Talcott Parsons:

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

Evaluations:

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• Outdated view- Criticise by more contemporary research that states a decline in the functions of the family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