Functionalism and the Family

Question 1

What is macro theory?

Answer 1

Looks at society as a whole

Question 2

What is structuralist theory?

Answer 2

Society shapes the individual

Question 3

What is consensus theory?

Answer 3

Agreement on societies norms and values

Question 4

What do functionalists believe the ideal family is?

Answer 4

Nuclear family, a married heterosexual couple

Question 5

What is traditional division of labour?

Answer 5

Based on gender roles of husband performing the instrumental role of providing for the family

Wife performing the expressive role as carer for the family

Question 6

What does Parsons argue about traditional gender roles in the family?

Answer 6

Argues these are the roles men and women are biologically best suited for

Question 7

What are Murdock’s four functions of the family?

Answer 7

Economic

Sexual

Reproduction

Socialisation

Question 8

What is the economic function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 8

Providing food and shelter for family members

Question 9

What is the sexual function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 9

Adults can satisfy their sexual needs in a socially approved way (marriage)

Question 10

What is the reproduction function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 10

Give birth to the next generation

Question 11

What is the socialisation function of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 11

Performs primary socialisation - teaching children the norms and values of society

Question 12

According to Parsons, what are the two basic functions of the family?

Answer 12

Primary socialisation of children

The stabilisation of adult personalities - sometimes known as the ‘warm bath’ theory

Question 13

What is Parsons ‘warm bath’ theory?

Answer 13

The idea that the family is a relaxing environment

Men performing the instrumental role and women expressive role - these roles are natural and complementary

Question 14

How can Parsons view of the family be criticised?

Answer 14

Parsons assumes all children are socialised effectively and have a happy childhood, ignoring issues such as child abuse and child poverty

Question 15

What are the criticisms of Murdock and Parsons view of the family?

Answer 15

Postmodernists argue functionalists assume the nuclear family to be universal and ignore family diversity

Parsons ignores the dark side of the family e.g. domestic violence

Feminists argue functionalists show how the family is patriarchal

Marxists argue the family only benefits capitalism, not society

Question 16

How did Parsons argue the family changed?

Answer 16

Argued the structure of the family changed to create a ‘functional fit’ for the needs of society

Question 17

What is the pre-industrial family?

Answer 17

Extended

Unit of production - worked together on the land to produce goods

Ascribed status - fixed at birth

Multi-functional - provided healthcare, education etc. for family members

Little geographical mobility

Question 18

What is the post-industrial family?

Answer 18

Isolated nuclear - cut off from extended kin

Unit of consumption - bought goods from shops

Achieved status - can work towards a different job than parents

Loss of functions to other specialist institutions (a process known as structural differentiation, meaning the family specialised in only two functions)

Geographically mobile - move where labour was needed