Theories Flashcards
Functionalist theory
Theory thats based on the idea that society needs to have a general agreement about norms and values within a society
Sees society as made up of many institutions that all are responsible in playing a role in maintaining the wellbeing of society
Argues that nuclear family is essential as it is what society needs
Marxist theiry
Idea rhat theres conflict between the bourgeoise and proletariot
They believe that family is an insitution that can ccause social inequality to be produced onto the next generation , for example the bourgeoise can pass their wealth onto their children as part pf socislisation
But working class may just accept their position in society
New right theory
Based on Conservative policies in the 80s and 90s, strongly believe that the nuclear family is the only valid format of a family
Believe that people can only prosper if theyre raised by two heterosexual adults
Seen as an attack on lone parent families , gays and lesbians
Feminist theory
Argue that society is based on male dominantion/ patriachy.
Different types of feminists but theyre all concerned on womens welfare and have a desire for gender equality
Not only a theory, but also a movement
View that there are unequal roles within a family, some believe that the fsmily can be a safe haven against inequality, while others believe that a family is an extension of the patriachy and extends oppression over women
Postmodern theory
Sociologists argue that modern times have now ended that we now live in post modern times
Socmuch change had occurred since the industrialisation era , rhat traditional theories are now becoming outdated
Postmodernists welcome and accept diversity and view family situations as not lasting for life but simply that people move in and out of situations that fit best for them
George murdock (1949)
Family is a universal institution with universal functions , believes that there is no other substitute and the functions of a family is:
Reproduction- the ability to produce a child
Economic- stable income thats needed for a family to survive
Sexual- sexual fullfilment necessary by the two adults in the realtionship
Educational- family is the main agent of primary socialisation so therefore they provide basic norms + values
Talcott Parsons
Like murdock, believes that a nuclear family is vital on performing the functions that are needed by society. Claims that teo essential functions are made :
Primary socialisation
Stabilisation of adult personalities
-argues that a family provides the emotional support and security an adult would need from their partner or family, family also creates a relaxing environment for the male worker to come home , called “warm bath theory”
Friedrich engels
Friedrich argued that the modern nuclear family was invented to aid the requirements of capatilism.
Women were not able to own their own property, wealthy property owners were much more concerned on having their son inherit their land, with only one woman/wife, it was much more easier to know who the son is
Dennis and Erdos
Two sociologists that wrote a book called “families without fathers” , particilarly concerned about boys with no fathers as they state that they have no father role model that they would be at a much more educational disadvantage, belief that not only were families changinf but also deteroiating
Betty firedan
Wrote about how women feel dissatisfied in family life in her book called “The feminine Mystique”
Liberal feminism
Type of feminism that largely is focused on tackling prejudice, discrimination against wonen and wants to establish equal rights between men + women. They do not see the family as oppressive , also gave it little attention
Radical feminism
Main goal isnt to introduce gender equality but to erase patriachy completely, argue that this cant happen within a family as women are opressed and controlled by men.
Kate millet- states that the way society is designed its designed to enable men to dominate women and in its extreme case this is seen with domestic violence
Radical Feminism aims to to create an alternative society where patriachy and gender roles within a family are questioned
Post modern theory Judith Stacey
Sees diversity as a good thing and welcomes it sees it as an opportunity where people can choose to see which family format, suits them best there are no generally accepted norms + values guiding family life
Overemphasis on choice
A lot of ppl still live in a nuclear family
Marriage is still aspirational 4 many
