theories of religion - parsons functional fit theory. Flashcards
what does parsons argue the function of the role of the family is?
parsons argues function of the family depends on kind of society in which its found, functions family needs to perform affect its shape and structure.
what was the family type before the industrial revolution?
extended family, extended kin such as grandparents, aunties snd uncles preformed functions like childcare, education not provided by the state.
what was the family type during the industrial revolution?
nuclear family - people moved from rural farms to take up new jobs and growing towns such as factory or mine work led to change from ext to nuclear
nuclear families fit industrial economy for 2 reasons what is the 1st one?
socially mobile - people gain their status through their ability and hard work not their background, nuclear family is better as avoids tension and conflict as a result in differences of statuses.
what is the 2nd reason nuclear families fit industrial economy?
easier to move around nuclear family rather than extended family people moved from rural to urban areas.
what is structural differentiation?
a process whereby the state takes over from family in providing healthcare and education. the family lost some of its functions to more specialised institutions becoming more streamlined and focused on fewer functions.
what’s the conclusion of parsons functional fit theory?
only nuclear family could provide the achievement orientated and geographically mobile work face required by modern economies and so it has a functional fit with modern industrial society, parsons calls this isolated nuclear family.
