Functionalist veiw of the family

Cards (35)

  • What are the learning objectives regarding family theories?
    Describe and evaluate family theories
  • What are the main theories of the role of the family?
    • Functionalist view
    • New Right view
    • Marxist view
    • Feminist view
    • Personal life perspective view
    • Postmodern view
  • What do Functionalists ask about the family?
    They ask about the functions of the family
  • How do Functionalists view the family?
    As extremely functional and necessary
  • Who proposed the four essential functions of the family?
    George Murdock
  • What are the four essential functions of the family according to Murdock?
    1. Reproduction
    2. Education
    3. Economic
    4. Sexual
  • What is the reproductive function of the family?
    It is the main unit for reproducing children
  • Why are sexual rules important in society?
    They help stabilize the social system
  • What role does the family play in education?
    It is responsible for primary socialization
  • How does the family contribute economically?
    As a unit of production and consumption
  • What do Marxists and Feminists argue about Murdock's theory?
    They argue he ignores women's oppression
  • What does Parsons suggest about family functions?
    They depend on the kind of society
  • What are the two kinds of family structure according to Parsons?
    Modern industrial and pre-industrial families
  • How did industrialization affect family structure?
    It replaced extended families with nuclear families
  • What are the two essential needs of industrial society according to Parsons?
    Geographically mobile and socially mobile workforce
  • Why is a geographically mobile workforce important?
    People need to move where jobs are
  • What does socially mobile workforce mean?
    Talented people can achieve promotion
  • How does Parsons describe the pre-industrial family?
    As a multi-functional unit
  • What roles do men and women have in the nuclear family according to Parsons?
    Men as breadwinners, women as housewives
  • What are the two roles defined by Parsons in the nuclear family?
    Instrumental leader and expressive leader
  • What does the term 'instrumental leader' refer to?
    The person responsible for economic welfare
  • What does the term 'expressive leader' refer to?
    The person responsible for socialization and care
  • What are the essential functions of the modern nuclear family according to Parsons?
    1. Primary socialization of children
    2. Stabilization of adult personality
  • What is primary socialization?
    The first part of the socialization process
  • Why is internalization of norms and values important?
    It creates consensus in society
  • How do families stabilize adult personalities?
    By providing emotional support and indulgence
  • What does Parsons mean by the nuclear family being like a 'warm bath'?
    It provides emotional security and comfort
  • What criticisms exist regarding Parsons' view of the family?
    It is debated whether the extended family was dominant
  • What do Functionalists tend to ignore about family life?
    The 'dark side' of family life
  • How is Parsons' view considered sexist?
    It assigns traditional roles to men and women
  • What does the term 'structurally isolated' refer to in Parsons' theory?
    The nuclear family has lost many functions
  • What is evident about the privatised nuclear family?
    It has emerged to meet modern needs
  • Who is the odd one out: Parsons, Weber, Murdock, Durkheim?
    Weber, as he focuses on bureaucracy
  • Who is the odd one out: Sexual, Economic, Instrumental, Reproduction?
    Instrumental, as it refers to roles
  • What is an example exam question related to family theories?
    Write an introduction for this essay question