, not every family is a safe space for members to return to - domestic violence
how could marxists criticise the functionalist view of family
lower class families will have different experiences to middle class families
how could postmodernists criticise the functionalist view of family
not every family is nuclear - the theory is outdated
when did the new right first appear?
1980s - Thatcherite Conservative government
name 3 views that the new right SHARE with functionalists (regarding family / family patterns)
-nuclear family is best
-favour marriage over cohabitation
-disagree with divorce, same-sex families, single-parents
-men + women should play traditional roles in family unit
who is the key theorist for the new right ?
Charles Murray