Functionalists view of the family

Question 1

What do functionalsits think the family creates?

Answer 1

1) Equlibrium
2) Social solidarity
3) Value consensus

Question 2

What did Murdock say are the 5 essential functions of the family?

Answer 2

1) Sexual
2) Reproduction
3) Socialization
4) Economic
5) Emotional support

Question 3

Which family does Murdock argue is the best for performing his functions?

Answer 3

The Nuclear family

Question 4

What is Parsons theory known as ?

Answer 4

‘Functional fit’ theory

Question 5

How has the family changed in relation to a modern industrial society

Answer 5

Its structure:it’s now nuclear not extended

It’s lost many of its functions

Question 6

What 2 essential needs does an industrial society have in relation to its workforce?

Answer 6

1) A geographically mobile workforce

2) A socially mobile workforce

Question 7

Why would a nuclear family be better for a mobile workforce ?

Answer 7

Its easier for a two generational family to move around the country for work than it is for a large extended family

Question 8

Why would Parsons say a nuclear family was better for a socially mobile workforce ?

Answer 8

It would reduce conflicts/tensions that would emerge if younger generation achieved higher status than parents

Question 9

Define Specialisation within the family

Answer 9

The transfer of traditional family functions to other institutions

Question 10

Does Parsons view specialisation as good or bad?

Answer 10

Good

Question 11

Name 3 instutuitions that have taken some of the functions of the Nuclear family?

Answer 11

Schools
Childcare
Welfare system
Care homes
Hospitals

Question 12

What are the 2 main functions of the Nuclear family?

Answer 12

1) Primary socialization of children

2) Socialization of adult personalities

Question 13

How does the Nuclear family provide primary socialization ?

Answer 13

It structures children’s personalities through the internalisation of society’s culture,they absorb the norms and values to create a value consensus

Question 14

How does the Nuclear family stabilize adult personalities?

Answer 14

By providing emotional security through marital relationships and parental roles

Question 15

Who does marital relationships stabalise adult personalities ?

Answer 15

Provides clear defined roles: males take an instrumental role while women take an expressive role,these roles are different but complimentary

Question 16

Who does parenting roles stabalise adult personalities ?

Answer 16

Provides time off from adult responsibilities eg form of escapism where they can indulge their childish whims

Question 17

What is the functionalist perspective on family plurality?

Answer 17

• Have a preference for nuclear family
• Argue changes have been minor,neo nuclear family remains the norm
• Say most people will experience the Nuclear family at some point

Question 18

Explain Durkheims organic analogy

Answer 18

He compares the human body to society,he used his analogy to explain social order : just as the human body has different organs,society has seperate parts that all function together. Society’s ‘organs’ eg culture,religion,education

Question 19

What are the functuonalists view on social policies?

Answer 19

-SP is the state acting in the best intrests of society so are good for all

• SP help families to perform their functions effectively
• Fletcher saw intro of healthcare,welfare and free ed as supporting families

Question 20

What where the findings of Wilmott and young on gender roles

Answer 20

They found that the privatised home-centred nuclear family was becoming the norm.

Conjugal role relationships are becoming more joint and intergrated in relation to domestic work and leisure activities.

However due to the principle of stratified diffusion this change had been more of a MC trend than a WC trend

Question 21

How did Wilmott and Young get their findings?

Answer 21

They conducted a large scale survey of 1,928 people in the London area

Question 22

What did Wilmott and Young use as evidence of more egalitarian relationships?

Answer 22

1) More women working in paid employment
2) Increase in Labour saving devices

3) Increased female bargaining devices encourages male participation in housework

Question 23

What is the March of Progress view on childhood?

Answer 23

That childhood has changed for the better,it is a golden age free from responsibility where play is encouraged

Question 24

What do Aries and Shorter day about childhood?

Answer 24

That children are better cared for,protected educated enjoy Vetter healthcare and have more rights

Question 25

What do March of progress theorists argue the family had become?

Answer 25

More child-centred

Question 26

How have families become more child centred?

Answer 26

Children are now focal point of the family and consulted on decisions,parents invest both emotionally and financially in their kids while smaller family sizes means their needs are better catered for

Question 27

What is the Functionalist view on divorce rates?

Answer 27

• Argue HDV does not necessarily prove marriage as a social institution is under threat.
• Means people have higher expectations of marriage.
• Continue commitment to the idea of marriage. :-I