Theories of the Family 01 Flashcards
What does it mean to say the family is a lynchpin?
It is the lynchpin of society
If it fails, society fails
What is the consensus perspective and who supports it?
Functionalists
Society is based on interrelated units with shared norms
What is the organ analogy?
Different units of society uphold the functionality of society like organs in a body
What are George Murdock’s 4 main functions of the family?
Sexual satisfaction
Reproduction
Socialisation
Meeting economic needs
What is the main Marxist belief about the family?
The family exists to serve capitalism
The proletariat are exploited
What is the mean Feminist belief about the family?
The family exists to serve the patriarchy
Women are exploited
What is Parson’s theory of Functional Fit (1955)?
The family’s functions adapt to suit society
What are the functions of the nuclear family (Parsons 1955)?
Socialisation
Stabilisation of adult personalities
How was the extended family a functional fit for pre-industrial society?
People lived and worked from home - large workforce
Elders taught the children
One member could care for ill/young
Why is the nuclear family a functional fit for industrial society?
Geographically mobile
The state has taken over education and healthcare
What are some criticisms of Parsons’ functional fit?
Rose tinted - ignores male dominance, child and domestic abuse
Ignores family diversity
Functionalist view is inherently patriarchal
What is surplus value?
Profit - how the bourgeoise get richer than the proletariat
What do Marxists define as a capitalist society?
Divided into proletariat and bourgeoisie
Free market
Private property
What does Marx believe are the three main functions of the family and how do these relate to capitalism?
Inheritance of property - led to patriarchy and monogamy (sons inherit property)
Ideological function - socialised into hierarchy
Unit of consumption - the family consumes as a unit and is encouraged to compete
What did Eli Zaretsky say about the functions of the family?
The family is a haven from capitalism and stops workers from rebelling
