Functionalism

• Functionalists argue that society is made of different institutions that function together, and society shapes the individual
• Organic analogy

  If one institution breaks down, all other institutions break down like organs working together in a body

  It's the basic building block of society as it preforms crucial functions of socializing and meeting emotional needs
• Meritocracy

  Being rewarded based on talent and achievement rather than social status
• Murdock = all families preform 4 functions

  • sexual = stable sexual relationships need to be controlled for satisfaction and in monogamous relationships, prevent sexual jealousy
  • reproductive = new members of society, without which society can't continue
  • economic = family provides resources
  • education = teaching norms and values, providing food and shelter
• Weaknesses of Murdock

  • Feminists = fail to acknowledge most universal unit is the mother and children, ignore exploitation of women
  • Marxists = ignores influence of capitalism in reproducing and controlling workers
  • Outdated = fail to acknowledge changing gender roles
• Parsons - family serves two functions

  • Primary socialization = early socialisation of children into norms and values of society
  • Stabalisation of adult personalities = 'warm bath theory' where men come home from work, women take care to prepare him for next day of work
• Parson's functional fit theory

  Nuclear family is best for geographically mobile work, people move and earn promotions
• Parson's sex role theory

  Instrumental, breadwinner role = male provides for family through work

  Expressive, caregiving role = female provides nurtures and provides emotional support
• Strengths of Murdock

  • Value consensus > all share the same norms and values > integrates individual in the system > society functions well
  • Social solidarity > part of something big > people won't feel alienated > won't go against social norms
• Strengths of Parson's theories

  Wilmott and Young - nuclear family emerged due to social change > extended family is less important > higher living standards
• Weaknesses of Parson's theories

  • Warm bath theory = doesn't talk about wife when she's stressed > assumes all families are safe havens and domestic abuse doesn't take place
  • More women work > difficult for a family to move > doesn't consider their career
• Overall criticisms of functionalism

  • Ignores exploitation of women > gender roles are socially constructed > oppressing to women > take on triple shift
  • Too deterministic > ignores that children actively create their own personalities > assumes robotic adoption of societies norms and values via our parents
  • Out of date > instrumental and expressive roles of men and women are old fashioned > both genders can play either role