functionalist veiws on the family Flashcards
what is the overall functionalist view of the family?
Functionalists see the family as an agency that contributes to social order ,consensus , and harmony. It must have a purpose as it exists
What is meant by organic analogy?
All parts of society each have a specific function and work together as a living system, similar to the human body
What is Parsons overall view on the family?
argues that the nuclear family fits the needs of industrial modern society as the functions of the family depend of the kind of society in which it is found.
What is the ‘instrumental leader’?
The male role , who is best suited to being the economic breadwinner
What is the ‘expressive leader’?
The female role , who is best suited to being the dependant housewife , nurturing and caring
Primary socialisation role in the family?
Parsons argues that every individual must learn the shared norms and values of society to gain value consensus .Family is responsible for moulding children’s personalities
What is meant by ‘human personality factory’?
All of these socialisation processes then contribute to a society based on consensus , maintaining social order in society
What is the ‘warm bath theory’?
Where the married couples relationship provides relief against problems in society, strengthening the couples bond
How do feminists criticise the functionalist family view?
They highlight the negative effects of domestic responsibility on females, family benefits men more
How do post-modernists criticise functionalist family views?
Not all socialisation comes from the family as children are now also influenced by the media e.g. watching tv
What are functionalist family strengths?
-it shows how social institutions such as family and education are connected
-Chester identified that many people in their life cycle experience a nuclear family
