Theory

Question 1

What are the 5 functionalism functions

Answer 1

Organic analogy
Murdocks 4 functions
Parsons functional fit
Parsons irreducible functions
Segregated roles

Question 2

What is the Functionalism organic analogy function of the family

Answer 2

Family compared to human body
Made up of interdependent parts
Each component has own function
E.G. Family perform function social solidarity, socialisation and promoting consensus 
Benefits society as a whole

Question 3

What is the Functionalist Murdocks 4 functions of the family

Answer 3

Nuclear family 4 functions
Stabilisation adult sex drive: same marital partner, prevents free for all sex and social disruption
Reproduction next generation
Socialisation of young: accept norms and integrate
Satisfaction economic needs: food and shelter
Universal - found all societies so practical

Question 4

What is the Functionalist Parsons Functional Fit function of the family

Answer 4

Type society determines family structure
Industrial: 3 generational, unit production
Modern: 2 generational
Geographically mobile: jobs springing up and down smaller and easier relocate
Sociably mobile: status now achieved, sons can move avoid conflict with father

Question 5

What is the Functionalist Parsons irreducible function of the family

Answer 5

Primary socialisation - norms and values taught to next generation
Stabilisation of adult personalities - warm bath theory - destressing husbands to return to work

Question 6

What is the Functionalist Parsons segregated roles function of the family

Answer 6

Biological divide
Expressive female, Instrumental male
Benefits society as a whole

Question 7

What are the 2 New Right functions of the family

Answer 7

Biological division

Families self reliant

Question 8

What is the New Right biological function of the family

Answer 8

Nuclear family natural and most effective
Instrumental male and expressive female most appropriate
Effectively socialises, best environment for children

Question 9

What is the New Right families should be self reliant function of the family

Answer 9

Reliance on state creates dependency culture
Result over generous welfare benefits, undermines traditional family roles
Breakdown in family, family diversity, ineffective socialisation
Sons lack father role model = socially deviant

Question 10

What are the 2 marxist views of the function of the family

Answer 10

Passing on wealth

Ideological conditioning device

Question 11

Outline passing on wealth Marxist function of the family

Answer 11

Engels 
Concentrate wealth hands of a few
Primitive society: communally owned, now passed down eldest son
Keep rich getting richer
E.g. Paris Hilton, Royal Family

Question 12

Outline ideological conditioning device Marxist function of the family

Answer 12

Socialisation accept r.c. Ideology
Althusser: raising next generation accept and view capitalist values as norm
Taught lessons such as dont challenge your boss
Socialises next generation for free, restricting them

Question 13

4 Marxist Feminist functions of the family

Answer 13

Domestic housework for free
Raising the next generation
Ideological function
Petty dictator

Question 14

Outline Domestic housework for free Marxist Feminist function of the family

Answer 14

Benston and Zaretsky
Women do housework for free saving gov £700billion a year
Housewives ask their husbands to pay, they would have to ask for pay rise reducing capitalist profit

Question 15

Outline Raising the next generation Marxist Feminist function of the family

Answer 15

Zaretsky
Raising children cost upwards £200,000
Parents raise next generation for free
Women teach norms and values raising productive future adults workers wanting to work

Question 16

Outline Ideological function Marxist Feminist function of the family

Answer 16

Ansley
Emotional safety valve 
Men exploited at work, become frustrated, wife absorbs anger allowing husband destress 
Husbands return to work
Wives takers of shit
Similar Benstons Warm bath theory

Question 17

Outline Petty dictators Marxist Feminist function of the family

Answer 17

McCaffee and Woods
Men act as pretty dictators
Act as top dog replicating oppression face at work

Question 18

Outline liberal feminist view of the function of the family

Answer 18

Ender inequality gradually being overcome through legal reforms and policy changes
Challenging stereotypes and attitudes
March of progress

Question 19

Outline radical feminist view of the function of the family

Answer 19

Patriarchal, main cause womens oppression
Family and marriage key patriarchal institutions
Men benefit unpaid sexual services and domestic labour
Males dominate through violence
Must be overturned and family abolished
Political lesbianism

Question 20

Evaluation of the radical feminist function of the family

Answer 20

Ignores importance of class and ethnicity in inequality 
E.G. White m.c. Women may have more power than Black w.c. Man

Question 21

Outline difference feminism view of the function of the family

Answer 21

Not all women share same experiences of oppression - women different ethnicities, class backgrounds etc may have different experiences
Neglects black womens experience of racism
Many black women view family as source support in racist society

Question 22

What is the personal life perspective function of the family split into

Answer 22

Looking at meanings of the family

Donor conceived children

Question 23

Outline looking at the meanings of family personal life perspective function of the family

Answer 23

Bottoms up approach, looking at meanings individuals give to relationships.
Draws attention range other family types
Pets, dead relatives, fictive kin, chosen families, friends
Sense of relatedness

Question 24

Evaluation of the personal life perspective looking at meanings of the family

Answer 24

Ignores what might be special about traditional family ties based on blood or marriage

Question 25

Outline donor conceived children personal life perspective function of the family

Answer 25

Nordqvist and Smart
Parents over emphasise importance social relationships over biological
Know donor overcome issues of do they count as family
Lesbian couples worry sperm donor considered real second parent