Families Topic 5 - Role of the Family (Theories) Flashcards
What do functionalists believe society is based on?
A value consensus – a set of shared norms and values.
What is the organic analogy in functionalism?
Society is seen as a body made up of different interconnected organs representing various institutions.
According to functionalists, what role does the family play in society?
It is a building block of society and performs essential functions.
What are the four essential functions of the family according to Murdock (1949)?
- Sexual * Reproductive * Educational * Economic
What is Parsons’ ‘functional fit’ theory?
The functions a family performs depend on the society it is found in, influencing its structure.
What are the two family types distinguished by Parsons?
- Nuclear family (parents and dependent children) * Extended family (three generations living under one roof)
What societal change led to the decline of the extended family?
The industrialization of Britain in the 18th century.
What are the two needs of modern industrial society that the nuclear family meets?
- Geographically mobile workforce * Socially mobile workforce
What does a geographically mobile workforce mean?
People need to move to where the jobs are due to the rise of modern industrial societies.
What is meant by a socially mobile workforce?
Talented individuals can achieve higher status through effort rather than being fixed at birth.
What are the two essential functions of the modern nuclear family according to Parsons?
- Socialization of children * Stabilization of adult personalities
How do Marxists view society in contrast to functionalists?
As based on conflict rather than consensus.
What are the two main classes in Marxist theory?
- Bourgeoisie (capitalist class) * Proletariat (working class)
What are the three functions of the family according to Marxists?
- Inheritance of property * Ideological function * Unit of consumption
What is the ideological function of the family in Marxist theory?
It socializes children into accepting hierarchy and inequality.
What is the role of the family as a unit of consumption in capitalism?
Families generate profit by consuming commodities and creating further profit for capitalists.
What do liberal feminists believe regarding women’s oppression?
It is gradually being overcome through changing attitudes and legal reforms.
What do radical feminists argue about the family?
It is a key institution in patriarchal society that oppresses women.
What is the concept of ‘political lesbianism’ in radical feminism?
The idea that heterosexual relationships are oppressive.
What do difference feminists argue about women’s experiences?
Women have diverse experiences based on race, class, and sexual orientation.
What is the personal life perspective in sociology?
A bottom-up approach emphasizing individual meanings in relationships.
What types of relationships does the personal life perspective include?
- Relationships with friends * Fictive kin * Chosen families * Relationships with pets
What did Nordqvist and Smart (2014) find regarding donor-conceived children?
Social bonds can be more important than blood bonds.
What are some criticisms of the personal life perspective?
It may take too broad a view and ignore the special nature of marriage and blood relationships.
True or False: Functionalists acknowledge the negative aspects of family.
True.
