Functionalism And The Family Flashcards
What do functionalist stress ?
Stresses the positive aspects of the family
What does functionalist focus on ?
Focuses on the positive role of the nuclear family
What does functionalist argue about society ?
Society is operating well and institutions work together to run smoothly (organic analogy)
What does the family transmit according to functionalists
Transmits value , skill and functions
What are the functionalist perspectives of the family ?
- George Murdock
- Talcott Parsons
- 6 functions
What does Murdock (functionalist) claim the nuclear family is ?
Claims that the nuclear family is a universal institution with universal functions
What is the four functions according to Murdock functionalists ?
- reproductive
- economic
- educational
- sexual
What is the reproductive function according to functionalist Murdock ?
Society need new members to survive
What is the sexual function according to Murdock functionalists ?
Powerful bond between parents contributes to stability in family
What is the educational function according to Murdock functionalists ?
Transmits norm and value by family
What is the economic function of the family according to Murdock functionalist ?
Family provides shelter, food , care and protection to contribute to smoothly running economy
What are the evaluation of Murdock functionalist ?
- Ignores diversity
- value judgement
What is the value judgement evaluation of Murdock functionalist ?
Murdock deprives certain members of society from status e.g single, same sex as not as beneficial as nuclear family
What is ignore diversity evaluation of Murdock functionalists ?
Family is a product of culture so family roles and relationships take in different forms within the same society depending in range of attitudes and beliefs
What are the functions of a family according to Parsons functionalists ?
Primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities
What is primary socialisation according to parsons functionalist ?
Teaching children the norms and values of society
How does primary socialisation help society according to parsons funcrionalists ?
Helps to reproduce value consensus and society to run smoothly
What is stabilisation of adult personalities according to parsons functionalist ?
Family function is to relive stress for adult members this is referred to as a ‘warm bath’ where family acts as a warm, loving and stable environment to release stress of work
What does the family act as according to parsons functionalist when it comes to stabilisation of adult personalities ?
Safe haven and safety valve and emotional support and security
What are the evaluation of parsons functionalist ?
- Sexist
- assumes children are passive
Evaluation of parsons functionalist how is view sexist ?
Assumes men and women naturally perform separate roles but in reality traditional nuclear families are based on male power and dominance
Example of sexist parson functionalist view ?
Dismiss women play earning role and responsibility of emotional support falls on women
What is assumes children are Passive evaluation of parsons functionalist ?
Assumes that parents only socializes but can be seen as a two way process where children socialises parents just as much
What are the six functions according to functionalist?
- Gender socialisation
- Social control
- Social status
- Recreation and leisure
- Economic function
- Protective and welfare function
Overall evaluation of functionalist ?
-Overly positive
-Ignores dark side of family
-out of date
-ignores diversity
Why is overly positive an evaluation of functionalist
Nuclear family is exaggerated and overly glorified
How does functionalist ignore dark side of the family ?
Ignores fact that family can be dysfunctional
How is functionalist outdated?
Family functions carried out by both parents rather than just the mother
