Functionalist view of the family?

Question 1

Parsons ( 1950)?

Answer 1

Parsons argued that families develop structures suited to their cultural context, advocating the nuclear family as the ideal form in modern society, a view supported by George Murdoch’s 1949 study of around 250 cultures. Murdoch concluded that all families share four key functions: sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational. This perspective dominated sociological thought until the 1970s.

Question 2

Parsons theory of nuclear families?

Answer 2

Modern families no longer rely on wider family support as in the past. Women typically take on expressive, emotional roles, while men assume instrumental roles as primary earners. This dynamic is described by the “warm bath theory,” where the family provides comfort for men after work. Proponents argue that these roles are biologically natural, evolved to align with gender differences, creating the best environment for raising healthy, socially adjusted children.

Question 3

Criticism of the functionalist view of the family?

Answer 3

Functionalism faces significant criticism for being ideological, promoting the prevailing family structure as the “best” simply because it exists. Marxists and feminists argue that many nuclear families are unsafe for women and children, citing high domestic abuse rates as evidence of broader societal issues. Mirrlees Black (1999) linked this abuse to systemic problems. Additionally, functionalism overlooks alternative family forms, such as LGBTQ families, and can constrain heterosexual individuals within traditional roles. Critics point out that women often occupy lesser positions with limited power, and finances are typically controlled by men, undermining equal partnerships. Parsons is viewed as overly optimistic, focusing on family structure while ignoring the complexity of relationships and emotional dynamics, and his arguments are criticized as circular: asserting that because a family structure exists, it must be beneficial to society.

Question 4

Are traditional views of the family still relevant today?

Answer 4

Family structure debates
theoretical debate

Question 5

Family structure debates

Answer 5

The variety of family and household types is increasing, with greater tolerance for those outside traditional nuclear family patterns. Diverse family structures, such as same-sex families and shared parenting arrangements, are becoming more common. Consequently, defining family solely by structure is no longer practical due to ongoing population and social changes.

Question 6

Theoretical debate?

Answer 6

These perspectives focus on the emotional aspects and dynamics of family life rather than its structural appearance, prioritizing the roles and functions families play in individuals’ lives.