Theories of the family. Flashcards
Theories of the family
What is the Functionalist perspective on the family ?
They see the family as a value consensus leading to social harmony and stability,beneficial to society, and providing functions and norms & values vital and necessary for someone
What sociologist came up with the four functions of the family?
Murdock (1949)
What are Murdock’s Four functions of the family?
- Stable satisfaction of sex drive
- Reproduction of the next generation
- Socialisation - unwritten norms and values
- Meeting the economic needs
What are the criticisms of Murdock?
- These functions can be performed well by other institutions / non-nuclear family structures
-Feminists & Marxists argue it neglects conflict and exploitation
What do feminists think about the functionalist pov?
- See the family as serving the needs of men and oppressing women
What do Marxists think about the functionalist pov?
- Argue that it meets the needs of capitalism, not those of family members or society as a whole
What sociologist comes up with the ‘loss of functions’ and ‘functional fit’ theory?
Parsons(1955)
What is Parsons loss of functions theory?
-pre-industrial family was multi-functional and self-sufficient
- argues that the family in contemporary society had lost many of its functions through the process of structural differentiation.
Structural differentiation refers to the way functions are transferred to other specialised institutions, such as the welfare state and healthcare.
What does Parsons believe the two main “irreducible” functions of the family?
- Primary socialisation- integration- norms and values
-Stabilisation of adult personalities-unit to release tension- safe haven
What is Parsons Functional fit theory?
What is a geographically mobile workforce?
What is a socially mobile workforce?
Criticisms of Parsons theory:
What is the Marxist Perspective on the family?
What sociologist says the family acts as an inheritance of property?
Engels.
What is the Inheritance of property theory?
