Functionlist View Of The Family Flashcards
What do functionalist see the family as
Institution that contributes to the smooth running of society, it is beneficial to social stability
When did Murdock argue the four main functions of family life
1949
What were Murdocks 4 main functions of family life
1) sexual - expressing sexuality in socially approved context
2) reproduction - having children and provoking stability
3) socialisation - children learn socially acceptable behaviour
4) economic - providing money for food and shelter
What do people argue against Murdock
Other institutions could perform the four functions, for example education can help with socialisation or the economy helps provide food and shelter.
What did Murdock argue back against his criticisms
That family is the most practical way to do it
When did Parsons write
1950’s
What was parsons argument
The function of the family depends on which society it is found
What was parsons theory called
The functional fit theory
Give an example of Parsons theory
In pre industrial society people tended to live in extended family’s where the family lived together and in the same village. The children would then inherit their family farms meaning they wouldn’t move away.
What would a pre industrial extended family be called
Multi funcational unit
What is a multi functional unit
Where the family provide all the needs for example food,shelter,jobs and clothes and also support, e.g. Child care
What family came in the industrialisation
Modern nuclear family
What happened in the industrialised age
Modern nuclear family’s move away to find work ( geographical mobility )
People also become more socially mobile because when they move away to better jobs they can move social class
Why might being promoted lead to conflict if they are still at home
Because if they are still living with their father then he might not be happy because the family is changing.
How has the family lost some of its functions
They are no longer units of production but they have changed to units of consumption ( buying goods )
School has also taken over some of the four functions
What did the modern nuclear family specialise in
1) the primary socialisation of children
2) the stabilisation of human personalities
What is primary socialisation of children
Learning the language, history and values of society.
Socialisation actually becomes part of an individuals personality.
What is the stabilisation of human personalities
Lack of power, pressure to achieve and Boredom at work threaten to destabilise personalities
The sexual division of labour in the family helps to stabilise individuals. E.g. Women have an expressive role and men play the role of the bread winner.
