Functionalism - family evolved to suit society needs

Question 1

FIT THESIS

Answer 1

AO1 - nuclear developed to suit industrial society (no longer rely on wider fam to survive = now need smaller + mobile)
AO2 - parsons = 2 functions socialisation of kids, adult prep
❌AO3 - implies other families = unsatisfactory
e.g Young + wilmott = 70s extended kin networks strong east london

Question 2

4 FUNCTIONS

Answer 2

AO1 - family is serves purpose
AO2 - murdock = sexual (stable sex drive = prevent jealousy) , reproduction (without = no society), socialisation, economic support
❌AO3 - other families could do this
❌AO3 - feminists = family being essential is misogynistic

Question 3

NEOCONVENTIONAL FAMILY

Answer 3

AO1 - nuclear but division of labour between men/women
AO2 - chester = more family diversity but surface level + not significant
+ while fam types have changed = everyone will at some point be in one/desire one
❌AO3 - theoretical

Question 4

WARM BATH

Answer 4

AO1 - men return home and feel relaxed
AO2 - parsons = relief from stress
❌AO3 - feminists = overlooks dark/abusive side
e.g. AO2 - mirles black - british crime survey = high rates of domestic abuse in western countries

Question 5

SAFE HAVEN

Answer 5

AO1 - nuclear family essential to preserving adults emotional stability (wife/kids)
AO2 - parsons - parents show childish side = living with kid
✅AO3 - new right = nuclear best way to raise children
❌other family types can achieve this

Question 6

POSITIVE FUNCTION

Answer 6

AO1 - social harmony = same norms/values = social order (limit deviancy)
AO2 - durkheim = conjugal (nuclear) family = essence of fam
❌AO3 - suggests humans no control over actions = oppressed into clones
❌AO3 - fletcher = family lost functions + taken over by other types
e.g. increase working mums = children in nurseries