FAMILY: functionalism Flashcards
Explain the functionalist biological analogy
Society functions like the human body - everything works together.
Society has certain needs that need to be met by the different institutions working together, the family is one of them.
According to Murdock which 4 functions does the family perform?
1) Stabalisation of the adults sex drive
2) Reproduction of the next generation
3) Socialisation of the young
4) Meets the family members’ economic needs
Which family structure does Murdock believe is the most effective for fulfilling the family’s 4 functions?
The nuclear family
Which family structure do functionalists favor?
The nuclear family
What is Parsons’ ‘Functional Fit’ theory?
The family can meet other needs (aside from the functions identified by Murdock) when necessary for example welfare, political and military needs.
The functions that a family performs will ‘fit’ the needs of the society.
The functions a family is required to fulfill will alter it’s shape.
Give an example of how the nuclear family has altered it’s structure in relation to Parsons’ ‘Functional Fit’ theory
The nuclear family has modified to create the neo-conventional nuclear family (Chester) (mothers work as well as fathers) to cope with high cost of living
According to Parsons’ what are the two irreducible functions of the family?
1) Socialisiation of children
2) Stabalisation of adults personalities
What did Parsons mean by ‘Socialisation of children’?
The family equops children with basic skills and key norms and values.
Allowing children to cooperate with others and begin to cooperate with others and integrate into mainstream society.
What did Parsons mean by ‘Stabalisation of adults personalities’?
The family is a place where adults can release tension through relaxation. Therefore enabling them to return to the workforce refreshed and happy.
This aids the economy as there are then more effective workers.
What is Parsons’ ‘Warm bath’ theory?
The idea that the family unit reduced stress and tension.
How do Marxists criticise the ‘Warm bath’ theory?
If the nuclear family absorbs tensions and stresses which maintains a happier workforce it stops workers from rebelling against their exploitation.
What is a criticism of the functionalist approach to the family?
Functionalists tend to ignore the dark side of the family.
e.g. divorce and abuse.
Also how the family can be dysfunctional. harming wider society.
What are the two conjugal roles identified by Parsons?
The instrumental role: The male acts as the breadwinner
The expressive role: The female acts as the carer/nurturer.
