Parsons on the Family

What are Talcott Parson’s view on the family?

• Parsons’s view of the nuclear family being universal is similar to that of Murdock although he differs in suggesting that the nuclear family is more isolated- a ‘privatised nuclear family’

• The nuclear family has two basic and irreducible functions in comparison with extended kinship networks of the early and pre-industrial era

• Domestic division of labour- With males and females taking on specific roles based on biological characteristics

What are the functions of the family?

• Based ideas upon the typical American family of the 1950s- an era of increasing consumption where families looked to other institutions to replace some of the functions of family

• Two functions that other institutions could not perform

  • Primary socialisation

  • Stabilisation of adult personalities

What is primary socialisation?

• Early socialisation of children into norms and values of society

• Appropriate behaviours in social situations, core values of society, pro-social behaviours

• Parents reinforce behaviours that are positive and sanction socially undesirable behaviours so that children will ‘fit into’ wider society

What is the stabilisation of adult personalities?

• Often referred to as ‘warm bath theory’

• Family life provides emotional security for adult members

• Adults are also able to indulge in childish tendencies by interacting with their children

• Actions stabilise personalities and provide a sense of fulfilment

What is the functional fit theory?

• Parsons suggested the nuclear family formed as an adaption to industrialisation

• Functions of the extended family needed to be replaced as the nuclear family became socially and geographically mobile

• The nuclear family is a better fit for modern society as people move for work and are rewarded for their efforts with promotions, leading to movement up the class system

What is the sex role theory?

• Parsons suggested that roles in the family were divided based on biological characteristics and gendered socialisation

• The instrumental role is taken on by males- Economic support through going to work and providing discipline

• Expressive role- Emotional support and nurturing role taken on by female

What are the evaluations of Parsons’ view on the family?

• Feminists criticise Parsons for stereotypical views of female roles and expectations of females towards males

• The nuclear family argued not to have evolved due to industrialisation

• Outdated view- Criticise by more contemporary research that states a decline in the functions of the family

• Ethnocentric view based on American ideals and theoretical in nature rather than based on research