functionalist perspectives on the family Flashcards
what are the four main functions of the family?
1) sexual regulations
2) reproduction
3) economic cooperation
4) socialisation
how does sexual regulations benefit society?
it reduces sexual disorder
how does reproduction benefit society?
1) it grows the population
2) families help to create the next generation of society
how does socialisation benefit society?
families carry out primary socialisation, so children are taught the norms and values = social consensus and social order can be passed on
how does sexual regulations benefit individuals?
it can stabilise sexual relationships and sexual needs are met
how can reproduction benefit individuals?
it allows them to have and grow a family of their own
how does socialisation benefit individuals?
individuals will know norms and values and fit into society
how does economic regulations benefit individuals?
needs, such as food and housing, are met
how does economic cooperation benefit society?
creates social order
what family types are excluded from Murdock’s definition of a family?
1) same sex couples
2) extended families
3) co parents
4) co habitation
5) single parents
what is a household?
a group of people who share a common residence and who may or may not be related
why do people criticise Murdock for his definition on family?
1) its outdated
2) people can live in communes
3) traditional structures disadvantage women
4) he fails to explore alternatives to the nuclear family
what does parsons say about the family?
- argues that the family has become increasingly specialised, isolated and nuclear
- in pre-industrial times, we lived in extended families, where people would spend their whole lives living in the same cottage
- the family was responsible for looking after elderly relatives and educating children
- the industrial revlution meant there were more job opportunities so people would move out to start their own families elsewhere = birth of the nuclear family
- therefore, people became SOCIALLY and GEOGRAPHICALLY mobile and the traditional functions have been taken over by specialised institutions, such as social services and schools
what’s a nuclear family?
a family made up of a mother, father and chidren
what’s an extended family?
a family made up of parents, grandparents, children aunts/uncles, etc
what is social mobility? (parsons)
the ability for individuals to succeed in roles above (or below) their social strata
what is geographical mobility?
where a person usually moves to urban regions
what is the warm bath theory?
where the family provides the man with stress relief and relaxation after a hard day of work
