Theory Flashcards
What are the 5 functionalism functions
Organic analogy Murdocks 4 functions Parsons functional fit Parsons irreducible functions Segregated roles
What is the Functionalism organic analogy function of the family
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
What is the Functionalist Murdocks 4 functions of the family
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
What is the Functionalist Parsons Functional Fit function of the family
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
What is the Functionalist Parsons irreducible function of the family
Primary socialisation - norms and values taught to next generation
Stabilisation of adult personalities - warm bath theory - destressing husbands to return to work
What is the Functionalist Parsons segregated roles function of the family
Biological divide
Expressive female, Instrumental male
Benefits society as a whole
What are the 2 New Right functions of the family
Biological division
Families self reliant
What is the New Right biological function of the family
Nuclear family natural and most effective
Instrumental male and expressive female most appropriate
Effectively socialises, best environment for children
What is the New Right families should be self reliant function of the family
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
What are the 2 marxist views of the function of the family
Passing on wealth
Ideological conditioning device
Outline passing on wealth Marxist function of the family
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
Outline ideological conditioning device Marxist function of the family
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
4 Marxist Feminist functions of the family
Domestic housework for free
Raising the next generation
Ideological function
Petty dictator
Outline Domestic housework for free Marxist Feminist function of the family
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
Outline Raising the next generation Marxist Feminist function of the family
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
Outline Ideological function Marxist Feminist function of the family
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
Outline Petty dictators Marxist Feminist function of the family
McCaffee and Woods
Men act as pretty dictators
Act as top dog replicating oppression face at work
Outline liberal feminist view of the function of the family
Ender inequality gradually being overcome through legal reforms and policy changes
Challenging stereotypes and attitudes
March of progress
Outline radical feminist view of the function of the family
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
Evaluation of the radical feminist function of the family
Ignores importance of class and ethnicity in inequality E.G. White m.c. Women may have more power than Black w.c. Man
Outline difference feminism view of the function of the family
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
What is the personal life perspective function of the family split into
Looking at meanings of the family
Donor conceived children
Outline looking at the meanings of family personal life perspective function of the family
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
Evaluation of the personal life perspective looking at meanings of the family
Ignores what might be special about traditional family ties based on blood or marriage
Outline donor conceived children personal life perspective function of the family
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
