Functions of Family

Question 1

Murdock

Criticism

Answer 1

Sexual
Reproductive
Social
Economic

1949
‘Rose tinted’ view, neglects conflict and exploitation

Question 2

Parsons

Answer 2

Functional fit
-Beleives family will functions affect structure
-Nuclear vs extended
-N more suited as it is compact allowing for mobility

Loss of functions
-Pre industrial = multifunctional unit
-Now 2 irreducible functions of primary socialisation and adult personality stablilisation (warm bath)

1955

Question 3

Engels

Answer 3

Primitive Communism
-Promiscuous, classless horde, no restriction
-Private property created due to the means of production being controlled
-Creation of patriarchal, monogomous family to secure wealth through inheritance
-Furthermore ‘world historic defeat of female sex’ (control)

Question 4

Zaretsky

Answer 4

Ideological functions
-Cushioning affect, family offers haven outside of exploitatitive capitalism

Unit of consumption
-‘Keeping up with the Joneses’
-Media targets childrens pester power

1976

Question 5

Oakley + Sommerville

Answer 5

March of progress
-Oppression gradually overcome through changing attitudes
-Full equality dependent on policy reform

Liberal fem

Question 6

Ansley

Answer 6

Women
Reproduce labour force
Absorb anger
-Takers of shit
Reserve army of cheap labour

1972- Marxist feminist

Question 7

Greer

Criticism

Answer 7

Men are the enemy
Family + marriage key institutions for patriarchy
-Creation of all matrilocal households

2000- Rad fem
Somerville- heterosexual attraction

Question 8

Nordqvist + Smart

Answer 8

Donor-concieved children
-Social over blood related bonds
-Bottom up

2014