parsons

• what did Parson's believe the 2 functions of family are:

  • primary socialisation: children are taught the shared norms and values of society
  • stabilisation of adult personality: family relieves stress of life, like a warm bath
• what is Parson's warm bath analogy?

  family is seen as a place of refuge, created by the mother whereby being part of a family is like stepping into a warm bath.
• what does Parsons believe about the roles of the family?

  • roles of men and women are complimentary
  • instrumental role of the father: men are suited to this role as breadwinner and provider for the family's physical needs
  • expressive role of the mother: women are suited to this role as carer and nurturer, providing emotional needs
• what does the stabilisation of adult personality mean?

  a family will always protect family members from dangers and stress.
• why are Murdock's and Parson's work now sometimes seen as outdated?

  people tend to have children outside of marriage and gender roles have become obsolete as in many cases, families are dual-earners and partners tend to have conjugal roles.
• what are criticisms of Parson's theories?

  conflict theorists are critical as it presents an idealised picture of the nuclear family and ignores the dark side of family life.
• what type of families did Parsons focus on?

  middle class nuclear families in the USA, 1959