Family functions (functionalists) Flashcards
What are the functions of the family according to functionalists?
Reproduction, socialisation, social control, care of children, status, regulation of sexual behaviour.
How do families provide socialisation?
Children learn norms and values through primary socialisation ; this transmits the culture of society to the next generation
How do families impose social control?
Punishing and rewarding children
What is the cereal packet family?
The stereotypical nuclear family shown commonly shown in the advertisements with traditional gender roles
What do functionalists believe about the roles of men and women in the family
Men have the instrumental role (are the breadwinners)
Women have the expressive role (emotional and home-based needs)
Why does the gender division in the family prove that the nuclear family is the best?
This gender division suits the natures of men and women
Why does Edmund Leach believe the nuclear family is dysfunctional?
The image of the cereal packet family sets an ideal many families cannot reach. Demands are too great, which causes conflict in the family. This is expressed as fear and suspicion about the world outside the family.
Why is the extended family therefore more functional according to Leach?
It is closely connected to the community
How do the media and politicians stereotype the nuclear family as better?
The exaggerate the good features and don’t acknowledge the negative side.
