Theories Flashcards
Name the 4 different sociological theories that have varying views on family
1- Functionalism
2- New right
3- Marxism
4- Feminism
Briefly evaluate the functionalist view on families
Functionalism is a macro (large/complex), consensus (everyone agrees and shares identical values) and structural theory that views family (specifically nuclear) as a positive institution.
What was Murdock’s view on family?
Murdock believes that the traditional nuclear family is the basic building block of society as it is the most optimal when it comes to performing the following functions.
Sexual - teaching children when to have …
Economic - providing basic necessities for Families members
PS - teaching of norms and values
Reproduction - giving birth to next generation to maintain a society.
EVALUATE Murdock’s view on the family
it is outdated/irrelevant, Murdock believes that the only family type capable of performing the 4 functions optimally is the nuclear; whereas that is incorrect because other family types can too (he fails to consider family diversity)
EVALUATE Parsons view on the family
PS - Parsons ideas on this concept are too distinctive, he makes the assumption that all children grow up to be socialised effectively with sun shine and rainbows; ignoring things like poverty and abuse.
SOAP - Parsons ignores the dark side of the family which consist of physical/financial abuse, domestic violence etc…
Briefly evaluate the Marxist view on family
Marxism is …. that views the family as a negative institution that is merely existing for the sole purpose of maintaining capitalism.
What was Althusser’s view on the family
Althusser argues that the family is part of the ideological state apparatus, controlling what ideas/beliefs are passed; he believes that the family socialises its members in the acceptance of capitalism.
Define the term “false class consciousness”
Refers to the fact that the working class are unaware of their exploitation and that they are brainwashed into loving capitalism.
What was Zaretsky’s view on the family
Zaretsky theorises that the family generates profit to the ruling class by acting as a unit of consumption, Children are brainwashed by adverts at such a young age and thus developing false needs.
He also argues that the family is a false haven, offering what is known as the “buffer zone” where family members can escape the alienation of work and enjoy their private life; however this relies on the domestic exploitation of women who perform labour love (stress relief)
What was Benston’s view on the family
Benston (Marxist feminist) argues that women are oppressed by both capitalism and their husband’s, thus making them the slaves of the wage slaves.
What was Ansley view on the family
Ansley (marxist feminist) argues that women are takers of shit, where men take out their anger fuelled by capitalism on their wives. (who absorb that anger)
Explain how industrialisation has affected families
During pre-industrial society, families were commonly in an extended structure; living together, working together and taking care of each other. (units of production)
Later when industrial society emerged, families became a unit of consumption, family members now have to earn a wage and buy products.
This has also impacted family structure due to a loss of family functions (e.g healthcare)
Who argues for the abolishing of welfare benefits?
Murray (new right sociologist), he claims that due to welfare benefits; a culture of dependency has formed aka the underclass, which consists of single mums (86% being female) who have the belief that living off benefits while having no intention to work is unacceptable, they socialise their children into fatalistic attitudes
