Functionalist Theory on the family

Question 1

How do functionalists regard society?

Answer 1

They regard the family as the basic building block of society as it has the crucial function of socialising the young & meeting the emotional needs of its members

Question 2

What are George Murdocks 4 essential functions of the family?

Answer 2

1) Stable Satisfaction of the sex drive
2) Biological reproduction of the next generation
3) Socialisation of the young ( basic norms and values)
4) Meeting economic needs

Question 3

What are some criticisms of Murdock?

Answer 3

1) Other institutions may be able to perform these functions
2) Feminists argue that saying the family is essential is ideological as traditional families oppress women

Question 4

What is Parsons theory on the family?

Answer 4

Parsons believes that as society changes, as does the type of family that ‘fits’ it and the functions it performs change

Question 5

Example of parsons theory?

Answer 5

Shown as over the past 200 years we have gone from pre-industrial to industrial along with this the family type has gone from extended to nuclear

Question 6

Criticisms of the functional fit theory?

Answer 6

• ‘too neat’ social change doesn’t occur in such a social way
• Young and willmott found the extended kind families were still strong in areas of London as late as 1970s

Question 7

What are parsons two essential functions of the family?

Answer 7

Primary Socialisation & stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 8

What is primary socialisation?

Answer 8

This is when the family teaches children the norms and values of society

• Boys learn to adopt instrumental role
• Girls to adopt expressive role

Question 9

What is the stabilisation of adult personalities?

Answer 9

Refers to the emotional security thats achieved within a relationship. Parsons believes that the family is a place where the working man can return from work and be ‘distressed’ - reducing conflict in society ( Also known as warm bath theory)

Question 10

What are the general criticisms of the Functionalist Perspective?

Answer 10

1) Down plays conflict - Don’t discuss the dark side of the family
2) Too deterministic - Ignored the fact children actively create their own personalties and assumes an almost robotic adoption of the norms and values
3) Out of date - women now go to work and play both roles etc