Revision

Question 1

Relativity?

Answer 1

The social life of people differs according to social class, ethnicity, gender and global location.

Question 2

1950s american sociologist, Talcott Parsons argued that the family always has two basic functions…

Answer 2

• The primary socialisation of children.

- The stabilisation of adult personalities.

Question 3

What is primary socialisation?

Answer 3

The process by which children learn and accept the value and norms of society. Parsons described families as ‘factories’ where the next citizens are produced.

Question 4

How does the family stabilise adult personalities?

Answer 4

Stabilising the personality through the emotional relationship between the parents, giving the support and security needed to cope in the wider society - a sanctuary from the stress of everyday life.

Question 5

Criticisms of functionalist views on family life…
The functionalist view was dominant during the 1960s.
I.e. Ignoring the negative aspects, focusing only on the good parts.
This could make their sociological position look weak.

Answer 5

• Idealising the family - Morgan (1975) points out that Murdock (1949) makes no reference to alternative households to the family, or to disharmony and problems within the family relationship.
• Neither Murdock nor Parsons, look at issues of conflict, class nor violence in relation to the family - With some feminists argue that it ignores the issue of the exploitation of women.