Family - Roles of the Family - 2.1 Flashcards
Functionalism Roles of Family ( 3 theorists)
> Durkheim (Organic Analogy)
Parsons (2 Irreducible Functions, Division of Labour, Functional Fit)
Murdock (4 Functions of Family)
Durkheim - Organic Analogy
> Bodies a system made up of different parts e.g. cells, organs, functioning to maintain it
> Likewise, Societies, made up of structures e.g. education, state etc.
> Family vital maintaining social system, meeting needs of systems e.g. the economy.
Murdock (4 Functions of Family)
> Sexual Function
Reproductive Function
Primary Socialisation
Economic Function
Sexual Function
> Stable Satisfaction of sex drive, with marital partner
> Stops sexual jealousy & disruption from sexual free for all.
Reproduction Function
Having children otherwise society can’t continue.
Primary Socialisation
Process of learning basic norms & values so new members integrate into society.
Economic Function
Meets members economic needs e.g. food & shelter
Benefit of 4 Functions of Family (Murdock)
> Maintains Social solidarity
> Efficiency - explains why it’s universal.
Parsons (2 Irreducible Functions)
> Primary Socialisation
> Stabilisation of adult personalities
Parsons idea of Primary Socialisation
Gives next generation skills & values, allows co-operation & integration
Stabilisation of Adult Personalities & Warm Bath Theory (Parsons)
> Emotional security in relationship, life’s stressful, so breadwinner ‘de-stressed’ by his wife.
> Relieves tensions, can go back to work aiding the economy
Parsons (Functional fit)
> Extended family was multifunctional, unit of production/consumption
> Nuclear family fits complex modern society e.g. geographical & social Mobility.
> Extended family functions now carried out by state e.g. NHS
Geographical Mobility (Functional fit) - Parsons
Easier for nuclear family to move to where jobs are, harder with extended family
Social Mobility (Functional fit) - Parsons
> Status achieved not ascribed, sons can get higher status jobs compared to their fathers.
> Set up own nuclear family due to status conflict if they stayed working in the extended family farms/cottage industries
Criticisms of Functionalism
> Outdated > Ansley > Benefiting Powerful Groups > Downplay Conflict > Socially Constructed
Outdated? - Criticisms of Functionalism
> Nuclear family not dominant in today’s society, alternative family types do essential functions
> Gender roles changed
Benefiting Powerful Groups - Criticisms of Functionalism
> Not society, but powerful groups - Marxists state that family benefits the ruling class
Downplays Conflict - Criticisms of Functionalism
Ignores e.g. Domestic violence & child abuse.
Socially Constructed, univeral? - - Criticisms of Functionalism
> Family life varies between different cultures & societies - nuclear family not universal
A03 Parsons Functional Fit (Key Studies)
> Young & Wilmott
> Laslett
Young & Wilmott - A03 Parsons Functional Fit
Extended family networks were still strong in East London in 1970’s
Laslett - A03 Parsons FF
Family was nuclear before industrialisation due to low life expectancy