Functionalist Theories of the Family

Question 1

What do functionalists see the nuclear family as doing?

Answer 1

Benefits the greater good of society, maintains social order and stability

Question 2

What did Murdoch say about the nuclear family?

Answer 2

It was universal

Question 3

What 4 functions does the nuclear family perform according to Murdoch?

Answer 3

• reproductive
• sexual
• socialisation
• economic

Question 4

Explain Murdochs reproductive function…

Answer 4

Once married, couple should raise and conceive children. This stabilises the couple and gives, especially, the women a role. Benefits society as it provides workers for the economy.

Question 5

Explain Murdochs sexual function…

Answer 5

Couples have a romantic and intimate relationship with each other. Benefits the individual as it creates a strong bond between the couple, creating fidelity. Benefits society as it reduces the risk of divorce and broken homes

Question 6

Explain Murdochs socialisation function…

Answer 6

The nuclear family creates a culture that is transmitted through generations, therefore maintaining social order. For example, parents teach; language, manners, respect for others and empathy which contributes to the smooth running of society. Gives both parents a purpose.

Question 7

Explain Murdochs economic function…

Answer 7

The nuclear family should provide its own goods and services; food, housing ect. Benefits the individual as the man acts a breadwinner - giving him a purpose. Benefits the society as it ensures the economic system runs smoothly

Question 8

Evaluation of Murdochs theory?

Answer 8

• theory is very ethnocentric and relative of a particular time and place. Based on his owns experiences in the 1940s
• outdated, fails to take into account a number of distinct changes to society such as same sex families and single parent families

Question 9

What is primary socialisation?

Answer 9

Where parents and significant people teach children the culture of the world they live in during the early years of their life

Question 10

What was Parsons interested in?

Answer 10

The historical development of the nuclear family to explain why it is the most popular

Question 11

In pre-industrial times, what did Parsons believe about the nuclear family?

Answer 11

Societies were organised into small farming communities and extended families were common

Question 12

What happened to the family as industrialisation occurred?

Answer 12

The family was no longer practical, it evolved into a smaller, more streamlined unit that met the needs of an industrial society.

Question 13

Why did the family change during the industrial revolution?

Answer 13

Geographical mobility

Question 14

What is geographical mobility?

Answer 14

The movement of families around the country, usually because of work

Question 15

What 2 functions did Parsons identify for the nuclear family?

Answer 15

• primary socialisation of children

- stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 16

Explain Parsons primary socialisation of children function…

Answer 16

The family was the main centre of socialisation, the teaching of attitudes, behaviours, culture, norms and values. Parents were responsible for creating young citizens that valued society which created a smooth running society and reduced crime.

Question 17

Explain Parsons stabilisation of adult personalities function…

Answer 17

Once married the family becomes grounded and responsible. The women becomes the expressive leader, meaning she is responsible for domestic labour and childcare.. The man becomes the instrumental leader meaning he is the breadwinner. The family acts as a “warm bath”

Question 18

Evaluation of Parsons theory of the families two functions being primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities?

Answer 18

• life before the industrial revolution was far from peaceful, poor health and sanitation led to many premature deaths
• functions can be performed by other family types

Question 19

During the 20th century what happened to the family?

Answer 19

Family began to lose its function due to structural differentiation

Question 20

What is structural differentiation?

Answer 20

The loss of functions from the family due to rise of institution that performs the families functions for them. Hospitals schools e.g.

Question 21

According to Fletcher, what challenged the family in the past?

Answer 21

• faced with health issues, high chance of death
• children were forced to work and abused
• families lived in cramped, unsanitary conditions

Question 22

What responsibilities do families have today?

Answer 22

• parents expected to financially support their kids
• families have care responsibilities for older relatives
• women are likely to be in paid work as well as caring for the family

Question 23

Evaluation of Fletcher?

Answer 23

• in the past, family life wasn’t that bad. Marriage was taken more seriously and kids were more respectful
• families are supported by a range of institutions