Functionalist view of education Flashcards
How did George Murdock describe the nuclear family?
- They are the norm
- They are the most successful family type
- They are universal: because they are present in every culture
What are the functions of the family according to George Murdock?
R- Reproduction
E- Economic
P- Primary Socialisation
S- Sexual Regulation
Explain Sexual Regulation as a function of the family
The family allows adults to express sexual behaviour in a socially acceptable way.
(So basically because family and marriage exists ppl aren’t bussing it down left right and centre or being polyamorous or adulterous which is very deviant)
Explain the economic function of the family (George Murdock)
The family provides warmth, shelter, food for survival
Who are the three functionalists who theorise about the family?
- George Murdock
- Talcott Parsons
- Ronald Fletcher
What did Parsons say about the functions of the family?
- The family has lost most of its previous functions
- This is because institutions have become specialised
- He called this structural differentiation
What functions has the family lost? Which institution has taken over?
Teaching- Schools
Entertainment- Media
Healthcare- Hospitals and G.Ps
What is the organic analogy?
Written by Emile Durkheim
Society functions like a living organism
Every institution is likened to a vital organ
Each institution is interdependent and indispensable
If an institution stops being functional, it ceases to exist.
What are the two essential functions of the family according to Talcott Parsons
- Primary Socialisation
- Stabilisation of adult personalities.
Explain Primary Socialisation as a function of the family according to Talcott Parsons
The family teaches children about the norms and values of society which ensures a value consensus in society.
Explain SoAP as a function of the family
Stabilisation of Adult Personality:
A work-centred society puts stress on the breadwinner.
The sexual division of labour means the woman provides a relaxing environment for the man to be re-stabilised when he gets home.
What type of leaders are the men of the family according to Talcott Parsons?
Instrumental leaders
What type of leaders are the women of the family according to Talcott Parsons?
Expressive leaders
What is the role of an instrumental leader?(5 points)
- Breadwinner
- Head of the family
- Decision maker
- Powerful
- Discipilinarian
What is the role of an expressive leader? (3 points)
- The supporter
- Comforter
- Relieves the tension caused by the outside world
Explain the SoAP theory
1)The home is a warm bath because the expressive leader provides a relaxing environment that counteracts the stressful workplace environment.
2) This stabilises the male’s personality by making him feel whole again and ready for work the next day
What did Ronald Fletcher say about the functions of the family?
He agrees with Parsons that functions have been lost but some have actually been gained.
What positive functions did the family gain?
Healthcare
Education
Conumption
How has the family gained the function of healthcare?
- Managing children’s diets and excercise
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Reffering doctors
- Ensuring children are ‘well looked after’
How has the family gained the function of education?
-Attending parents’ evenings
-Helping with homework
-Paying for school trips and other resources
How has the family gained the function of consumption?
Being the unit of consumption to support the economy instead of a unit of support.
Strengths of the Functionalist view of the family
- Gives a clear understanding of gender roles in the family
- Shows how important the family is to society as an institution
- Shows how the family adapts to meet the needs of society
Give one weakness of the functionalist view of educaion
Far too idealistic. There is a ‘dark side’ to the family e.g. domestic abuse.
How would feminists criticise the functionalist view of education?
It perpetuates sexist and stereotypical roles of males and females. Women have now entered the labour market.
