Theories of the Family Flashcards
Murdock’s 4 functions of the family
Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
Reproduction of the next generation
Socialisation of the young
Satisfaction of members’ economic need
Parsons’ functional fit theory
The role that the family fulfils is dependent on the time it is found, it suits the needs of the economy at the time.
According to Parsons’ functional fit theory why does is the nuclear family suited to society’s needs today?
in modern industrial society the nuclear family is geographically mobile (can move to where jobs are), socially mobile (status in industry is achieved not ascribed) and not reliant on wider kin
Parsons’ 2 Irreducible Functions of the Nuclear Family
Primary Socialisation: Equips the next generation with basic skills, norms and values. Allows children to cooperate with others and begin to cooperate with others and integrate into mainstream society.
Stabalisation of Adult Personalities: Enable adults to relax and release tensions so they can return to the workplace able to fulfil their roles efficiently. This aids the economy.
Zaretsky’s evaluation of Parsons’ 2 Irreducible Functions of the Nuclear Family
The family simply looks after the needs of the exploited worker, enabling them to return to work to aid capitalism.
Parsons’ Warm Bath Theory:
The family unit reduces tension.
Parsons’ Conjugal Roles:
biological differences:
Men take the instrumental role- breadwinner.
Female take the expressive role- nurturing.
Evaluating Parsons (2 points)
Parsons theory is based on 1950’s Western society. Does not consider modern day family diversity - society is now much more multicultural and diverse.
Ignores the possibility that socialisation is a two way process and roles are not negotiated and resisted, children are not simply forced and accept information
Feminist evaluation of the functionalist perspective
the ‘dark side’ of the family is ignored i.e. domestic abuse. There is insufficient coverage on the dysfunctions of the family and its effects on wider society.
Marxist/Feminist evaluation of the functionalist perspective
reject this ‘rose-tinted’ perspective, functionalism ignores conflict & exploitation, assume the family unit is harmonious. Feminism seeing women fulfilling men’s needs - ‘’the takers of shit’’ - Ansley.
Marxists argue the family as a unit of consumption to meet the needs of capitalism.
2 main New Right beliefs about the family
Biological Division of Labour: nuclear family has set conjugal roles that are biologically determined.
Families should be self reliant: Reliance on welfare results in a dependency culture and an incentive not to work, produces family breakdown and lone parents.
Examples of New Right policies that encourage the nuclear family:
Married couples tax break
Universal credit - benefits cuts.
Charles Murray
Researched inner city areas in the Uk between 1989 & 1994. Between each visit the situation worsened with the ‘underclass’ concerning an increase in promiscuity, poor education, crime and violence.
Norman Dennis & George Erdos
Families without Fathers (2000): Increasing number of children born into families without fathers are put at a disadvantage as they do not have male role models and thus not adequately socialised. Families are not just changing but deteriorating.
3 evaluative points on the New Right’s perspective of the family
Blaming the victims: Scapegoats the most vulnerable in society as the cause of society’s problems.
Value judgements: Making a judgement that these people are lesser than the middle and upper classes.
An idealised view of the past: Creates an idyll of a time when women were oppressed and couldn’t escape.
4 main roles of the family according to Marxism
Reproduces labour power - the next generation of workers
Inheritance of private property - enabling property to stay in the hands of the bourgeoise
Socialising people to accept inequality
Creating a course of profit for capitalism as a unit of consumption
Engels (Marxist)
Private property became significant so men had to ensure it was passed on to sons using monogamous marriage. This change brought on the patriarchal monogamous nuclear family. Monogamy was essential to ensure children were legitimate heirs to the property.
This brought women’s sexuality under male control.
Evaluation of Engels
outdated: today we can leave money/property to anyone we wish.
Inheritance tax also means our wealth is shared out to the rest of society.
Zaretsky
The family provides emotional warmth to ensure it’s members can return to the workforce to support capitalism.
Feminist evaluation of Marxists approach to the family
Marxism emphasises social class and capitalism ignores importance of gender inequalities within the family. Family primarily serves the interests of men rather than capitalism.
Functionalist evaluation of Marxist approach to the family
Marxism ignores the benefits of the nuclear family such as supports and comfort.
Interpretivists evaluation of Marxist approach to the family
Marxism ignores benefits of family for individuals
example: Marxists ignore accounts where females suggest motherhood is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
4 key Feminist beliefs about the family
Family exploits women trapping them at home fulfilling domestic roles being taken advantage of.
Exposes them gender inequality and domestic abuse.
The family unit reproduces inequalities.
The family and marriage are key institutions in patriarchal society.
Radical Feminist solutions to patriarchal families
Political lesbianism
Matrilocal households
