functionalism - family

Question 1

defenition of a symmetrical family?

Answer 1

where the roles in a family of a husband or wife/ partners are equal and family is more privatised + home centred

Question 2

what is parsons theory?

Answer 2

• the role of family adapts to the surrounding society
• there are two irreducible functions to family
• there is roles for a man and a woman to have an efficient household.

Question 3

what is the concept of functional fit and who theorised it?

Answer 3

• structure of family has become more nuclear to fit the requirements of an industrial society.
• parsons

Question 4

what is structural differentiation?

Answer 4

the process of the transition of functions done by family such as health and education being transferred over to specialised institutions as a result of industrialisation.

Question 5

what is geographical mobility?

Answer 5

movement of people and families from one place to another

Question 6

what is a privatised nuclear family?

Answer 6

a family that earns money and buys services and products. it is also small and geographically mobile

Question 7

what are the two irreducible functions?

Answer 7

• primary socialisation
• SOAP

Question 8

what is the warm bath theory/ SOAP

Answer 8

Stabilisation of adult personalities, a function of family which allows the working parent to relax to allow them to return to work recharged.

Question 9

what is marxists’ view on SOAP?

Answer 9

it is bad as it reinforces capitalist economy as it