Parsons

What theory did Parsons create in 1959?

The functional fit theory

What is this theory?

Examining the social and economic changes associated with the industrial revolution and how it shaped family structures and relationships

What does the pre industrial family look like?

Extended, a unit of production and had an ascribed status - they often lived in the country and worked in agriculture

What does the post industrial family look like?

An isolated nuclear family, a unit of consumption who are geographically mobile - often living in cities

What did Parsons argue nuclear family is becoming?

Increasingly specialised and some functions have been taken over by specialised institutions

What is an example of some functions that have been taken over by specialised institutions?

Social services

How many functions did Parsons say the modern nuclear family fulfills?

2

What is the first basic function Parsons said nuclear families fulfills?

Socialisation

What does the function of socialisation do for the family?

Teaches norms and values, families are ‘personality factories’ and have positive involvement in social life and socialisation

What is the second basic function that Parsons says the nuclear family fulfills?

Stabilisation of Adult Personalities

What function does stabilisation of adult personalities do for the family?

Relieves modern day stresses, positively reinforces relationships, strengthens social stability, implies expressive and instrumental roles in sexual division of labour

What theory does Parsons suggest in his second function?

The warm bath theory

What is meant by the theory Parsons suggests?

That family soothes and relieves pressure just like a warm bath

What is an instrumental role?

Working roles in the family played by men

What is an expressive role?

A maternal and caring role played by mothers

Does Parsons believe that both parents play equal roles in the family?

Yes, he believes that parents play equal but different roles

AO3 - feminism

Feminists believe Parsons view of family is outdated and blurs gender roles

AO3 - ethnocentric

Parsons only focuses on American families and generalises his view