Family and Households - Functionalism Flashcards
What do Functionalists regard society as?
A system made up of different parts which depend on each other.
What crucial functions does the family perform in society according to Functionalists?
- Socialising the young
- Meeting the emotional needs of its members
- Underpinning social order
- Supporting economic stability
Who is George Peter Murdock?
A sociologist who studied 200 different societies and argued that family is universal.
What are the four essential functions of the nuclear family according to Murdock?
- Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
- Biological reproduction of the next generation
- Socialisation of the young
- Meeting economic needs
What criticism do Feminist Sociologists have of Murdock’s view on the family?
They argue that the family is essential is ideological and typically disadvantages women.
What does Talcott Parson’s Functional Fit Theory suggest?
As society changes, the type of family that ‘fits’ that society and the functions it performs change.
What type of family became the norm in industrial society according to Parsons?
The nuclear family consisting of only parents and children.
What did Parsons claim about the functions of the extended family in pre-industrial society?
It was responsible for education, producing food, and caring for the sick.
What are the two essential functions of the family according to Parsons?
- Primary Socialisation
- Stabilisation of Adult Personalities
What is Primary Socialisation?
The process where the nuclear family teaches children the norms and values of society.
What does the ‘warm bath theory’ refer to?
The idea that the family provides emotional security and helps reduce stress for adults.
What is a general criticism of Functionalism regarding family life?
It downplays conflict and presents an overly harmonious view of family life.
Why is Parsons’ view of gender roles considered outdated?
It reflects old-fashioned notions from the 1950s and does not account for modern gender role changes.
What issue do Functionalists ignore regarding women in the family?
The exploitation of women and the burden of being primary child carers.
What does it mean that Functionalism is too deterministic?
It ignores the fact that children actively create their own personalities and values.
Fill in the blank: According to Murdock, the family is ______.
[universal]
True or False: The extended family was the only type of family present in pre-industrial society.
False
