Functionalists and Family Flashcards
(12 cards)
What did functionalists say the family is?
See family as a vital ‘organ’ in maintaining the ‘body’ of society
Murdocks 4 main functions of the family?
- Sexual
- Reproduction
- Socialisation
- Economic
What did Murdock say about nuclear family?
The nuclear family is such an important social institution, playing such vital functions in maintaining society, that is found in every society.
What is Murdocks ‘sexual’ function of family?
Expressing sexuality in a socially approved context (incest, adultry, homosexuality in many societies)
What is Murdocks ‘reproduction’ function of family?
The family providing some stability for the reproduction and rearing of children
e.g. a child knowing who their parents are
What is Murdocks ‘socialisation’ function of family?
The family is an important unit of primary socialisation of children, where children learn socially acceptable behaviour and the culture of their society
What is Murdocks ‘economic’ function of family?
That the family provides food and shelter for family members
What does Parsons say about ‘primary socialisation’?
- Sees as involving the learning and internalisation of societies culture, language, history and values of society
- Argues that society would cease to exist if the new gen were not socialised into accepting society’s basic norms and values
What is Parson’s ‘sexual division of labour’?
The way jobs are divided into ‘mens jobs’ and ‘womens jobs’
Expressive role and Instrumental role
What is expressive role?
womens role
providing warmth, security and emotional support to their children and male partner
What is instrumental role?
mens role
family breadwinner, which leads to stress and anxiety and threatens to destabalise his personality
What are some criticisms?
- Downplay conflict
- being out of date
- ignoring the exploitation of women
- ignoring the harmful effects of the family
