funtionalism-family Flashcards
what are the 4 functions of the family according to Murdock?
stable satisfaction of sex drive
reproductive function
socialisation/educational
economic function
Explain the stable satisfaction of sex drive function of the family identified by Murdock?
this strengthens the family, the emotions sex engenders helps unite the family. This strengthens society as disruptive effects that would result are solved by sexual freedom.
explain the reproductive function of the family identified by Murdock?
the family helps to reproduce society
explain the socialisation/educational function of the family identified by Murdock?
Family helps to reproduce the traditions and values of society
explain the economic function of the family identified by Murdock?
specialisation of labour. Each gender specialises in a particular task. Provides a “rewarding experience” for spouses working together
What did Murdock conclude when researching the nuclear family?
investigated 250 societies and found that the nuclear family was universal. Its consistency in different societies proved it to be the best and most functional family.
How can we criticise Murdock’s view of the family?
does not take into consideration family diversity
view is outdated, education can provide socialisation
What does Parsons say about the family and social change?
pre industrial society, was extended family- industrial society, is nuclear family
nuclear family is more geographically mobile, this was needed due to industrialisation not the extended family.
What did Parsons say were the 2 functions of the family?
primary socialisation of children- children learn to accept norms and values of society
stabilization of adult personalities- warm bath theory, sexual division of labour is biological.
father- instrumental, mother-expressive
What do Willmott and Young say to criticise Parsons?
disagree with Parsons that industrialisation caused the death of the extended family, the movement to the nuclear family was gradual.
What did Willmot and Young conclude in their research?
the extended family decline in the 60’s was due to slum clearance and council state creation, welfare state and employment opportunities, child centred society, more emphasise on women’s rights, move towards egalitarianism
What are more recent reasons for the decline of the extended family and the rise of the symmetrical family?
women’s liberation, contraception and employment, structural differentiation
What does Harris say to criticise Willmot and Youngs view on the family?
nuclear family is not becoming more privatised, instead it is changing in post modern times, People are now more individualistic and there is a decline in both family and community obligations
How can we criticise the functionalist view of the family?
feminists are critical of the work of Willmot and Young as they are sceptical of the notion that housework is shared
adopts a rose tinted, idealistic view of society,
