theories of the families - functionalist

Question 1

who are functionalists?

Answer 1

a group of people that believe society is based on a value consensus.

Question 2

how do functionalists see society as?

Answer 2

a system made up of different institutions that depend on each other and promote solidarity / stability

Question 3

what is the analogy for functionalists comparing society to the biological organism…

Answer 3

functionalists compare society to a biological organism aka the human body. eg just as the heart and lungs work to provide the well being for our bodies social institutions also meet the needs or roles of society.

Question 4

what are some examples of an institution

Answer 4

education system , family and the economy.

Question 5

what institution do functionalists see as essential for a functioning society?

Answer 5

family.

Question 6

which family type do functionalists see as a functional fit for modern society?

Answer 6

the nuclear family

Question 7

who was Murdock and what was his point?

Answer 7

universal functions of the family
did an analysis on 250 societies
argued that the family was the most important institution and
claims that nuclear family was universal

Question 8

what does Murdock mean by the statement “nuclear family was universal?”

Answer 8

it means that some form of it existed in every known society

Question 9

what four vital functions did the family perform for Murdock.

Answer 9

Sexual
Educational
Economic
Reproductive
(these are beneficial to the individual and society).

Question 10

how is the sexual function beneficial to the individual and society (Murdock).

Answer 10

it gave the individual pleasure and left their sexual urges fulfilled.

for society it meant there would be less adultery and less STI

Question 11

how is the educational function beneficial to society and the individual?(Murdock)

Answer 11

for the individual - it makes us knowledgeable

for society - it promotes social order so their will be less chaos.

Question 12

how is the economic function beneficial to society and the individual?(Murdock)

Answer 12

for the individual - it helps you provide for yourself and basic needs
for society - parents take economic responsibility for the welfare of their children by becoming productive workers and bringing home an income.

Question 13

how is the reproductive function beneficial to society and the individual?(Murdock)

Answer 13

individual - their emotional needs are met.

society - next generation of workers are born

Question 14

what does Murdock argue about SEER and its functions?

Answer 14

that it reflects the value consensus of society

Question 15

Evaluation of Murdock’s ideas.

Answer 15

1) Marx Althusser would argue that Murdock’s ideas of the family in regards to the educational function in seer doesn’t benefit the individual but capitalism only since children are socialised into the idea that the hierarchy and inequality is inevitable.
2) some sociologist argue that these same functions can be performed by other institutions that aren’t the family e.g. you can adopt or have IVF for reproduction. media/religion can educate you. food banks / benefits can help you for economic

Question 16

Who was Parson and what was his 1st argument?

Answer 16

made his analysis on the nuclear family

he found that families have two basic and irreducible functions that are common in all societies.

Question 17

what are the two basic and irreducible functions? (parsons)

Answer 17

primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of the adult personality.

Question 18

what is the primary socialisation of children? (parsons - basic and irreducible functions)

Answer 18

primary socialisation takes place in the family, where parents teach us the particular norms and values that reflect society. Parson seen nuclear families as personality factories because they teach children societies values in a positive way.

Question 19

what is the stabilisation of adult personalities? (parsons - basic and irreducible functions)

Answer 19

Parsons argues that families performed an important role for individuals and society in keeping people stable since families acted as a ‘warm bath’ to the working adult member since the family offered stress release and security all of which promotes a positive well being for individuals.

Question 20

Evaluation for parsons ideas on basic and irreducible family functions

Answer 20

1) Rad psychiatrists Lang argues that Parsons needs to look at the darker side of family and recognise that parents don’t always teach the norms and values in a positive way so although socialisation happens it didn’t happen positively
2) Marx Zaretsky would criticise parsons view of the family being a warm bath since he says this isn’t something positive and the reason we need a ‘warm bath’ is because of the oppression you receive at work that benefits capitalism not the individual. If the work benefited the individual you wouldn’t need a ‘warm bath’. This shows that the family is set up to promote capitalism and not emotional/physical wellbeing

Question 21

what is parsons second argument on?

Answer 21

Gender roles

Question 22

What were the roles of males and females in Parsons - gender roles argument.

Answer 22

Males - instrumental roles
(working outside , being the breadwinner)
Females - expressive roles (relieving stress and anxiety for husband).

Question 23

What else did parson think on the gender roles in family?

Answer 23

that the instrumental/experimental roles originate in biology we were designed to be this way.
he also argues family functions to the highest potential when roles are carried out like this.

Question 24

What are 2 evaluations for Parson - gender role point.

Answer 24

1) Rad feminist Greer argues that gender roles within family aren’t biological but are rooted from patriarchy and men who benefit from women’s unpaid labour. Family roles are only positive to men.
2) Rad psychiatrist Leach argues gender roles lead to conflict in family. it can be oppressive to women following the expressive role as they have to complete domestic labour and give emotional support to everyone when no one supports them and this can cause problems/arguments

Question 25

What is Fletchers argument for the multifunctional family.

Answer 25

Fletcher argues that the nuclear family is multi-functional and although the functions of family have increased other institutions can fulfil these functions if necessary. all responsibilities don’t lie within the family.

Question 26

what is 2 essential functions for Fletchers multifunctional argument

Answer 26

Satisfaction of sexual needs - this fulfils sexual urges/desires
Reproduction and raising children - creates the next generation.

Question 27

what is 2 non essential functions for Fletchers multifunctional argument

Answer 27

Welfare benefits - parents are meant to provide financially for kids but if they cant the government can with FSM ect.
recreation(activities)
family/parents are meant to play with you but education/school can also do this for you.

Question 28

Evaluation for Fletchers multifunctional family argument

Answer 28

1)NRR Murray would argue decline of traditional family has led to government becoming a nanny state and completing functions that families should fulfil themselves.
2)Rad fem Firestone says family cant be multifunctional when women are victims of patriarchal oppression
Many of the functions like sexual satisfaction + production of children re iterate the inequality that women face. Women will only be free by living separate to men.