Topic 3 - Theories of the Family Flashcards
Functionalists - The Organic Analogy [2]
- The human body is made up of different parts that function together to meet its needs and maintain it.
- Reflective of society: made up of interdependent parts (eg education, religion) that work together to maintain the social system as a whole.
Functionalists - Murdock [4]
4 functions of the family:
- Socialisation of young
- Sex drive
- Reproduction of next-gen.
- Economic satisfaction
Functionalists - Parsons [3]
The nuclear family had to evolve to be geographically mobile.
Performs 2 functions:
- Primary socialization of young
- Stabilisation of adult personalities
Marxists - Engels
The family exists so men can pass their private property onto their biological offspring, notably a son.
Marxists - Zaretzky
‘Cult of private life’ - this is the belief that we can only gain fulfilment from family life - distracts attention from exploitation
Liberal Feminists
MoP view in suggesting gender inequality is gradually being overcome through reform and policy change - ‘new man’ emerging
Marxist Feminists [3]
Capitalism is the main form of women’s oppression in the family and this performs functions for capitalism:
Reproducing the labour force - women socialise the next gen of workers.
Absorbing men’s anger - wives soak up their husband’s frustration from being exploited at work.
A reserve army of cheap labour - when not needed, women workers can return to their domestic role.
Radical Feminists [2]
- Family + marriage -> men benefit from women’s unpaid domestic labour & sexual services
- Believe the patriarchal system must be overturned via separatism.
Difference Feminists
Not all women share the same experience of oppression; women of different ethnicities, class, age etc may have different experiences of the family.
Personal Life Perspective (Smart) [2]
- Assume nuclear family is the dominant type of family -> ignores today’s diversity.
- Looks at relationships that individuals see as significant and gives a sense of identity, belonging and relatedness (pets, friends etc.)
The New Right [2]
- Believe in biological division of labour = natural
- Families should be self-reliant or there will be a dependency culture -> undermines traditional gender roles. Produces a family breakdown and an increase of lone-parent families, which results in social problems due to poor socialisation.
How does the family fulfil the economic function according to FN’s? [2]
- Man works & provides for the family, basic needs e.g. food are met
- Woman provides domestic role e.g. unpaid labour at home
How does the family fulfil the sexual function according to FN’s?
- Marriage regulates sexual urges, promoting heterosexuality
How does the family stabilise adult personalities according to Parsons?
Warm Bath Theory:
A man could come home from a hard day’s work and use the family to relax
FM criticise this as subjugating women.
How does the family fulfil educating the young according to FN’s? [2]
- Primary socialisation lets children learn norms and values taught by their parents
- Ensure they’re able to contribute to the harmonious functioning of society
