Functionalist views of the family

Question 1

functionalist view of the family?

Answer 1

family is one of the corner stones of society
It performs essential functions which support social stability and social cohesion.

Question 2

what are the 4 functions of the family according to MUrdock?

Answer 2

sexual
economic
reproduction
socialisation

Question 3

what is the sexual function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 3

Ensures adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable.
stable monogamous heterosexual
relationships.

Question 4

what is the reproduction function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 4

biological reproduction of the next
generation – without which society cannot continue.

Question 5

what is the socialisation function of the family?

Answer 5

Socialisation of the young - teaching basic norms and values so that the next generation
are fully integrated into society and maintain the social cohesion

Question 6

what is the economic function of the family?

Answer 6

Meeting its members economic needs – producing food and shelter for example.

Question 7

what are the functions of the family according to Parsons?

Answer 7

socialisation
stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 8

what is the function of socialisation according to Parsons?

Answer 8

Agrees with Murdock that family is essential in the primary socialisation process

Question 9

what is the function of stabilisation of adult personalities according to Parsons?

Answer 9

emotional security achieved within a marital relationship between two adults.
Stabilization is achieved the through biologically determined roles- Expressive and instrumental.

Question 10

what are 2 internal criticisms of parsons?

Answer 10

best fit theory
structural differentiation

Question 11

what is parsons internal criticism of best fit theory?

Answer 11

Nuclear family is not universal, the structure of the family changes as the needs of the society changes. Pre industrial families were extended families with multiple generations living together, where as post industrial families needed to be
geographically mobile and therefore became isolated nuclear families.

Question 12

what is parsons internal criticism of structural differentiation?

Answer 12

Some functions of the family as identified by Murdock have moved to other institutions for example the economic function has be taken on by the welfare state and the NHS.

Question 13

what are the 4 points of evaluation about the functionalist view of the family?

Answer 13

1. downplays the role of conflict
2. out of date
3. deterministic
4. ignores family diversity

Question 14

evaluation point: downplays the role of conflict

Answer 14

In particular the oppression of women and domestic violence. The family is not always the safe and warm place suggested by Parsons.

Question 15

evaluation point: out of date

Answer 15

Women now go out to work and the
biological roles as set out by Parsons no longer apply as clearly.

Question 16

evaluation point: deterministic

Answer 16

Assumes that the members of society
automatically take on the norms and values.

Question 17

evaluation point: ignores family diversity

Answer 17

Assumes that all families are
best when nuclear however many family structures are apparent in todays society and still fulfil the same functions.

Question 18

warm bath theory - Parsons

Answer 18

According to Parsons working life in Industrial society is stressful and family is a place where the working man can return and be ‘de-stressed’ by his wife, which reduces conflict in society.