Functionalism (family) Flashcards
What do functionalists believe
Compare society to the body
Everything in society works together
People are social puppets - shaped by social influences (structuralism)
Consensus- focuses on agreement in society
What family does Murdock think is the most popular
Nuclear family (universalistic family) The best family for ensuring society runs smoothly
What was Murdocks 4 functions of the family
Sexual, reproductive, education and economic
What is the sexual function
Married couple should have a romantic, physical relationship which is important to keep a close relationship and reduces conflict.
What is the reproductive function
Murdock believes only married couple should conceive and raise a child which benefits the family as it makes them more complete and gives them a purpose. It also allows the family to carry on their blood line and provides workers
What is the education function
Murdock believes only a nuclear family can properly teach a child the norms and values which gives the parents a role to play. It also benefits society as children will know how to behave making a smoother society
What is the economic education
Once again this function can only be performed by a nuclear family according to Murdock. It benefits the family as it ensures they are financially stable and helps the overall economic system run smoothly.
Evaluation of Murdock
Not every family is a nuclear family
He ignores problems in the nuclear family eg domestic violence
Most families can perform these functions just as well
Define structural differentiation (parsons)
Creation of specialist services eg hospitals/schools which takes away responsibilities from the nuclear family
What is primary socialisation of children
It is similar to murdocks education function as parsons sees parents are responsible for teaching the norms and values
What is stabilisation of adult personalities
It is the belief that once adults are married and have children they should be grounded. The women should be responsible for labour around the house and the man should be the breadwinner
Evaluation of parsons
Families have more roles to play today eg economic and care responsibilities
The functions can be performed by non nuclear families
Challenges in the past (fletcher)
Families faces health issues and a lack of medical care
Children were expected to work and were abused
Families often lived in cramped and unsanitary conditions
Responsibilities today
Parents are expected to spend more money on children
Families have more care responsibilities for older relatives
Women today are more likely to be employed and have jobs in the house
Evaluation of fletcher
Family life wasn’t all bad as adults took marriage seriously and children were more respected
Family life is much better now as we have better health care, education and laws
Families are now are now supported by a range of institutions
