Parsons - on the family

Question 1

Talcott Parsons

Answer 1

• Viewed the nuclear family being universal is similar to that of Murdock although he differs in suggesting that the nuclear family is more isolated - ‘privatised nuclear family’
• Nuclear family has two basic and irreducible functions in comparison with extended kinship networks of early and pre-industrial era
• Domestic division of labour - with males and females taking on specific roles based upon biological characteristics

Question 2

Functions of the family

Answer 2

• increasing consumption where families looked to other institutions to replace some of the functions of family
• Two functions that could not be performed by other institutions
  1. Primary socialisation
  2. stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 3

Primary socilisation

Answer 3

• Early socialisation of children into norms and values of society
• Appropriate behaviours in social situations, core values of society, pro-social behaviours
• parents reinforce behaviours that are positive and sanction socially undesirable behaviours so that children will fit into wider society

Question 4

Stabilisation of Adult Personalities

Answer 4

• Often referred to as a ‘warm bath theory’
• Family life provides emotional security for adult members
• Adults are also able to indulge childish tendencies through interacting with their children
  -Actions stabilise personalities and provide a sense of fulfilment

Question 5

Functional Fit theory

Answer 5

• Parsons suggested the nuclear family formed as an adaptation to industrialisation
• Functions of extended family needed to be replaced as nuclear family became socially and geographically mobile
• Nuclear family is a better fit for modern society as people move for work and are rewarded for their efforts with promotions, leading to movement up class system

Question 6

Sex Role Theory

Answer 6

• Parsons suggested that roles in the family were divided based upon biological characteristics and gendered socialisation
• Instrumental role taken on by male - Economic support through going to work and provides discipline
• Expressive role - emotional support and nurturing role taken on by female

Question 7

Evaluations

Answer 7

• Feminists criticise Parsons for stereotypical views of female role and expectations of females towards males
• Nuclear family argued not to have evolved due to industrialisation
• Outdated view - criticised by more contemporary research that states a decline in the functions of the family
• Ethnocentric view based on American ideals and theoretical in nature rather than based on research