Theories of the family Flashcards
Functionalist perspective on society
value consenus into which society socialises its members. Organic analogy
Murdock 4 functions of the family (functionalism)
-stable satisfaction of sex drive
-reproduction
-socialisation of young
-meeting members economic needs
murdock ao3
these functions could be performed equally well by other institutions or non nuclear family.
marxists and feminists- reject rose- tinted view. It neglects exploitation and conflict.
Parsons functional fit theory
the functions the family performs depends on the society it is in.
nuclear family-modern industrial society
extended family- pre industrial society
parsons- industrial society has two needs:
geographically mobile workforce- traditionally spent whole lives in same village. now, people move to work. easier for nuclear family to move
socially mobile workforce- constantly evolving tech and science. Talented people must have important jobs. achieved status. but before, son lived with father who had higher ascribed status. Tensions and conflict. Leave home when married
parsons- family loss of functions
used to be a unit of production and consumption. Now only consumption and loses other functions to school, nhs.
Parsons- 2 functions of the family
primary socialisation of young- equip them with societys values to cooperate with others and integrate into society
stabilisation of adult personalities- family is a place to relax from demands of work and come back refreshed. this is essential
Inheritance of property- Engels
Monogamy essential, men had to be certain of paternity of children to ensure legitimate heirs inherited from them.
Bourgeoise control
Ideological functions- zaretsky
family socialises young into idea hierarchy and inequality inevitable. Paternal power accustoms them to someone in charge. ‘safe haven’
Unit of consumption (marxists)
keep up with the joneses by consuming latest products
pester power
children who lack latest clothes are stigmatised
marxism ao3
nuclear family not most dominant
feminists- ignore gender inequality
functionalists- ignore benefits family provides for its members
Liberal feminist perspective on the family
women’s oppression gradually overcome through changing attitudes and laws. Men doing more domestic labour
Marxist feminist perspective on family
Women’s oppression due to capitalism, not men.
-women reproduce labour force
-women absorb anger
-reserve army of cheap labour
Radical feminist perspective on family
men are the enemy, family and marriage are key institutions in patriarchal society
women must seperate from men ‘sleeping with the enemy’
ao3 of radical feminists perspective on the family
liberal- Somerville- fail to recognise women’s position had improved. Heterosexual attraction means it wont work.
a03 of structural theories of the family (from personal life perspective)
functionalists, marxists and feminists assume nuclear family most dominant
all structural theories- assume family are puppets. we have choice in creating family relationships
personal life perspective on family
beyond ties of blood and marriage.
friends, fictive kin, dead relatives, pets
what perspective is the personal life
bottom up
ao3 of personal life perspective
too broad a view. ignores what is special about relationships of blood and marriage. Relatedness not always positive
personal life perspective on donor concieved children
difficult feelings for non genetic parent. what counts as family.
