Functionalism Flashcards
What type of theory is Functionalism?
Structural, consensus, macro
What do functionalists regard S as?
System inter-related parts Living organism (organic analogy)
What is their view on the family?
= vital organ in maintaining ‘body’ of S
Just as heart = important organ in maintaining human body
Family performs functions (3)
Name 2 key functions that the family performs according to Functionalists
- Preps children to fit into adult S
2. Family = functional prerequisite of ALL S, enables survival
What did Murdock (1949) see the family as?
Basic building block of S
Performs 4 essentail functions, meet needs of S + members
What are Murdock’s 4 functions of the family?
- Sexual (avoids free-for-all)
- Reproduction
- Socialisation (S’s shared n+v)
- Economic
What does Murdock say about the nuclear family?
Plays vital functions in maintaining S
= universal
When did Murdock write about the family?
1949
How could the Nayar be used to criticise Murdock (1949)?
Nayar, SW India
= no nuclear family before 19th cent
W = sexual relation with max 12 men
Biological father of child = uncertain
Mother’s brother = responsible for looking after her + children, not biological father
= no link between having children, getting married/ cohabitation (unlike UK)
How would Feminists criticise Murdock?
Family meets needs of men
Not women + children
How would Marxists criticise Murdock?
Family functions for needs of capitalist economy
Not family members/ S as whole
What are the 3 arguments against Murdock’s work?
- The Nayar
- Conflict theories (Marx + fem)
- Outdated, irrelevant to understanding families in 21st century
When did Parson write about the family?
1955
What term did Parsons use to describe how the family adapted to meet the needs of industrial S?
Functional fit
What does Parsons argue is the role of the family?
Varies from S to S
Family = required to adapt to Changes in S accordingly
S needs will affect shape/ structure of family
What 4 things did Parson believe happened as a result of industrialisation?
- Structure of family changed (extended to nuclear)
- Structural differentiation
- Achieved status (social mobility)
- Geographical mobility, moved away from farming + into factories
What did Parsons argue caused the nuclear family to emerge?
= result of industrialisation
Nuclear family FITTED needs of new economy
= uniquely suited to needs of industrial S
Explain how structural differentiation came about + describe the concept
(Parsons)
Extended families = functional in pre-industrial S
Ascribed status, members depended on each other
= unit of production
Functional fit resulted in loss of functions
Family = more specialised
Transferred some of functions to other social institutions (Ed)
What are Parsons 2 vital functions of the nuclear family?
- Primary socialisation of children (basic skills + v, 1st stage of integration)
- SOAP/ warm bath theory (release adult tensions)
Explain Parsons warm bath theory
What roles does this require?
SOAP
Family helps adults release stress caused by wk
Allows them to return to wk the next day refreshed
Marital partners provide each other emotional support
Children allow adults to have ‘childish side’
Requires ‘equal-but-different’ conjugal roles
Functional for economic efficiency
Parsons argue that males + females have what roles?
Expressive role (housewife, mother) Instrumental role (breadwinner, provider, protector)
What are the 5 criticisms of Parsons work?
- Fletcher, not loosing functions, family has more responsibility; CH = extended
- Feminists, welfare of family = carried out by W for FREE
- Laslett’s study (households before industrial revolution, nuclear)
- Extended family = still important in S today (Brannen, increased role of G.parents = emergence of beanpole)
Why was Fletcher critical of Parsons?
Argues that the family isn’t loosing functions, but gained them
Family has more responsibility for children; CH = extended
(Fletcher = also functionalist)
Why are feminists critical of Parsons? (2)
- Roles aren’t ‘equal-but-different’, W do emotional work for free
ALSO critical of…
2. Assumption that W = biologically suited to unpaid work + dependency on men (patriarchal)
How can Laslett’s study be used to criticise Parsons?
Study of English households before industrial rev
From Parish records
Found family = almost always nuclear
High IMR + low life expectancy
Few grandparents = alive, 2 generations = norm
Is the extended family still important today?
Who can this be used as evidence against?
Yes
Classic extended family = still found (travellers)
Modified extended family (Litwak), maintain ties despite geographical separation via social media etc
Can be used to criticise Parsons
When did Willmott + Young write?
1972
What family structure do WIllmott + Young believe emerged as a result of industrialisation?
How + why did this happen?
Symmetrical family
Family became privatised as a result of industrialisation
Nuclear family = more functional for couples + S
Change represents MOP, conjugal roles emerged
= strengthened bonds between married couples
How would feminists criticise Willmott + Young?
Symmetrical family = MYTH
Nuclear family remains a patriarchal institution
