functionalism view on family

Question 1

what is GP Murdocks theory of the family (1949)

Answer 1

• the nuclear family is universal and in every single society
• uses spencers body analogy - the family could be symbolised as the heart of society - providing a number of functions
• if the family does not function normally it effects other social institutions
• his definition of the nuclear family is - a social group dominated by common residence which includes adults of both sexes at least 2 of the , a socially accepted relationship and children (can be adopted)

Question 2

Murdocks functions of the family - reproduction

Answer 2

• society needs new members for it to keep going
• children are seen as a symbol of a couples emotional commitment and having children could stable marital relationships.

Question 3

Murdocks functions of the family - stable satisfaction of the sex drive

Answer 3

• ensures order in society - prevents a ‘sexual free for all’ which could cause chaos
• sex reinforces the couples love for one another and their loyalty.

Question 4

Murdocks functions of the family - economic

Answer 4

• parents can financially provide for the children
• parents have lots of responsibility on how they can provide for kids and help them mature, with finance

Question 5

Murdocks functions of the family - primary socialisation

Answer 5

• society’s norms and values passed down
• children can learn and fit into society to thrive, they will gain vital key skills + knowledge

Question 6

criticisms of Murdocks functions of the family

Answer 6

• m and fs are both conflict theories and would argue that this family can have negative experiences
• view is outdated
• his theory has been accused of viewing other types of family as inferior to the nuclear one

Question 7

positives/backing Murdocks functions of the family

Answer 7

• most common family in the world
• their have been gov attempts to abolish nuclear familes such as israel ppl live in communites called kibbutz children were raised in communal houses and only saw parents a few hours a day - didnt work due to children running away/ mental health

Question 8

talcot parsons 1950s theory on family

Answer 8

• argued that the dominant family of society will match the needs of society at the time - a functional fit.

Question 9

why did talcot believe the nuclear family was more common in industrial society - geographically mobile

Answer 9

• smaller family units can relocate easier + travel to mines and factories

Question 10

why did talcot believe the nuclear family was more common in industrial society - socially mobile

Answer 10

• nuclear families can enable social change- more progressive in gender roles+ equality for opportunities - extended families had fixed gender roles
• nfs allow children to work hard + get promoted - higher status leads to not being bounded by tradition

Question 11

why did talcot believe the nuclear family was more common in industrial society - structural differation

Answer 11

• the nf is no longer a unit of production(farms). instead they go to a designated workplace outside of family
• fam has lost certain functions due to new societal changes such as the nhs and education

Question 12

criticisms of talcot

Answer 12

• extended fams were not the most common family - pre-industrial rev - church records said it was only 10% of extended fam
  -nuclear family was the most popular pre industrial
• extended fam was more popular in industrial due to costs in cities - bad wages - willmot and young

Question 13

parsons belief of the family irreducible functions - primary socialisation

Answer 13

• teaching the children the norms and values of society in which they live.
• helps them intergrate into society and causes a value consensus
• good behaviour is rewarded + bad behaviour is punished
• helps gender socialisation parents have a duty to socialise the children into the right gender roles

Question 14

parsons belief of the family irreducible functions - stablisation of adult personalities

Answer 14

• warm bath theory - gender roles are biological + compliment each othergives the fam order and stability prevents conflict
• men are the instrumental role - breadwinner has a job to financially provide for his family
• women - expressive role - child, domestic, nurturing and emotional work - make sure everyone is happy

Question 15

criticisms of talcots fam functions

Answer 15

• far too positive about the family - can have a darker side of the family ie child abuse
• feminism - gender deemed to be a social construct rather than biological
• outdated theory due to the gender roles
• assume children are blank slates+ passive to accepting norms
• determistic

Question 16

case study that shows a dark side of familys

Answer 16

• arthur labinjo - hugher
• 6 years old was abused by his parents in covid-19
• subjected to stand for hours, deprived of food, salt poising
• parents convicted 20 years plus pf manslaughter and murder