Functionalism

What is the functionalist view of the family?

The family is one of the corner stones of society. It performs essential functions which support social stability and social cohesion

What is the universal nuclear family?

A family that consists of 2 generations, parents and children and Murdock believes that this family type exists all over the world and is the best family type

What are social institutions?

The structures in society which influence behaviour such as the family, education, media and religion

What are the 4 functions of the family according to Murdock?

1. Sexual

2. Reproduction

3. Socialisation

4. Economic

What is the sexual function of the family according to Murdock?

Ensures that adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable. This means stable monogamous heterosexual relationships

What is the reproduction function of the family according to Murdock?

The biological reproduction of the next generation - without which society cannot continue

What is the socialisation function of the family according to Murdock?

Socialisation of the young - teaching basic norms and values so that the next generation are fully integrated into society and maintain social cohesion

What is the economic function of the family according to Murdock?

Meeting its members economic needs - producing food and shelter for example

What are Parsons 2 internal criticisms?

1. Best fit theory

2. Structural differentiation

Parsons: Best fit theory

Nuclear family is not universal, the structure of the family changes as the needs of the society changes. Pre industrial families were extended families with multiple generations living together, whereas post industrial families needed to be geographically mobile and therefore become isolated nuclear families

Parsons: Structural differentiation

Some functions of the family as identified by Murdock have moved to other institutions eg the economic function has been taken on by the welfare state and the NHS

What are the 2 functions of the family according to Parsons?

1. Socialisation

2. Stabilisation of adult personalities

Functions of the family: Parsons → Socialisation

Agrees with Murdock that the family is essential in the primary socialisation process and ensuring that each new generation is effectively integrated into society, maintaining social stability and continuity

Functions of the family: Parsons → Stabilisation of adult personalities

Refers to the emotional security which is achieved within a marital relationship between two adults. According to Parsons working life in industrial society is stressful and the family is a place where the working man can return and be ‘de-stressed’ by his wife, which reduces conflict in society. This is known as the ‘warm bath theory’. Stabilisation is achieved through the biologically determined roles - expressive and instrumental

Eval - How do functionalists downplay the role of conflict?

In particular the oppression of women and domestic violence. The family is not always the safe and warm place suggested by Parsons

Eval - How is the functionalist view out of date?

Women now go out to work and the biological roles as set out by Parsons no longer apply as clearly

Eval - How is the functionalist view deterministic?

Assumes that the members of society automatically take on the norms and values

Eval - How does the functionalist view ignore family diversity?

Assumes that all families are best when nuclear however many family structures are apparent in todays society and still fulfil the same functions