Functionalism Flashcards
What do they see society as being?
Harmonious and based on consensus (agreement)
What do they mean by consensus?
Members of society agree due to their shared norms and values (rules for behaving)
What do they mean by “family ideology”
There is an ideal type of of family which works best in society today
What is the ideal family type?
The nuclear family - heterosexual married couple
What kind of role does a man have in a nuclear family?
An expressive role
What is an expressive role?
The man provides for the family and makes the decisions
What kind of role does a woman have in a nuclear family?
Instrumental role
What is an instrumental role?
The woman takes care of the home and the children, supporting the husband in his role
What is the nuclear family also called?
“Cereal packet” family
What does a “cereal packet” family mean?
It is used by advertisers as the quintessential, ideal family
What do functionalist see the nuclear family as?
“Function fit”
What does “functional fit” mean?
It is the type of family that works best within society
