Theories of the family (functionalism) (copy)
Murdock argues the nuclear family is the most efficient family type, as well as it being the most universal.
Reproduction → Reproduction keeps society ongoing as you cannot have a functioning society without the next generation. The nuclear family easily allows reproduction.
Economic → Members of society need basic requirements such as food, water shelter etc, the nuclear family allows this function to run smoothly through delegated roles, the man provides and earns for the family while the women distributes.
Socialisation → The nuclear family is responsible for the primary socialisation of children as the family is where you first learn the value consensus.
Satisfying sex drives → The nuclear family is a safe relationship to have sex as there wouldn’t be problems such as STD’s and not knowing who the father of the child is.
A criticisms to Murdock’s evidence is the Nayar, which is a family type in the South West of India which operates differently from the nuclear family as parental responsibility falls to the woman’s brother or male relation instead of the father of the child. Another functionalist who criticises Murdock is Parsons as he believes that the family have lost two functions.
Parsons
Functional fit theory → Parsons believes the type of family will be dependent on the type of society. In a pre-industrial society, the extended family was the most beneficial, however now we have moved into an industrial society, Parsons argues the nuclear family is the ‘best fit’.
The nuclear family fits the industrial society for two reasons:
Geographical mobility → In the industrial society families need to be able to move to where jobs are, this much easier for a nuclear family.
Social mobility → In a industrial society, people need to be able to move up the social classes (meritocracy) . This could cause tension in extended families as a daughter could be earning more then the father who is the' ‘head of the household’.
Parsons argues there has been a loss of functions in the family, e.g. before it was the family who used to fulfil the child’s education however know social institutions such as the education system has been put in place.
Primary socialisation
Stabilisation of adult personalities → Parsons argues that the family provides a comforting and relaxing experience for the man, so that he can release the stress of work and can comfortably go back to work the next day. Parsons believes men are biologically sited to the instrumental role ( earning money for the family) and women are biologically suited to the expressive role ( caring and nurturing for the family members)
Evaluation of Parsons → Feminists argue that Parsons view of the family is incredibly oppressive to women. Ansley argues that women have to absorb and deal with the emotions of men meaning they preform the role of ‘takers of shit’. Another functionalist who criticises Parsons believes that no functions were lost they were actually gained.
Fletcher
Kept functions:
Education → Fletcher believes the family still has an impact on education, which contradict Parsons. Fletcher argues the family is still heavily involved with the education through things like helping with homework, going to parents evenings and motivating there children to work hard.
Healthcare → The first diagnosis you get is from your family which determines if you need to see a doctor, GP, or if you are mildy ill.
Gained functions → Maintaining satisfying relationships - Fletcher argues this new function affects your job or education, Relationships impact your mood and how well you preform.