theories on family Flashcards
what does a functionalist perspective believe?
believes society is based on value consensus in which it socialises its members with a set of norms and values, seeing the family as a “building block” in society
what are Murdock’s four vital functions?
sexual - rules limiting it
economic - family is a unit of production (food, shelter, work, money etc)
education - educating youth on values and norms
reproduction - next generation
what are criticisms of Murdock?
some argue that these functions are not completely necessary while others argue they can be performed equally as well by other institutions
what is Parson’s theory?
the “warm bath” theory which suggests you can relax after working, coming home to your family, ready for the next working day
what does the new right believe?
believes the nuclear family is the best type as it fulfils all functions but is under threat
what does murray believe?
that families without fathers more likely to turn to crime as children have no male role models and women give little discipline and responsibility
what do marxists believe?
this is a conflict theory is society between classes due to capitalism
believes society functions to benefit ruling class
what does marx believe?
sees family as performing functions for society
dislikes nuclear family as it enables social inequalities
what is inheritance of property?
men have to be certain of paternity of children to endure legit heirs inherited property
what is ideological functions?
a set of ideas or beliefs
what is a unit of consumption?
family playing a major role in generating profit (ads, media, targeting children etc)
what are some criticisms of marxism?
they tend to persuade nuclear family is dominant in capitalist societies (ignoring diversity)
feminists argue they put emphasis on class and capitalism, underestimating importance of gender inequalities
what do liberal feminists believe?
take a march of progress view, believing society is moving forward
criticised for being too naive as they believe men are doing more domestic work
what do Marxist feminists believe?
main oppression of women is capitalism as women are forced to do the domestic work
what are radical feminists believe?
take an extremist view, believing men are the enemy and family should be abolished
