Parsons Warm Bath Theory

What type of family does Parsons believe to be best suited for society?

The nuclear family

A married heterosexual couple with 2 children

What roles do the mother and father take on? What does this consist of?

Expressive and instrumental role

Caring and nurturing the children whilst cooking and cleaning

Providing income, leadership, discipline, and making key decisions

What two functions is the nuclear family responsible for?

Primary Socialisation of children

Stabilisation of adult personalities

The family teaches children ________ through primary socialisation to ensure…

Norms and values

A value consensus is maintained

Furthermore, the family is seen as a place of __________ for the man to _______, helping adult personalities stabilise to ready the father for the _________

Rest and recuperation

Relieve stress

Demands of work

Helping adult personalities stabilise gives…

Structure of clear roles in the family, which are biologically suited, so members are content

Radical feminists argue that the warm bath theory…

Doesn’t benefit everyone equally and only serves the interests of men

For example, women are oppressed by traditional gendered expectations of the housewife role