Functionalism

Question 1

functionalism - emeli durkheim

Answer 1

parts of society have useful functions that allow society to run smoothly
the family is a beneficial institution, contributes to: social stability, creates harmonious society, prepares children for adult world

Question 2

functionalism - murdocks functions

Answer 2

sexual
reproductive
economic
socialisation

Question 3

functionalism - what is seen a s a universal institution vital to well-being of society?

Answer 3

the nuclear family

Question 4

functionalism - parson’s function

Answer 4

primary socialisation of children

stabilisation of human personalities

Question 5

functionalism - primary socialisation of children

Answer 5

learning/internalising societies culture
becomes part of individuals personality/identity -> consensus
families are factories producing human personalities and emotional warmth/security to achieve this

Question 6

functionalism - stabilisation of human personalities

Answer 6

personalities are stabilised by the sexual division of labour
mens instrumental role (breadwinner) leads to stress/anxiety, threatens to destabilise his personality
wives expressive role relies the tension by providing love and understanding

Question 7

functionalism - warm bath theory

Answer 7

family is a relaxing haven where all the stresses of the day are soaked away

Question 8

functionalism - parsons fit theory

Answer 8

the family that fits society changes as society does
extended family fitted pre-industrial society
nuclear family fits complex industrial society

Question 9

functionalism - structural differentiation

Answer 9

new specialised social institutions take over range of functions once performed by a single institution
extended family not needed as functions are carried out by the state

Question 10

functionalism - privatised nuclear family

Answer 10

self-cointained/reliant & home-centred family unit separated from extended kin, neighbours and community

Question 11

functionalism - modified extended family

Answer 11

nuclear families living apart geographically but maintain regular contact and mutual support

Question 12

functionalism - decrease in extended family (geographical mobility)

Answer 12

need for small family unit as division of labour requires mobile workforce
meet requirements of changing/growing workforce means leaving relatives

Question 13

functionalism - decrease in extended family (social mobility)

Answer 13

higher rates weaken kin links

differences between members weaken relationships as they have less in common

Question 14

functionalism - decrease in extended family (welfare state)

Answer 14

taken over functions once performed by the family

reducing dependency on kin weakens extended family

Question 15

functionalism - decrease in extended family (meritocracy)

Answer 15

occupational status achieved by skills/qualifications > who you know
extended kin has less to offer

Question 16

functionalism - decrease in extended family (economic/status conflict)

Answer 16

different occupation/incomes may be source of family conflict/instability
children move away to establish independent lives

Question 17

functionalism - decrease in extended family (partners bond strengthened)

Answer 17

increased dependency on partners

increasing stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 18

functionalism criticism - downplaying conflict

Answer 18

presents family life as harmonious institution

ignores darker side of family life

Question 19

functionalism criticism - out of date

Answer 19

held truth in 1950s

majority of women now in paid work and blurring of gender roles

Question 20

functionalism criticism - ignores exploitation of women

Answer 20

ignores women suffering from sexual division of labour

Question 21

functionalism criticism - ignores harmful effets of family life

Answer 21

privatisation of family -> emotional stress due to demanding/expecting more from each other, generating conflict

Question 22

functionalism criticism - family have more responsibilities

Answer 22

fletcher

• parents preoccupied with childrens health
• social services increased responsibilities of families
• economic role as rising living standards
• marxists; pressure motivates workers into boring unfulfilling jobs

Question 23

functionalism criticism - feminism

Answer 23

the family is a means of production

womens unpaid domestic labour produces range of services that would be expensive if bought