Functionalist view on the family

Functionalist view on the family

Functionalists view society as a system made up of different parts that rely on each other. Like all the organs of the human body

Murdocks 4 essentials functions of the family

• Stable sex drive

• Reproduction of next gen

• Socialisation of the young (teaching them basic norms and values)

• Meeting economic needs (providing food and shelter etc..)

Criticisms of Murdock

• Feminists argue the family only benefits men and exploits women

• Other institutions can also provide the 4 essential functions that the family provide

• Marxist believes family is to maintain a capitalistic society

Parsons functional fit theory

• As society changes, the type of family that ‘fits’ that society changes. For instance, in the pre-industrial families, extended families were the norm - multiple generations of family living under one roof - as the family was responsible for education of children, producing goods etc. However in post modern society nuclear families are the norm as most jobs require a mobile workforce so smaller families are easier to travel with. 

Criticisms of Parsons functional fit theory

• It is ‘too neat’ society doesn’t happen in such an orderly manner

• Lasett found that only 10% of families were extended in the pre-industrial society.

• Wilmott and Young found that extended families were still the norm in areas such as East London, in the 1970s.

Parsons 2 essential function of the family

• Primary socialisation - teaching children the primary, basic norms and values of society.

• Stabilization of adult personalities - emotional security in a marriage

General criticisms of functionalists

• Downplay conflict in the family such as domestic violence

• Being out of date. In today's society there is no specific instrumental or expressive roles for men and women

• Ignoring exploitation of women- gender roles are socially constructed, usually oppressing women.

• Functionalists ignore the fact that children can create their own personalities and have free will outside their parents norms and values.