Theories of the Family - Functionalist Perspective on the Family Flashcards
Why is the functionalist perspective seen as a structural theory?
Because it claims that the social structures in society perform a number of functions which shape and influence our behaviour
Examples of social structures
Family, religion, education, media and law
What must individuals share for society to be stable and function effectively (according to functionalists)
They must share the same norms and values which is achieved with help of the family
What function does the family help perform?
Socialisation
How does the family help perform socialisation?
By teaching its members to share the norms and values that are accepted to society
What does socialisation bring?
Social order which creates a society where people can exist harmoniously and not with conflicting values
What type of role does family play on society (according to functionalists)?
Positive role
What are Murdock’s four functions of the family?
Economic, sexual, reproduction and educational
What did Murdock conclude from his study of 250 various society’s?
The nuclear family is so important that it exists in all societies so it must perform an essential function for society and the individual
How does the family perform economic functions?
Family is able to satisfy economic needs (security, food, home and money) of its members more effectively than single individual living alone
How does family perform sexual functions?
Family allows adults to fulfil their sexual needs which prevents deviant sexual behaviour (E.g. rape)
How does the family perform reproduction functions?
Family provides a stable environment for producing and looking after children - essential for society to exist
How does the family perform educational functions?
Family teaches children the values and norms of acceptable behaviour in society
What does Parsons’ ‘fit theory’ claim?
Claims that structure of family changes over time to ‘fit’ the type of society that exists at the time
Why does Parsons claim extended family was normal in pre-industrialisation times?
As it ideally suited this type of society
What type of family does Parsons believe is more suited to industrial society?
Nuclear family
How was the extended family a multi-functional unit?
It carried out many functions (E.g. caring for elderly, educating children and farming land to provide food for its members)
Why did the nuclear family ideally suit an industrial society?
It’s geographically mobile and socially mobile
What two essential functions does the modern nuclear family perform?
Primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities
Primary socialisation of children
Process that takes place during early years of childhood when children are taught society’s values and norms
Stabilisation of adult personalities
The pressures of living and working to achieve success can threaten to destabilise personalities of both husband and wife
What do functionalists see nuclear family as?
‘Ideal’ and most ‘natural’ type of family
What do functionalists see as threatening to the stabilisation of society?
Divorce, decline in marriage and alternative family types
Why do feminists criticise functionalist theory?
As they see the family as being unequal, with men benefiting more than women
What does the functionalist theory ignore?
The ‘dark side’ of family life (E.g domestic violence and child abuse)
Postmodernist view of functionalism
Outdated and no longer valid because it was based on American mc society in 1950s
Why do some sociologists question the importance of the function of family in society?
Because some of the functions are now being taken over by other institutions such as pre-school and day-care centred
