Family Policy Functionalism And NR

• The functionalist view on family policy

  •Functionalists see family policies in a positive light, arguing they have supported the key functions of the family.•E.g. the welfare state supplements the economic function of the family (helping families provide for members)•The education system supports the educational function of the family.•The NHS supports the family in caring for its members.
• New Right


  •Strongly in favour of conventional nuclear family based on a married heterosexual couples, with a male provider and female homemaker.•This type of family is self-reliant, capable of caring and providing for its members and socialising children.•In favour of policies which support the nuclear family, and against those which promote family diversity.