Theories of the Family - Functionalist Perspective on the Family

Question 1

Why is the functionalist perspective seen as a structural theory?

Answer 1

Because it claims that the social structures in society perform a number of functions which shape and influence our behaviour

Question 2

Examples of social structures

Answer 2

Family, religion, education, media and law

Question 3

What must individuals share for society to be stable and function effectively (according to functionalists)

Answer 3

They must share the same norms and values which is achieved with help of the family

Question 4

What function does the family help perform?

Answer 4

Socialisation

Question 5

How does the family help perform socialisation?

Answer 5

By teaching its members to share the norms and values that are accepted to society

Question 6

What does socialisation bring?

Answer 6

Social order which creates a society where people can exist harmoniously and not with conflicting values

Question 7

What type of role does family play on society (according to functionalists)?

Answer 7

Positive role

Question 8

What are Murdock’s four functions of the family?

Answer 8

Economic, sexual, reproduction and educational

Question 9

What did Murdock conclude from his study of 250 various society’s?

Answer 9

The nuclear family is so important that it exists in all societies so it must perform an essential function for society and the individual

Question 10

How does the family perform economic functions?

Answer 10

Family is able to satisfy economic needs (security, food, home and money) of its members more effectively than single individual living alone

Question 11

How does family perform sexual functions?

Answer 11

Family allows adults to fulfil their sexual needs which prevents deviant sexual behaviour (E.g. rape)

Question 12

How does the family perform reproduction functions?

Answer 12

Family provides a stable environment for producing and looking after children - essential for society to exist

Question 13

How does the family perform educational functions?

Answer 13

Family teaches children the values and norms of acceptable behaviour in society

Question 14

What does Parsons’ ‘fit theory’ claim?

Answer 14

Claims that structure of family changes over time to ‘fit’ the type of society that exists at the time

Question 15

Why does Parsons claim extended family was normal in pre-industrialisation times?

Answer 15

As it ideally suited this type of society

Question 16

What type of family does Parsons believe is more suited to industrial society?

Answer 16

Nuclear family

Question 17

How was the extended family a multi-functional unit?

Answer 17

It carried out many functions (E.g. caring for elderly, educating children and farming land to provide food for its members)

Question 18

Why did the nuclear family ideally suit an industrial society?

Answer 18

It’s geographically mobile and socially mobile

Question 19

What two essential functions does the modern nuclear family perform?

Answer 19

Primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 20

Primary socialisation of children

Answer 20

Process that takes place during early years of childhood when children are taught society’s values and norms

Question 21

Stabilisation of adult personalities

Answer 21

The pressures of living and working to achieve success can threaten to destabilise personalities of both husband and wife

Question 22

What do functionalists see nuclear family as?

Answer 22

‘Ideal’ and most ‘natural’ type of family

Question 23

What do functionalists see as threatening to the stabilisation of society?

Answer 23

Divorce, decline in marriage and alternative family types

Question 24

Why do feminists criticise functionalist theory?

Answer 24

As they see the family as being unequal, with men benefiting more than women

Question 25

What does the functionalist theory ignore?

Answer 25

The ‘dark side’ of family life (E.g domestic violence and child abuse)

Question 26

Postmodernist view of functionalism

Answer 26

Outdated and no longer valid because it was based on American mc society in 1950s

Question 27

Why do some sociologists question the importance of the function of family in society?

Answer 27

Because some of the functions are now being taken over by other institutions such as pre-school and day-care centred