Theories on the family Flashcards
What is the functionalist perspective on the family ?
They believe society is based on a value consensus (a set of shared norms and values) into which society socialises its members
What does Murdock argue the four essential functions of the family are ?
Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
Reproduction of the next generation
Socialisation of the young
Meeting its members economic needs
What are the different criticisms of Murdock ?
Feminists argue the family serves the needs of men and oppressing women
Marxists argue the family meets the needs of capitalism not the actual family or society as a whole
What is parsons functional fit theory ?
He argues that the particular structure and functions of a given type of family will ‘fit’ the needs of the society in which it is found
What are the two essential needs parsons sees society having ?
A geographically mobile workforce
A socially mobile workforce
The pre-industrial family was seen as a multi-functional unit, what is the popular belief about what family has become today ?
A unit of consumption
What is the marxist view on the family ?
They see capitalist society as being based on an unequal conflict between the capitalist and working class
What are the functions marxists see the family fulfilling for capitalism ?
Inheritance of property
Ideological functions
A unit of consumption
What is the main criticism of the marxists perspective ?
Feminists would argue marxist focus on class leads them to underestimate gender inequalities
What is the feminist view on the family ?
They argue the family works to benefit men and oppress women
What are the different types of feminists ?
Liberal feminists
Marxist feminists
Radical feminists
Difference feminists
