Theories of the family - Functionalism

Question 1

What is functionalism?

Answer 1

• Macro, structural theory which claims that society shapes individual’s behaviour
• Consensus theory - society is based on value consensus where everyone agrees and shares values learnt through socialisation
• Family and education depend on eachother to make society be able to run properly
• Family performs positive functions which benefit individuals and society such as preparing children for adult societies - the family has to perform it’s functions to ensure society to run smoothly and efficiently

Question 2

What do Functionalists say about the nuclear family?

Answer 2

• It is ideal
• Nuclear: 2 parents and children
• Relationship should be heterosexual
• Couples should be married providing stability for children
• Tradditional gender roles: instrumental and expressive, they are natural

Question 3

What are Murdock’s 4 essential functions?

Answer 3

The nuclear family is universal
Nuclear family is the basic building block of society which performs 4 essential functions to meet the needs of society:
1. Sexual:Teaching children to only have sex when married and it should be heterosexual
2. Reproduction: Give birth to next generation to ensure continuation of society
3. Primary socialisation: Teaching children norms and values of society
4. Economic: Provide food and shelter for family members (act as a unit of consumption

Question 4

What does Parsons say about industrialisation?

Answer 4

• The nuclear family developed due to industrialisation
• The role of the family adapts due to the society it is in
  The functional fit theory: If a society’s economy changes the family has to adapt accordingly.
• Industrialisation is a good example: the shift from an economy based on agriculture to an economy based on machinery

Question 5

What was family like in a pre industrial society?

Answer 5

Extended families were common
* Lots of people needed to work on farms - no machinery
* Family had many functions to perform: look after sick, educate children, help with money
* Family didn’t need to be geographically mobile - didn’t need to move around for work, they lived, worked and died in the same place
* Status was ascribed: born into a role based on age and gender of family members

Question 6

What was family like in an industrial society?

Answer 6

Isolated nuclear families
* Families became units of consumption: earn a wage and buy products and services
* Structural differentiation led to loss of families functions e.g NHS provides healthcare, schools
* Families have to be geographically mobile
* Achieved status: achieve own jobs

Question 7

What are Parsons 2 basic functions of the nuclear family?

Answer 7

Primary socialisation of children
* Family is first place where children learn about norms and values of society
* Eating with knife and fork, queing up in shops, politeness
Stabilisation of adult personalities SOAP
* Family is a place where the man can relax and release tensions, returning to work refreshed
* Female partners provide men with emotional support
* SOAP helps to keep economy running efficiently, makes sure workers return to work happy and satisfied so they can work to the best of their ability

Question 8

What are the 2 gender roles Parsons lines out?

Answer 8

These roles are based on biological differences which are neccesary for economy to run efficiently
1. Instrumental role: Male is the breadwinner and provides money for the family. He controlls family finances and making big decisions like buying a car or house
2. Expressive role: Female is the housewife and caregiver, she does the emotion work