Functionalists Theory

Question 1

Functionalists

Answer 1

family’s very important as its the most crucial institution because it maintains and teaches us value consensus and social solidarity
use the organic analogy to show that each institution is like an organ and has a specific function, when one institution fails, society defends into anomie.

Question 2

value consensus

Answer 2

the norms and values shared by society and it ensures harmony and peace in society

Question 3

social solidarity

Answer 3

peace and harmony in society

Question 4

MURDOCK- FUNCTIONALISM

Answer 4

4 functions of society: stable satisfaction of the sex drive, reproduction of next generation, socialisation of the young, meeting its members economic needs.

the nuclear family can only meet these functions because of biological differences- instrumental and expressive role.

Question 5

MURDOCK- stable satisfaction of the sex drive

Answer 5

WITH THE SAME PERSON

sex urges must be met to prevent social disruptions (sexual free for all) this promotes monogamy

Question 6

MURDOCK- reproduction of next generation

Answer 6

so society can continue

Question 7

MURDOCK- socialisation of the young

Answer 7

family teaches norms and values of society

Question 8

MURDOCK- meeting its members economic needs

Answer 8

to provide food and shelter etc

Question 9

MURDOCK- CRITICISM

Answer 9

sociologists say his 4 functions of the family can be performed equally as well by other institutions or family structures instead of just nuclear families.
Feminists and Marxists say functionalism neglects conflict and exploitation
Feminists say the family’s function is to serve mens needs and oppress women
Marxists say the family function is to meet the needs of capitalism instead of the members

Question 10

PARSONS- FUNCTIONALISM

Answer 10

the type of society we live in determines the type of family structure we should have.
In modern society, nuclear family’s better as it meets the needs of society the best: geographically and socially mobile, and the existence of the welfare state allows nuclear families to not rely on extended family anymore.

In pre-modernity extended families were better as they met the needs of an agricultural society- labour intensive industry that required lots of workers (family members)

Question 11

PARSONS- LOSS OF FUNCTIONS (in 20th century)

Answer 11

=structural differentiation
the state’s taken over most the functions so families left with 2 (allows the functions to happen more effectively)
1) primary socialisation
2) stabilisation of adults personalities- the family’s a place where adults can relax (like a warm bath)

Question 12

PARSONS- CRITICISM

Answer 12

Feminists- segregated roles the ideal family is based on is sexist as it implies women are biologically not suited to paid employment
Laslett - the extended family was not common in traditional societies as life expectancy was short so most families weren’t 3 generational.