FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY

Question 1

What are the six main functions of the family and society?

Answer 1

Educational
Economic
Nurture
Emotional
Guidance
Security

Question 2

define functionalism

Answer 2

the theory that views society as being a system of interconnected parts

Question 3

what is an institution classed as in sociology

Answer 3

an organisation that contributes to the survival of society

Question 4

what happens if one area of society is not functioning properly?

Answer 4

it will have a knock on effect on another area of society

Question 5

what is the reproduction function?

Answer 5

the family is the main unit in which children are produced

Question 6

what is the economic function?

Answer 6

the family acts as a unit of production, working together to provide for one another. This benefits the individuals and society gets an economic contribution

Question 7

what is the sexual function?

Answer 7

people are encouraged to manifest relationships that are successful which helps minimise conflict and provides long-term relationships/marriages

Question 8

what is the educational function?

Answer 8

family is the primary agency for social morals and ethics, this will benefit society by having well-balanced members of the community with a similar consensus

Question 9

what is a function?

Answer 9

the purpose or contribution to society as a whole

Question 10

what is industrialisation?

Answer 10

the process of turning an agricultural, rural, society into one based on factory production

Question 11

what is pre-industrial?

Answer 11

the period in history before urbanisation and mass production occurs

Question 12

what is primary socialisation?

Answer 12

the social interactions between family members and children of a young age

Question 13

what is stabilisation?

Answer 13

a state in which adults are able to reduce tension from family functions, and relax

Question 14

what is socialisation?

Answer 14

allows people to learn about others beliefs, culture and the norms of their behaviours

Question 15

define socially mobile

Answer 15

the ability to move up (or down) the social classes

Question 16

Changing functions in the family procreation

Answer 16

the need/want for children has declined, families are progressively becoming smaller

Question 17

Changing functions in the family regulating sex

Answer 17

sex used to be solely for reproduction purposes, now it is seen as a gratifying act linked with social status

Question 18

Changing functions in the family personalities

Answer 18

peoples own opinions and values are becoming more diverse through an increase in socialisation

Question 19

Changing functions in the family economic

Answer 19

economic provisions are now only the responsibility of the nuclear family, they tend to sustain themselves and only help the extended family members if in dire need

Question 20

Changing functions in the family welfare

Answer 20

welfare responsibilities are now split between the family and the industrial social institutions to help those in need

Question 21

Changing functions in the family socialisation

Answer 21

the level of communication has increased with modern technology. it has allowed for greater exposure to a wider level of cultures and beliefs

Question 22

Changing functions in the family social control

Answer 22

arguably, the control in families is becoming increasingly varied as people take on new roles within society

Question 23

what is structural differentiation?

Answer 23

where institutions develop to perform functions formerly carried out by the family

Question 24

examples of structural differentiation

Answer 24

social services looking after those in need

schools taking over education

businesses and restaurants provide food and drink

Question 25

what are Parsons two essential functions of the family?

Answer 25

socialisation of children

stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 26

what are Murdock’s essential functions of the family?

Answer 26

sexual function
economic function
reproduction
education

Question 27

what is stabilisation of adult personalities (in parsons functionalist view) ?

Answer 27

Parsons believes that there is little prospect that another social organisation could carry out the nuclear family’s function here.

He thinks that:

• married couples rely on each other for support
• parents also benefit from their relationship with their children
• the nuclear family provides a safe haven from the pressures of wider society

Question 28

what is secondary socialisation?

Answer 28

Secondary socialization refers to the process of learning what is the appropriate behaviour as a member of a smaller group within the larger society

Question 29

what is socialisation of children (in parsons functionalist view) ?

Answer 29

Parsons feels that the family have a role to play in primary socialisation

but he sees the family as having a reduced role in building children’s secondary socialisation, this is more the responsibility of schools and peer groups etc

Question 30

why does parsons argue that the family plays an important role in an industrialised society?

Answer 30

• men play the instrumental role (physical needs) and women play expressive role (emotional and psychological needs)
• nuclear families are geographically mobile (for work purposes this is a benefit) = not tied down by extended family
• the nuclear family is capable of earning their position in society by working up the ranks in different organisations, extended family not required for social status

Question 31

limitations of functionalism

Answer 31

• it ignores the dark side of the family such as child abuse, domestic violence and conflict
• traditional functionalist views don’t apply to families in modern society
• very out of date perspective
• ignores the degree of choice for family diversity

Question 32

strengths of functionalism

Answer 32

• presents a largely positive and optimistic view of the nuclear family
• shows how harmonising the nuclear family is