SOCIOLOGY PAPER 2 - theories of the family

functionalists

• the organic analogy (The human body is made up of different parts that function together to meet its needs and maintain it. Functionalists believe society does the same eg. the education system, the government, religion etc) that work together to maintain the social system as a whole.)

• murdock: 4 functions of the family (sexual, reproduction, social, economic

• parsons: functional fit - The functions that the family perform depend on the type of society in which they are found.​ The functions that the family perform depend on the type of society in which they are found:

  • Pre-industrial society - extended family - had the function of production and consumption

  • Modern society - nuclear family - have the function of social and geographical mobility

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marxists

• Engles - The family exists so men can pass their private property onto their biological offspring, notably a son.

liberal feminists

take a march of progress view in suggesting gender inequality is gradually being overcome through reform and policy change. For example, the new man is becoming more widespread.

marxist feminists

Capitalism is the main form of women's oppression in the family and this performs several functions for capitalism:

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• Reproducing the labour force - women socialise the next generation 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 feminism

believe the patriarchal system needs to be overturned, and the only way to achieve this is through separatism, meaning women need to organise themselves to live independently to men.

new right

argue that the decline of the traditional family and the growth of family diversity are the cause of many social problems

Families should be self-reliant - reliance on state welfare leads to a dependency culture and undermines traditional gender roles