The Functionalst View Flashcards
what functions did murdock say the family performs?
(DRESS)
murDock
Reproduction
Economic
Sexual regulation
Socailisation
reproduction
give birth to the next generation
economic
provide food and shelter for family members
sexual regulation
adults can satisfy sexual needs in a socially approved way
socialisation
performs primary socialisation, teaching society’s shared norms and values
evaluation for murdock
- outdated and irrelevant as he claims nuclear family is best
- fails to consider family diversity
- other family structures can perform these functions
what did parsons say the roles are?
- primary socialisation of children
- stabilisation of adult personalities (SOAP)
what are parsons two adult personalities?
based on biological diffs:
instrumental role
expressive role
what is the instrumental role
male, breadwinner, makes decisions
what is the expressive role
female, housewife, caregiver
evaluation of SOAP
- attitudes are changing
- ignores role of same sex couples not based on biology
- adults decide their own roles which are fluid and flexible
evaluation of parsons
4 million children in poverty affects parent child relationships
ignores dark side of the family such as child abuse and domestic violence
what is structural differentiation?
refers to the way new, more specialised social institutions emerge to take over functions one performed by one big institution
arguments for the family losing its functions
reproduction - inc in children not in marrige
production - families work outside of the home
childcare - NHS, nurseries
socialisation - shared with school and media
healthcare - elderly homes, pension
education - must attend schools
development of the family
functionalists say family develops to meet needs of society
e.g
pre industrial - work on farms, bigger family
industrialisation - nuclear family
