Family and Households

Question 1

Functionalism theory of the family

Answer 1

Society = based on value consensus, made up of sub-systems that work for good of the whole system. The family is one such sub-system. Family = positive role

Question 2

Murdock’s view of the family (functionalism)

Answer 2

Family = universal because it’s the best way of meeting society’s needs. 4 basic functions: sexual, reproductive, economic and educational

Question 3

Parsons view of the family (functionalism)

Answer 3

Family performs two ‘basic and irreducible’ functions - primary socialisation of children & stabilisation of adult personalities
= process of structural differentiation and functional fit

Question 4

Criticisms of functionalism

Answer 4

Nuclear family = common in pre-industrial societies, early industrial society had extended family, this view of women’s role justifies their oppression, nuclear family produces problems, extended family still exists in modern/late society

Question 5

Marxism theory of the family

Answer 5

Family serves interests of capitalism, provides steady, free supply of new workers, children socialised to accept hierarchy, makes oppression more bearable, workers family responsibilities, encourages them to work = unit of consumption

Question 6

Criticisms of Marxists

Answer 6

Disregards increasing variety of families, assumes dominance of the economy, too based on modern western society, family serves the interests of men and patriarchy

Question 7

Feminism theory of the family

Answer 7

Feminism = conflict - family serves interests of men = prime site of female oppression
Liberal: equality through changing laws, division of labour = becoming more equal, gender socialisation is less pronounced than in the pat
Marxist: female subordination is the product of capitalism, produce and socialise new workers
Radical: society = patriarchal, men = cause female exploitation