theories of the family

What do functionalist believe about family?

• the family is positive and beneficial for society

• It performs essential functions that keep society stable and orderly

• Society is based on value consensus

What did Murdock argue about the family?-

• the nuclear family is universal

• It performs four essential functions: sexual, reproductive, economic, emotional

Evaluation of Murdock view on family

• ignores family diversity

• Assumes all families are positive and harmonious

What did Parsons argue about the modern family?

• the nuclear family suits industrial society

• It performs two essential functions : primary socialisation of children, stabilisation of adult personalities

• Family roles are gendered: instrumental (male) , expressive ( female)

Evaluation on parsons view

• feminists argue this legitimises patriarchy

• Based on outdated gender roles

What do Marxists believe about the family?

• the family serves capitalism not individuals

• It helps maintain class inequality

• Appears supportive but benefits the bourgeoisie

What did Engles argue about the family?

• the nuclear family developed to: protect private property, ensure inheritance passes to legitimate heirs

• Women are oppressed through domestic labour

Evaluation of Engels view

• overlooks emotional support in families

• Not all families own property

What did Zaretsky argued about the family ?

• the family is a unit of consumption

• Encourages people to buy goods which benefits capitalism

• Provides emotional support that hides exploitation at work

Evaluation of Zaretsky

• ignores positive aspects like love and care

What do feminists believe about the family?

• the family is patriarchal

• Men benefit at the expense of women

Women experience : unpaid domestic labour, emotional work, inequality and control

What did Ann Oakley argue about housework?

• housework is gendered not natural

• Women perform most domestic labour even when working

• This reinforces male dependency

Evaluation of Ann Oakley

• shows families now share housework more equally

What does the new right believe about family?

• the nuclear family is best for society as it geographically mobile

• Alternative families cause social problems

• Lone parent families create dependency on the state

Evaluation of new right perspective on family

• blames individuals rather than structural inequality

• Ignores poverty and diversity

What did young and willmott argue?

• families are becoming more symmetrical

• Men and women increasingly share: housework, decision making

• Linked to rising living standards

Evaluation of young and Wilmott

• feminist argue this exaggerated equality

What do Postmodernists believe about the family?

• there is no single family type

• Increases choice and diversity

• Individuals create families that suit them

Evaluation of postmodernism view

• Choice is limited by class, gender and ethnicity