functionalist perspective on the family Flashcards
the functionalist perspective is seen as what type of theory and why is it called this theory?
The functionalist theory is seen as a ‘structural theory’ because it claims that the social structures (family, education, religion) in society perform a lot of functions that shape and influence our behaviour.
functionalists state that for society to be stable and function effectively individuals must share the same what? Additionally, what social institution helps achieve this thing that individuals share?
functionalists believe that individuals must share the same norms and values (value consensus) and the family helps to achieve this value consensus
one example of what function that the family helps to perform and how does it benefit society.
the family helps to perform certain functions such as socialisation. It benefits society because it teaches other people the shared norms and values, which creates a sense of unity since people are using the same norms.
what does socialisation bring for society?
It brings social order (society being organised) and creates a society which people can live harmoniously
what are the four important functions the family performs? (Murdock)
1) economic
2) sexual
3) reproduction
4) educational
(REES)
what is the reproductive function?
families produce the next generation.
what is the educational function?
families socialise children into society’s norms and values. It prepares children for wider society, ensuring they conform to social expectations (behaviours society see as acceptable and normal)
what is the economic function?
refers to the family providing the basic material needed for its members such as food, shelter and clothing.
what is the sexual function?
The family allows adults to fulfil their sexual needs to prevent deviant sexual behaviour. e.g. rape. The family also socialises its members into accepting appropriate sexual relationships.
what is Parson’s fit theory about?
This theory claims that the structure of the family changes over time to fit the type of society that exists at the time.
Parson’s argued that what type of family was normal in pre-industrialisation times?
The extended family (living with grandparents, aunties etc) was normal in pre-industrialisation times
according to parsons, what type of family is normal in industrial times?
the nuclear family (two parents and their children) suits is more suited to industrial society.
why were extended families in pre-industrial societies beneficial
1) Family members worked together in agriculture or small-scale industry (small level with limited workers and resources)
2) they provided mutual supprt e.g. caring for the grandparents, looking after the children, economic support (providing food for the family members)
what does industrialisation mean?
the process of a society or country moving from farming-based to factory-based production.
How has nuclear families fit industrial society for social mobility?
social mobility
- An industrial society allowed there to be social mobility. A chance for people to gain their own social status through their own achievements and skills, instead of their family backgrounds.
what does social mobility got to do with nuclear families and extended familes? (parsons)
Parson’s states that nuclear families are more flexible and encourage their child to move away for a better job and gain their status on their own, whereas in extended families a child might be expected to stay in the family business and inherit their status from their parents.
How has nuclear families fit industrial society for a geographically mobile workforce?
Businesses rise and decline in different areas (some businesses succeed and other struggle/close down), so people move a lot for work. Parson says that the nuclear family is easier to move around than extended families.
what are the two functions of nuclear families (argued by Parson’s)
1) primary socialisation
- families teach children the societal norms and values
2) stabilisation of adult personalities
- families provide emotional support to help adults deal with stress of everyday life, especially work. The family is like a safe space where adults can relax, be themselves and feel supported. (after a long stressful day at work, a parent comes home, spends time with their partner and children and feels less stressed and more comfortable)
what do functionalists see nuclear families as?
The ‘ideal’ and ‘natural’ type of family for society.
what did parsons say about how the man and female stabilise adult personalities within the household?
females have an expressive role so they provide care and support for their family members, whereas thee man plays an instrumental role being the breadwinner who provides for thee economic needs (food, clothing, shelter) for the family.
what does research evidence say about how nuclear families play an important role in socialisation?
research evidence suggests that nuclear families play an essential role in the healthy social development (socialisation) of children and other forms of families, such as single parent families do not do so well in socialising their children into the accepted norms and values of society.
what do feminists say about the functional theory on families?
Feminists say that the family benefits men and exploits women, which isn’t fair.
What did Ann oakley say about parsons saying that men and women have natural roles in the family (breadwinner and caregiver)
She disagreed with Parsons and said that these roles are not natural but created by society through socialisation.
another criticism of the the functionalist theory on family. (the darker side)
functionalists tend to ‘idealise’ the family and ignore the ‘darker side’ of family life. For example, domestic violence and mental illnesses like depression can come about because of the family.
