Family Theory Flashcards
What are the 3 types of units that a family can be?
- Reproductive
- Economic
- Ideological
What makes the family a reproductive unit? (3)
Physical Care
Emotional Care
Socialisation
What is included in physical care?
DOMESTIC LABOUR: Ensuring health and welfare needs are met (not just children; older people with disabilities)
What is included in emotional care?
Emotional security: support system/ safe haven
What is included in socialisation?
Reinforcing normative behaviour, attitudes and beliefs.
Constructs gender, racial, class ect identities
What is a criticism of a family providing emotional care?
DV/Abuse: • Most violence happens within families rather than out on the street
What makes the family an economic unit? (2)
Production and Consumption
What has influenced the change from families as producers to consumers?
Industrialisation and the rise of capitalism
What makes the family an ideological unit?
Strong concept of ‘normative’ guidance influenced by political agendas.
What does McIntosh say about the significance of families today?
“The major significance of the family in Britain today is ideological”.
What does Murdock say the main purpose of the family is? (4)
- Reproduce
- Satisfy sexual desire
- Provide economic support
- Socialisation
Parsons says that family members have different functions. What are there gendered functions?
- Women perform domestic labour
- Men perform economic labour
How does Parsons say that industrialisation has influenced the family.
The family has become the ‘isolated nuclear family’ / FUNCTIONAL FIT
What are features of the ‘isolated nuclear family’?
- mobile and adaptable, suited to industrial society
- Loss of closeness to extended family – less of a need; self sufficient
- Not tied to communities
How do Young and Wilmot criticise Parsons?
- Functions have not changed as much as suggested
- People still rely on extended damilies
