Functionalists

Question 1

What do they the family is essential for?

Answer 1

An essential function of supporting social stability

Question 2

Society is based on a v_______ C_______________

Question 3

What is a value consensus?

Answer 3

Shared norms and values

Question 4

What is the name for the term that relates to sub systems depending on each other?

Answer 4

Organic analogy

Question 5

Do functionalists believe in the bottom down structural theory of top down structural theory?

Answer 5

Top down structural theory

Question 6

What is the top Down structural theory?

Answer 6

Human activity as a result of social structure

Question 7

What are social institutions?

Answer 7

Structures that influence behaviour

Question 8

What does Murdock say are the 4 basic functions the family performs?

Answer 8

Sexual
Reproduction
Socialisation
Economic

Question 9

What is meant by the sexual basic function the family performs?

Answer 9

Order in wider society- ensure adult sexual relationships are socially acceptable.

Question 10

What is meant by reproduction relating to the basic functions the family perform?

Answer 10

The next generation/ society continues

Question 11

What is meant by socialism relating to the basic functions the family performs?

Answer 11

( primary)- basic norms and values passed down through generations

Question 12

What is meant by economic relating to the basic functions the family performs?

Answer 12

Parents economically support kids and encourage them to take their place as good citizens and workers

Question 13

What is Parsons functional for theory?

Answer 13

Particular structure of a type of family to fit societal needs?

Question 14

What type of family is in a pre- industrial society?

Answer 14

Extended family

Question 15

Why does it work for a pre industrial society to be an extended family?

Answer 15

As the family has many functions, and they will have to produce own food, clothing and housing

Question 16

Does a socially mobile workforce suit a pre Industrial or industrial society?

Answer 16

Pre industrial society

Question 17

What is a socially mobile workforce?

Answer 17

Based on evolving service keep advances in knowledge

Question 18

Which type of family best suits an industrial society?

Answer 18

Nuclear family as there are fewer functions

Question 19

Does geographically mobile suit a pre industrial or industrial society?

Answer 19

Industrial society

Question 20

What is meant by geographically mobile?

Answer 20

Less kids to move around-
Specialised agencies took over functions of family.
E.g education- schools

Question 21

In an industrial society, the nuclear family was left with 2 basic functions, what are they?

Answer 21

Primary socialisation of children
Stabilisation of adult personalities- emotional security of a relationship between 2 adults.

Question 22

What is the warm bath theory?

Answer 22

Family is a warm loving environment, soak away the stress of the outside world
Industrial society is stressful so the man distresses to the wife

Question 23

What is meant by the female expressive role?

Answer 23

Socialise function

Question 24

What is meant by the male instrumental role?

Answer 24

Economic upkeep of the family

Question 25

Name 4 evaluations- that conflict functionalists

Answer 25

Down plays the role of conflict in the family- in particular women oppression Out of date- women now go out to work and biological roles no longer apply Deterministic- assume she members of society automatically take on norms and values Ignores family diversity- assumes all families are best nuclear although many different ones in todays society

Question 26

Evaluation- conflict, what is meant by the best fit theory?

Answer 26

Nuclear family is not universal. Structure of the family change as the needs of society change

Question 27

Evaluate- conflict, what is meant by structural differentiation?

Answer 27

Some functions of family ( identified) by Murdock- moved to other institutions. Welfare state on the NHS

Question 28

What 2 theories did parsons come up with?

Answer 28

The warm bath theory Functional fit theory

Question 29

Name 3 people that critique parsons?

Answer 29

Laslette Willmott and Young Interpretivists

Question 30

How does Laslette critique Parsons why and when?

Answer 30

States the most common family type in pre- industrial Britain is nuclear not extended. People married later and died younger 1965

Question 31

How did wilmott and young critique parsons and when?

Answer 31

Contradicts the view that the nuclear family best suits industrial families. Women are the heart of families who support one another and men help each other find work 1969

Question 32

How did interpretivits critique parsons?

Answer 32

Criticised for seeing children as a blank slate. Filled up by parents with values Socialisation- children also influence parental behaviour

Question 33

What theory does Murdock come up with?

Answer 33

4 basic functions

Question 34

Name two criticisms of Murdock

Answer 34

Reproduction- many choosing not to have children and sexual attitude changed- sex before marriage also the norm Importance of nuclear family- not found in all societies- Nayar community girls marry many men

Question 35

What is the criticism of Murdock relating to the dysfunctional family

Answer 35

Murdock sees it as a rose tinted view Places too much emphasis on functional benefit of nuclear family- downplays dysfunctions e.g domestic violence

Question 36

What is the feminist critique of Murdock?

Answer 36

Implies the women role is nurturing. Most today have a duel career and economically contribute as much as husband