Functionalist Perspective On The Family Flashcards
Definition of the family
The family is a social group characterised by common residence, economic corporation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes at least two of them to maintain a socially approved sexual relationship and one or more children or adopted of the sexually cohabiting adults
Sexual function
Benefit to individual
Benefit to society
Adults can have their sexual needs met
Sexual behaviour is controlled
Reproduction function
Benefit to individual
Benefit to society
Next generation is created
Next generation is created so society continues
Socialisation function
Benefit individuals
Benefit to society
Individuals learn their culture norms and values
Social order - stops anomie
Socialisation function
Benefit individuals
Benefit to society
Individuals learn their culture norms and values
Social order - stops anomie
Economic function
Benefit to individuals
Benefit to society
Individuals needs are met
E.g. food and shelter.
Everyone is provided for
Evaluation of Murdock
Misses out different family types from his definition to a single parent - families same-sex - extended families - children living with other relatives -blended families and couples who don’t have children excludes family like the Mosuo family/culture
What is the nuclear family?
How many of two generations- parents and children related by blood or marriage who live together
What is an extended family
Families containing relatives of parents and children, including arts, uncles and grandparents, etc
What is an extended family
Families containing relatives of parents and children, including arts, uncles and grandparents, etc
What are the 2 main reasons for this happening
1- a geographically mobile workforce
It is easier for the compact nuclear family to move to where Work is in industrial society
2-socially mobile workforce
Status is achieved through effort and not ascribed at birth. New generations can move up the social ladder if generations of different social classes when living together this would cause conflict hence it is better for individuals to live in a nuclear family unit.
Evaluation of Parsons
Idealises the family and ignores the dark side of the family - abuse
American Middle class theory which is unrepresentative of many families/doesn’t recognise diversity
Fails to explore alternatives to the family
