perspectives on the family Flashcards
what do functionalists believe
society is based on value consensus
different parts of society work together to create harmonious society- organic analogy parsons
what are the functional prerequisites of the family
socialises the young norms of society
family fits with other social institutions
4 essential functions of the family functionalists
sexual- prevents sexual free for all
reproductive-next generation
socialisation-shared norms and values
economic-food shelter and clothing
murdock 1949
reflects Durkheim’s views family performs 4 essential functions
what does murdock accept
other institutions could perform the functions of the family but nuclear family is practical
criticise- not all families
parsons functional fit theory 1955
the structure and functions of a family will reflect the needs of the society in which it is found.
how did the family change after the industrial revolution
structure changed-extended to nuclear
lost many functions- performed elsewhere
what does the family need to be according to parsons
geographically mobile workforce
socially mobile workforce
what is a socially mobile workforce
children can achieve higher status than parents
what is a geographically mobile workforce
small and easy to move from place to place family
what is the result of functional changes to the family
family functions transfer to other places- education- school
health- hospital
work- factories
family has 2 basic and irreducible functions
primary socialisation
stabilisation of adult personalities
primary socialisation
norms and values in children
stabilisation of adult personalities
emotional security and love
Laslett 1972
1564-1821 households almost always nuclear
criticisms of functional view
issues of class, conflict and violence and exploitation ignored
see family as passive puppets controlled by society
marxists perspective
family serves to preserve the patterns of capitalism
how does the family reproduce unequal relationships
they observe and accept hierarchy-
child+ parent
siblings
men+women
what is meant by families act as a safety valve
work is exploitative and leads to discontent
the family legitimises this discontent
the man returns to work feeling satisfied
this cycle allows capitalism to thrive (reinforces)