spec point 1 - theory of the family Flashcards
What functions did murdock argue the family performs?
Sexual
reproduction
economic
socialisation
Outline one criticism of Murdock
he ignores that other family institutions can carry out these functions
why does parsons believe that the function of the family “fits” around society ?
As in a pre industrial society an extended family was best fit for that time as for example the older members would carry out certain roles for younger members
e.g education and health care and everyone working on a farm to make money and now the family has changed under à industrial society
why does Parsons believe that the family changed in a industrial society
now in a industrial society institutions have taken over these roles (socially mobile workforce)
so now a nuclear family is best fit for an industrial society
And beacuse in an industrial society more jobs are available all over the world and it’s easier to move a nuclear family
what functions did the family lose?
what were they replaced with?
The family is no longer a unit of consumption but a unit of production
and are no longer self-sufficient as they use industries to fulfil their needs
what functions did the family still provide?
primary socialisation and stabilising adult personalities
two Criticisms of the functionslist perspective of the family.
Young and Willmott - suggests that the Pre industrial family was nuclear and not extended
there is some support for the train that they’re still extended family and it is not disappeared
functionalist ignore that the family can be a place of cruelty for example, domestic violence
what did Marx argue with the main function society was?
The main function of society is to maintain class inequality and to promote capitalism
why does engles argue that the family acts as a way of keeping wealth within the family?
He argues staying in a monogamous family became essential so men could be certain of the fraternity of their children and so they can pass their wealth and means of protection to them
This led to the. ” world historical deafeat of the female sex “
and women have turned into “a mere instrument for the production of children”
what role does althusser believe the family has in benefiting capitalism?
ideological functions
which is transmitting a set of ideas and beliefs that justify inequality and maintain capitalism by getting children to accept it as fair and changeable and natural
give an example of the family as a unit of consumption
keeping up with the jomeses
which encourages families to consume latest products “false needs”
2 Criticisms of Marxists
feminist: marxist emphasise on capitalism and social class, but underestimate the importance of gender inequality in society
functionalist : marxists ignore the very real benefits at the family, provides for its members, such as intimacy and mutual support
what do liberal feminists believe about the family ?
there has been gradual progress for gender equality, but their still need to be improvements
outline one piece of evidence to support liberal feminists
1975 sex discrimination act
what do Marxist feminist perspective believe about the family?
Women reproduce, the workforce, absorb anger, and a reserve source of labour
