Functionalist + Marxist View of the Family Flashcards
What is the functionalist view of the family?
The family is one of the cornerstones of society, performing essential functions that support social stability and cohesion.
Define universal nuclear family.
A family that consists of 2 generations, parents and children, believed by Murdock to exist all over the world and to be the best family type.
What are social institutions?
Structures in society that influence behavior, such as the family, education, media, and religion.
List the functions of the family according to Murdock.
- Sexual
- Reproduction
- Socialisation
- Economic
What is the sexual function of the family according to Murdock?
Ensures that adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable, promoting stable monogamous heterosexual relationships.
What does the reproduction function of the family entail?
The biological reproduction of the next generation, which is essential for the continuation of society.
Explain the socialisation function of the family.
Teaching basic norms and values to the young so that the next generation is fully integrated into society.
What is the economic function of the family?
Meeting its members’ economic needs, such as producing food and shelter.
What functions of the family does Parsons identify?
Stabilisation of adult personalities, socialisation
What is the ‘warm bath theory’ as proposed by Parsons?
The idea that the family acts as a place for the working man to return and de-stress, reducing conflict in society.
What is the ‘best fit theory’ as a criticism of Parsons?
The nuclear family is not universal; family structure changes as societal needs change.
e.g. pre-industrial families were extended, but post industrial families are nuclear
Define structural differentiation in the context of internal criticisms of Parsons.
Some functions of the family, like economic needs, have shifted to other institutions such as the welfare state and NHS.
List some evaluations of the functionalist perspective on the family.
- Downplays the role of conflict, especially oppression of women and domestic violence
- Out of date due to changing gender roles
- Deterministic view of societal norms and values
- Ignores family diversity, assuming nuclear families are best
What do Marxists believe about the family?
The family is a tool of capitalism, maintaining capitalism and reinforcing social inequalities.
Define Economic Base in Marxist theory.
The base comprises the forces and relations of production into which people enter to produce the necessities and amenities of life.
What does Superstructure refer to?
all the institutions, ideas, and systems in society that are built upon the economic base such as culture, institution, political power structures, roles, rituals, and state.
What is the Ideological State Apparatus?
Social institutions such as education, churches, family, media, trade unions, and law that transmit the values of the state.
Who is the key thinker associated with the inheritance of wealth in the family?
Fredrick Engels.
What is Inheritance of wealth according to marxists
The isolated nuclear family allows men to confirm paternity and control wealth through private inheritance. This structure supports capitalism by keeping wealth within the family, rather than distributing it to the broader community.
Who proposed the Cushioning Effect and the Unit of Consumption?
Zaretsky.
What is the Cushioning effect in the context of marxist functions of the family
The cushioning effect, like Parson’s Warm Bath theory, suggests the family provides comfort from societal stress. Zaretsky adds that the family gives men a sense of power they lack at work due to bourgeois oppression. This illusion prevents the proletariat from recognizing their exploitation and challenging capitalism.
What is the idea of the family being a unit of consumption according to marxists
Families help generate profits for the bourgeoisie by buying products workers create. Workers are paid less than the value of their work, and advertisers target families, encouraging them to “keep up with the Joneses.” They also exploit children’s “Pester Power” to push for the latest products, ensuring conformity and avoiding bullying.
Who is a key thinker for the socialisation marxist function of the family
Althusser
What is the idea of Socialisation as a function of the family according to marxists
Marxists agree with Functionalists that the family is key to socialization but argue that it teaches the next generation the ruling class ideology and reinforces the unequal social hierarchy. This helps maintain capitalism by making the ruling ideology seem normal to future generations.
