Marxist & Functionalist

• What is the functionalist view of the nuclear family?

  Functionalists see the nuclear family in positive terms, performing vital functions for individuals and society.
• Who studied 250 societies to conclude the nuclear family is universal?

  Murdock
• What are the four functions of the nuclear family according to Murdock?

  • Stable satisfaction of sex drive
  • Reproduction of future generations
  • Primary socialisation of children
  • Meeting economic needs (food & shelter)
• What does primary socialisation create according to functionalists?

  It creates a value consensus, which fosters cooperation and social stability.
• What is Parsons' 'functional fit theory'?


  It claims that the functions performed by the family depend on the society in which it is found.
• What two essential functions does the modern nuclear family perform according to Parsons?

  Primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities.
• How does the modern nuclear family contribute to social control?

  By ensuring that members behave according to societal expectations.
• What is meant by 'structural differentiation' in the context of family functions?

  It refers to the process where the family has lost some of its functions due to industrialisation and the welfare state.
• What functions has the family lost due to structural differentiation?

  • Unit of production
  • Welfare needs catered by schools and social security
• What positive aspects do functionalists highlight about family life?

  They highlight the role of the family in creating value consensus, social order, and social stability.
• What negative aspects do critics argue about functionalist views of the family?

  Critics argue that functionalists ignore the dysfunctions such as conflict, patriarchy, and abuse.
• How do Marxists view the family in relation to class inequality?

  Marxists see the family as benefiting the ruling class and maintaining class inequality and capitalism.
• According to Engels, what is the function of patriarchal monogamous nuclear families?

  To provide ruling class men with legitimate heirs to their property and wealth.
• What is the ideological function of the family according to Althusser?

  The family transmits ruling class ideologies that justify inequality.
• How do Marxists claim children learn to accept hierarchy and inequality?

  Through the age patriarchy that parents have over children.
• What does Zaretsky argue about the family in relation to capitalism?

  He claims the family provides emotional security from the oppressive world of work.
• What illusion does Zaretsky argue exists regarding the family?

  That the family can meet its members' needs, which is largely an illusion.
• How do families function as a unit of consumption?

  • Families buy many products, generating profits for capitalist businesses.
  • Media targets children to influence parental spending.
  • Creates an ideology of consumerism.
• What do Marxists argue about the benefits of families?

  Marxists argue that while families may benefit capitalism, they do not necessarily benefit individual members.
• What do Marxist feminists argue is the main cause of women's oppression?

  They argue that capitalism, not men, is the main cause of women's oppression.
• What functions do Marxist feminists believe women's oppression performs for capitalism?

  • Reproducing the labour force
  • Absorbing anger directed at the ruling class
  • Acting as a reserve army of cheap labour
• What do Marxist feminists believe is necessary for achieving full equality?

  They believe full equality can only be achieved by abolishing the family and replacing capitalism with a communist society.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Marxist feminism?

  Strengths:

  • Highlights interaction between gender and class.

  Weaknesses:

  • Ignores positive aspects of family life.
  • Fails to explain lone-parent and dual-earner families' dynamics.
• What shift did Parsons observe regarding family structures?

  He observed a shift from the extended family to the nuclear family following industrialisation.
• What reasons did Parsons give for the shift to nuclear families?

  • Geographical mobility for job searching
  • Social mobility allowing movement in social class structure
• What does Parsons highlight about the adaptability of families?

  He highlights how families have changed to suit the needs of society and maintain social stability.
• What criticism does Laslett (1972) have regarding Parsons' theory?

  Laslett found that nuclear families were common in pre-industrial society due to late childbearing and short life expectancy.
• What does Anderson’s (1980) exchange theory suggest about extended families?

  It suggests that the benefits of working-class extended families outweighed the costs, providing support in various needs.
• What is the current status of extended families in modern societies?

  Extended families continue to exist and perform vital functions such as financial support and childcare.