theories of the family

What is the functionalist view of the family?

The family performs essential functions for society such as socialisation, emotional support, and economic stability.

What are Murdock’s four functions of the family?

Sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational (socialisation).

What did Parsons say about the family in modern society?

The family performs two key functions: primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities.

What is the Marxist view of the family?

The family supports capitalism by passing on ideology, reproducing labour power, and being a unit of consumption.

What is Engels' view on the family?

The family emerged to control women's sexuality and ensure inheritance through legitimate heirs – it supports private property.

How does Zaretsky see the family?

The family provides emotional support that helps workers cope with capitalist exploitation.

What is the feminist view of the family?

The family is a key site of patriarchy – it reinforces gender roles and oppresses women.

What do liberal feminists say about the family?

Change is happening – they support legal and policy reforms to make families more equal.

What do radical feminists say about the family?

The family is inherently patriarchal – men benefit from women's unpaid labour and control over them.

What do Marxist feminists believe about the family?

The family helps capitalism by reproducing the next generation of workers and absorbing male anger.

What is the difference between structural and interpretivist theories of family?

Structural theories (e.g. functionalism) focus on family’s role in society; interpretivist approaches (e.g. personal life perspective) focus on individual experiences.

What is the personal life perspective (PLP)?

It argues that family should be understood through people’s meanings – not just structure, but also chosen and emotional ties.

What is meant by 'chosen families'?

Families made through choice (e.g., close friends, LGBTQ+ kinship groups), not just blood or marriage.

What do postmodernists say about the family?

There's no single family form – families are diverse, fluid, and based on individual choice.

What is the new right view of the family?

Supports the nuclear family and criticises alternatives – believes other forms cause social problems.