Functions - Functionalist Flashcards
What did Murdock claim a family contained?
Basic nucleus of husband, wife and children AKA nuclear family.
What word did Murdock use to describe the NF?
Universal - found in every family.
What were the 4 functions Murdock stated the nuclear family could perform?
Sexual - satisfaction of the sex drive, encourages monogamy.
Reproductive - creates next set of workers.
Economic - family provides for essential needs e.g. food, water, shelter etc.
Socialisation of young - creates stable society through VALUE CONSENSUS
Give a criticism of Murdock’s functions
Marxist - rose-tinted, harmonious view. Neglect’s dark side of family.
Family too diverse to fit nuclear core.
What is Parson’s functional fit theory?
the functions the family performs will depend on the society it is found in e.g some may perform military/tribunal functions that others may not require.
What were the 2 family structures according to parson’s?
Extended family (3 generations under one roof) - fit needs on pre-industrial society.
Nuclear family (Parents and children under one roof) - fit needs of modern industrial society.
Describe the 2 needs the nuclear family fits best, according to Parsons.
Geographically mobile workforce: modern society - jobs emerge in new areas - move to find jobs - NF easier to move.
Socially mobile workforce: modern society - meritocratic, requires skilled workforce - essential talented people win promotions regardless of social class - NF no longer dependent on extended family’s ascribed status.
What are the functions of the Nuclear Family according to Parsons?
Primary socialisation of children - children can be moulded to internalise society’s central values and can be equipped with the essential skills.
Stabilization of adult personalities - Relationship between couple provides emotional security which can help reduce effects of stress so husband can return to work refreshed -> Adults can act out childish parts of adult personalities which is unacceptable to do elsewhere e.g. playing Thomas the tank engine.
What are the roles taken on by man and woman as stated by Parsons?
Instrumental role - Male role, breadwinner, provide for family.
Expressive role - Woman role, housewife, domesticated, takes care of family’s needs.
Give criticisms of Parsons theory.
Marxist - idealising the family - ignores dark side, focuses on M/C white british, ignores possibility children will be socialised into patriarchal or capitalist ideologies.
Feminist - oppresses women
What do functionalists compare society to?
The human body - every institution performs a certain function to allow society to run smoothly, institutions are inter-related.
NF is heart of society, pumping norms and values into other institutions to allow them to function.
