Functionalists Flashcards
What do they the family is essential for?
An essential function of supporting social stability
Society is based on a v_______ C_______________
What is a value consensus?
Shared norms and values
What is the name for the term that relates to sub systems depending on each other?
Organic analogy
Do functionalists believe in the bottom down structural theory of top down structural theory?
Top down structural theory
What is the top Down structural theory?
Human activity as a result of social structure
What are social institutions?
Structures that influence behaviour
What does Murdock say are the 4 basic functions the family performs?
Sexual
Reproduction
Socialisation
Economic
What is meant by the sexual basic function the family performs?
Order in wider society- ensure adult sexual relationships are socially acceptable.
What is meant by reproduction relating to the basic functions the family perform?
The next generation/ society continues
What is meant by socialism relating to the basic functions the family performs?
( primary)- basic norms and values passed down through generations
What is meant by economic relating to the basic functions the family performs?
Parents economically support kids and encourage them to take their place as good citizens and workers
What is Parsons functional for theory?
Particular structure of a type of family to fit societal needs?
What type of family is in a pre- industrial society?
Extended family
Why does it work for a pre industrial society to be an extended family?
As the family has many functions, and they will have to produce own food, clothing and housing
Does a socially mobile workforce suit a pre Industrial or industrial society?
Pre industrial society
What is a socially mobile workforce?
Based on evolving service keep advances in knowledge
Which type of family best suits an industrial society?
Nuclear family as there are fewer functions
Does geographically mobile suit a pre industrial or industrial society?
Industrial society
What is meant by geographically mobile?
Less kids to move around-
Specialised agencies took over functions of family.
E.g education- schools
In an industrial society, the nuclear family was left with 2 basic functions, what are they?
Primary socialisation of children
Stabilisation of adult personalities- emotional security of a relationship between 2 adults.
What is the warm bath theory?
Family is a warm loving environment, soak away the stress of the outside world
Industrial society is stressful so the man distresses to the wife
What is meant by the female expressive role?
Socialise function
What is meant by the male instrumental role?
Economic upkeep of the family
Name 4 evaluations- that conflict functionalists
Down plays the role of conflict in the family- in particular women oppression
Out of date- women now go out to work and biological roles no longer apply
Deterministic- assume she members of society automatically take on norms and values
Ignores family diversity- assumes all families are best nuclear although many different ones in todays society
Evaluation- conflict, what is meant by the best fit theory?
Nuclear family is not universal. Structure of the family change as the needs of society change
Evaluate- conflict, what is meant by structural differentiation?
Some functions of family ( identified) by Murdock- moved to other institutions. Welfare state on the NHS
What 2 theories did parsons come up with?
The warm bath theory
Functional fit theory
Name 3 people that critique parsons?
Laslette
Willmott and Young
Interpretivists
How does Laslette critique Parsons why and when?
States the most common family type in pre- industrial Britain is nuclear not extended.
People married later and died younger
1965
How did wilmott and young critique parsons and when?
Contradicts the view that the nuclear family best suits industrial families.
Women are the heart of families who support one another and men help each other find work
1969
How did interpretivits critique parsons?
Criticised for seeing children as a blank slate.
Filled up by parents with values
Socialisation- children also influence parental behaviour
What theory does Murdock come up with?
4 basic functions
Name two criticisms of Murdock
Reproduction- many choosing not to have children and sexual attitude changed- sex before marriage also the norm
Importance of nuclear family- not found in all societies- Nayar community girls marry many men
What is the criticism of Murdock relating to the dysfunctional family
Murdock sees it as a rose tinted view
Places too much emphasis on functional benefit of nuclear family- downplays dysfunctions e.g domestic violence
What is the feminist critique of Murdock?
Implies the women role is nurturing.
Most today have a duel career and economically contribute as much as husband
