family - functionalism

murdock

writing in 1940’s

nuclear family is the most efficient family type

it is universal and found in every human society

it efficiently carries out 4 functions

reproduction

biological reproduction of the next generation

economic

basic needs are met

food, water, shelter

a man is responsible for earning to pay for them

a woman is responsible for organising and distributing them

socialisation

nuclear family is responsible for primary socialisation

the first place where children learn the value consensus

satisfying sex drives

prevents frustration and anger

a sexual “free for all” would result in issues of jealousy, STIs and not knowing fathers

murdock evaluation

• the Nayar tribe do not have nuclear families, rather women can have multiple sex partners , the mother’s brother has responsibility over the child

• Parsons argues there are 2 functions, not 4

parsons

disagrees with Murdock

the functional fit theory-

• pre-industrial society = extended family

• industrial society = nuclear family

the nuclear fits the industrial society due to -

• geographical mobility - move where jobs are, smaller homes in cities

• social mobility - can move up social classes through meritocracy

parsons 2

loss of functions -

society has evolved and lost functions due to new institutions emerging

the family will never loose these 2 functions-

• primary socialisation - next generation socialised into value consensus

• stabilisation of adult personalities - the warm bath theory, family provides a comforting experience for a man, stress is released (men are biological suited for instrumental role, women suited for expressive role)

parsons evaluation

• feminists argue this is oppressive to women. Ansley - women have to absorb the anger and perform the role of “takers of shit”

• women sui the expressive role is a social construct not biological

• fletcher argues family has gained functions not lost

fletcher

we have kept and gained functions

kept -

• education

• healthcare

Gained-

• maintaining satisfying relationships - positive and supportive relationships

fletcher evaluation

• outdated- postmodernists argues nuclear family units are irrelevant

• overly positive - Marxists and feminists argue functionalism ignore harmful aspects (class exploitation, domestic violence, child abuse etc)