Functionalist Perspective

Question 1

Primary socialization

Answer 1

During early years of childhood, before schools (secondary)

Question 2

Murdock 4 main functions

Answer 2

Sexual
Reproduction
Socialization
Economic

Question 3

What 2 functions did Parsons argue there were?

Answer 3

Socialization of children

Stabilization of human personalities

Question 4

Sexual division of labour

Answer 4

Way jobs are divided- expressive and instrumental roles

Question 5

Reasons for decline in extended families

Answer 5

Need for geographical mobility
Higher rate of social mobility
Growth in wealth and welfare state developed
Growth in meritocracy
Economic  and status differences

Question 6

Structural differentiation

Answer 6

New, more specialized social institutions emerge to take over range of functions

Question 7

Criticisms of functionalist perspective

Answer 7

Downplaying conflict
Out of date
Ignoring exploitation of women
Ignoring harmful effects of family

Question 8

What did fletcher argue?

Answer 8

Family has MORE functions

Parents care more about children’s health

Question 9

How traditional functions have changed

Answer 9

Since 1970’s Britain= increase in reproduction and sex before marriage
Work moved to factories and offices outside home
Nuclear less reliant on extended
Education taken over by state

Question 10

Where are extended families still largely found?

Answer 10

Asian and traditional working class communities