Functionalism

Question 1

Parsons (explain all)

Answer 1

• ‘warm bath’ theory
• nuclear family important for primary socialisation of children
• stabilisation of adult personalities
• geographically mobile = easy to move to new jobs without causing too much disruption
• expressive vs instrumental functions

Question 2

Murdock

Answer 2

• 4 functions
- sexual
- reproductive
- socialisation
- economic
• ‘unit of production’
• ‘unit of consumption’

Question 3

Criticisms

Answer 3

• Dobash & Dobash emphasise existence of violent husbands
• Doesn’t consider other family types
• Overplay harmonious nature - 50,000 kids in child protection registers

Question 4

Bell & Vogel - dysfunctional aspects

Answer 4

• children can be emotional scapegoats for the tension of unresolved conflicts between parents
• has a stabilising influence for family and society