Theories of the family

Question 1

What is the general functionalist view of society?

Answer 1

• that society is based on a value consensus into which society socialises its members
• functionalist compare society to the human body e.g. just as organs such as heart preform functions vital to the well being of the body
• the family meets some of society’s essential needs
• see the family as a basic building block of society (particularly the NF)

Question 2

According to Murdock what are the four essential functions that the family performs to meet the need of society and its members?

Answer 2

• stable satisfaction of the sex drive > prevents social disruption caused by a sexual ‘free-for-all’, which ensures that society is kept stable
• reproduction of the next generation > instrumental to ensuring that society continues
• socialisation of the young> ensures that the value consensus is maintained & children are equipped with basic skills norms & values that allow them to co-operate with others and integrate into society
• meeting its members economic needs >children need economic support & protection so parents partake in paid work to provide for their children> family benefits from paid work through income & society benefits as whole by increase economic activity

Question 3

What are the criticism of Murdock?

Answer 3

• some sociologists argue that these functions could be performed equally by other institutions (education) or non nuclear family structures
• Marxists- ignore the family’s role in perpetuating class inequalities
• Feminist - ignore the family’s role in reinforcing the patriarchy

Question 4

What idea is Parsons functional fit theory based on?

Answer 4

• the idea that the functions of the family impact its shape/structure
• two types of family structure are nuclear & extended families
• in pre-industrial society (where the extended family was the dominant family type) people spent there time working in the same village on the same farm
• in contrast modern society is characterized by volatile industries, meaning workers have to often move around to where the jobs are

Question 5

What does Parson argue about the NF based on the functional fit theory?

Answer 5

• the NF is geographically mobile as they are easier to move than extended families
• modern society requires a skilled and competent workforce> requiring talented people who are able to take up promotional opportunities
• means that the NF is better suited towards modern society because its members can be socially mobile > because the NF are ‘structurally isolated’ from extended kin, meaning there is no conflict of ascribed and achieved statuses.

Question 6

What evidence is there against Parsons functional fit theory?

Answer 6

• Laslett argues that most households in pre-industrial society were almost always nuclear not extended > Late childbearing & short life expectancy means that grandparents were unlikely to be alive for very long after the birth of their first grandchild, thereby causing nuclear families
• extended family has not disappeared because it performs important functions e.g. financial help, childcare etc

Question 7

According to Parsons when society industrialises what happens to the extended family?

Answer 7

• changes its structure from extended to nuclear and also loses many of its functions to other institutions such as schools and other health services
• becomes a unit of consumption

Question 8

What are the two irreducible functions the family performs according to Parsons?

Answer 8

• the primary socialisation of children > equip them with basics skills & society’s values
• stabilisation of adult personalities > family is a place where adults can relax & release tensions enabling them to return to the workplace refreshed & ready to meet its demands > efficient for the economy

Question 9

What are the criticisms of Parsons irreducible functions?

Answer 9

• overlooks diversity of other family structure that can perform these functions
• parsons paints a positive view of the NF but ignores the dark side of the family such as DV, child abuse etc

Question 10

What are the three functions Marxist see as fulfilling the functions for capitalism?

Answer 10

• inheritance of property
• ideological functions
• unit of consumption

Question 11

How did the NF emerge and was society like before the NF?

Answer 11

• NF emerged as a direct result of capitalism
• during primitive communism there was no private property, all members of society owned the means of production communally
• at this stage there was no family but a ‘promiscuous horde’ in which there were no restrictions on sexual relationships

Question 12

How did private property arise?

Answer 12

• forces of production developed so society’s wealth began to increase
• led to development of private property because the wealthy wanted to secure the means of production

Question 13

According to Engels why did the patriarchal monogamous NF emerge?

Answer 13

• monogamy became essential
• ## rich men had to ensure the paternity of their children so their private property could be passed down to their legitimate heirs