Primary socialisation

• Primary socialisation- why is family so important?


  They teach an individual norms and values which from the bases of their identity.
• Parsons (Functionalist)

  • The nuclear family model 'fits' society
  • Women have expressive roles as nurtures and caregivers for the children whereas men have instrumental roles as breadwinners
  • Means women are responsible for socialisation of children
• Murdock (functionalist)

  Found 4 essential functions of nuclear family:

  1. Stable satisfaction of the sex drive – within monogamous relationships, which prevents sexual jealousy
  2. The biological reproduction of the next generation – without which society cannot continue
  3. Socialisation of the young – teaching basic norms and values
  4. Meeting its members economic needs – producing food and shelter for example.
• Murray (New Right)

  • Views single parents and homosexual parents as inadequate socialisers
• Dunne

  • Viewed homosexual parents as good socialisers because they raise their children to be more tolerant and accepting because they have more open values
• McRobbie (feminist)

  • Bedroom culture- idea that girls are virtually trapped in their rooms by their family
  • Girls have less freedom and more sanctions
• Palmer

  • Viewed socialisation through the family as less important due to increase in video games and internet use and access
• Oakley (feminist)

  • Argued that the family manipulates children into gender roles through socialisation- this affects future career goals
  • This occurs through canalisation, verbal appellation and different activities