Functionalism

• The family has changed over time due to factors such as industrialisation, urbanisation, and changes in gender roles.
• The family provides socialization into norms and values, which are necessary for individuals to function within society.
• Functionalists believe that society is like an organism, with different parts working together to maintain the whole.
• Functionalists argue that the family is important because it provides socialisation, emotional support, and care.
• Functionalists argue that the nuclear family is functional because it provides social control through parenting and discipline.
• Functionalists argue that the nuclear family is functional because it meets the needs of society by providing emotional support, caregiving, and social control.
• Marxist feminists criticise functionalism's view on women's role within the family by arguing that they are oppressed and exploited.
• Functionalists also suggest that the extended family can be dysfunctional because it may lead to conflict between generations or competition for resources.
• Patriarchal ideologies reinforce traditional gender roles and perpetuate inequality.
• Functionalists argue that the extended family has become less common as industrialisation has led to urbanisation and migration.
• Functionalists argue that the decline of the extended family is functional because it allows individuals to move away from their families and pursue careers.
• Girls are often given dolls while boys receive toy cars or action figures.
• The extended family was once important due to its ability to pool labour and resources, but this is no longer necessary with modern technology and services.
• In some cultures, such as those found in Africa and Asia, the extended family remains an essential part of daily life.
• Some people choose to live in extended families due to cultural traditions or personal preference.
• The decline of the extended family is seen as positive by some sociologists who believe it promotes individual freedom and independence.
• Socialisation into gender roles begins at birth with parents assigning different toys based on gender.
• Marxist sociologists believe that the nuclear family serves capitalist interests by producing obedient workers who can be exploited by employers.
• Socialisation:

  Primary- Particularistic values (family norms and values)

  Secondary- Universalistic values (school, media, friends’ norms and values)
• Davis and Moore (1967)

  • Meritocracy: Role allocation- To prepare for consensus theory.
  • Inequalities are essential.
  • Some jobs require more training and skills - these have more responsibility and better rewards.
  • Education sifts and sorts.