Functionalism Family Flashcards
What is the functionalist perspective on the family?
The family performs essential functions which support social stability and social cohesion
Murdock
SEER
Sexual- ensures that adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable. This meant stable heterosexual relationships
Reproduction- the biological reproduction of the next generation- without which society cannot continue
Socialization- socialization of the young- teaching basic norms and values so that the next generation are full integrated into society and maintain the social
Economic- meeting its members economic needs- producing good and shelter for example
Parsons- socialization
Socialization- agreed with Murdock that the family is essential in the primary socialization process and ensuring that each generation are
Parsons- stabilization of adult personalities
The stabilization of adult personalities refers to the emotional security which is achieved within a marital relationship between two adults. According to Parsons working life industrial society is stressful and the family is a place where the working man can return and be ‘de-stressed’ by his wife, which reduces conflict in society. This is also known as the ‘warm bath theory’
Stabilization is achieved through the biologically determined roles- expressive and instrumental
Parsons internal criticisms
Best fit theory
Nuclear family is not universal, the structure of the family changes as the needs of the society changes. Pre industrial families were extended families with multiple generations together, where as post industrial families needed to be geographically mobile and therefore became isolated nuclear families
