Parsons Functional Fit Theory

Parsons agrees with ______ that the ideal family type is _________

Murdock

The nuclear family - a married heterosexual couple with children

Although, Parsons argues that the type of family…

Changes to fit the needs of society

For example, the extended family was needed in the…

Traditional pre-industrial society when living rurally meant managing cattle, growing crops, and making clothes

However, in a modern industrial society, the extended family need to be ___________, meaning…

Geographically and socially mobile

Easy to move to urban cities for work where individuals achieve their own income and status in the social hierarchy

When individuals achieve their own income and status in the social hierarchy, what is this known as?

A meritocratic industrial society

As a result of industrialisation (moving from rural to urban areas), the extended family…

Loses its functions and so other institutions replace them (Structural Differentiation)

What is an example of structural differentiation from the extended family to other institutions?

Were responsible for educating younger generations and providing medical knowledge

Now schools provide education and hospitals (NHS) provide healthcare

What is an example of structural differentiation regarding food?

The extended family would help raise cattle and farm

Food is now mass produced and we buy from supermarkets using money from jobs

What does Parsons theory assume?

The extended family has become entirely pointless and has disappeared

Instead, the extended family still performs functions today such as…

Financially supporting the family and providing childcare when needed

The extended family are still important but they are now…

Geographically dispersed