functionalism

• macro structural
• all institutions work individually but affect each other
• family performs positive functions to keep society running smoothly
• traditional nuclear family ideal
• TNF

  2 heterosexual parents married

  biological roles which are natural and conplemantary
• Murdock

  concluded some form of nuclear family is the best type

  family produce 4 functions in society

  sexual

  reproduction

  primary socialisation

  economic
• Parsons - family and social change

  'functional fit' as society changes so will the family due to industrialisation.

  preindustrial extrended family to industrial isolated nuclear family
• Parsons - family and social change EVALUATION

  Andersons argues the opposite happened, extended families common in industrial to help support conditions
• Parsons - nuclear family performs 2 essential functions

  1. primary socialisation of children HOWEVER issues with child poverty, neglect due to financial stress
  2. stabilisation of adult poverty 'warm bath theory' HOWEVER is a rose tinted view
• Parsons identified 2 adult roles needed to society to run smoothly

  instrumental role - men are providers for family and control big decisions

  expressive role - women offer childcare and do domestic house tasks