Theories of the family - functionalism

Question 1

What is the key ideas and concepts of functionalism?

Answer 1

Society is composed of different parts and each performs functions to enable society to achieve social order and stability

Question 2

What does the functionalist theory explain?

Answer 2

How each part of society contributes to social solidarity, value consensus and equilibrium.

Question 3

What is meant by social solidarity?

Answer 3

-where there’s unity, integration and cohesion
-a sense of belonging, community and togetherness

Question 4

What is meant by value consensus?

Answer 4

Denotes that there’s a shared understanding of important values

Question 5

What is meant by equilibrium?

Answer 5

-things are balanced and stable
-An eveness to thingd

Question 6

Describe the Organic Analogy

Answer 6

-makes a comparison between society and the human body.
-just as the human body is composed of different organs which each have a function to perform to enable us to operate healthy, the same applies to society

Question 7

What does functionalism emphasise

Answer 7

Integration and harmony between the different parts of society

Question 8

What does Murdock say the 4 essential functions of the family are

Answer 8

Sexual
Reproduction
Economic
Socialisation

Question 9

What is Durkheim’s argument

Answer 9

That all parts of society are functionally interconnected. All families are linked to other parts of the social system.

Question 10

What is parsons function fit theory

Answer 10

The particular structure and functions of a given type of family will ‘fit’ the needs of society in which it is found.