Functionalist Views On The Family

Question 1

Functionalist view on the family

Answer 1

Family preforms a positive function by preparing children to fit into adult society and fitting in with other social institutions

Question 2

Murdocks concept

Answer 2

Argued that the family is a basic building block and performs 4 essential Functions to meet the needs of society

Question 3

Murdocks 4 positive functions on the family

Answer 3

1.sexual regulation- preventing social disorder caused by a sex free for all
2.reproduction-next generation
3.shared Norms and values- learning how to behave appropriately
4.economic-providing necessities such as food, clothes & shelter

Question 4

Murdock- universal institution

Answer 4

The family plays vital functions and is found in some form of every society

Question 5

Evaluation of Murdock

Answer 5

-feminist theories see the family as meeting the needs of a man
-Marxist theorists argue it functions for the ruling class
-there are too many different types of family’s in todays society

Question 6

Parsons view on the family

Answer 6

The role of them family adapts to the society in which its found; family are required to adapt accordingly as it has to preform for the economic needs of society which will affect the shape and structure of society

Question 7

Effects of industrialisation according to parsons

Answer 7

Parsons argues that the family structure changes from a functional extended to a functional isolated. During the Industrial Revolution (1750-1880) a geographically social mobile family unit was required to enable workers to move

Question 8

Achieved status according to parsons

Answer 8

Industrialisation requires Individuals to achieve their status as individuals not as a family unit.
Children my achieve higher status at work which could result in family conflict.

Question 9

Structural diffraction and loss of functions according to parsons

Answer 9

Functional fit results in a loss of functions- process of structural differentiation the family becomes a unit of consumption, the family earns a wage and buys family products; school, health and legal system which take over many previous functions

Question 10

Evaluation of parsons concepts

Answer 10

Fletcher would argue that families have more responsibility for children and family meets adults emotional needs

Question 11

Willmort and young concept on the family

Answer 11

Family becoming more privatised. Showing a march of progress, symmetrical family where both partners have joint roles and family becomes home centred. Practical emotional and economic between couples

Question 12

Evaluation of willmott and young

Answer 12

Feminists argue that Because men earn more than women, mums will take on housework and childcare

Question 13

Parsons 2 essential functions of the nuclear family

Answer 13

1)primary socialisation of the family; equip them with basic skills and society’s values
2)stabilisation of adult personality’s (soap/warm bath theory);family is a place adults can relax, releasing tensions to prepare them for the work place the next day.

Question 14

Parsons- instrumental role in the family

Answer 14

Bread winner, male, money maker

Question 15

Parsons- expressive role in the family

Answer 15

Housewife, care giver