Functionalsim Flashcards
(22 cards)
How do functionalist theories see society?
They see society as harmonious and that it is based on a consensus.
What does consensus mean?
An agreement.
Why do they believe that members of society agree?
They share norms and values e.g. rules on how to behave.
What do functionalist theories state about institutions?
They say that all social institutions including education and the family, have functions, which help maintain society and its members.
What is the belief called that there is an ideal family?
“Family ideology.”
According to the Functionalists what is the best type of family?
- A nuclear family, a heterosexual married couple and their offspring.
- The man has an expressive role; this means he provides for the family, is head of the family and makes the decisions for the family.
- The woman had an instrumental role; this means she takes care of the home and children, supporting the husband in his role.
What is this type of family often called?
The “Cereal Packet family.”
Why is it called the “Cereal Packet family”?
It is used by advertisers as the quintessential, ideal family.
Why do functionalists believe that this type of family is an ideal type of family?
They believe it is a “functional fit.” This means they believe that it is the best fit for society today.
What do Functionalists believe about social institutions in society today?
They believe that every society has social institutions that help society as a whole and its individual members. They believe the family is one of these social institutions.
Who is George Murdock?
An American Functionalist.
What does George Murdock believe are the four basic functions of a family?
- Reproductive
- Socialisation
- Economic
- Sexual
Why does Murdock argue that these four basic functions are essential for society?
Sexual + Reproductive - There would be no members of society.
Economic - Life would end.
Socialisation + Education - There would be no culture that makes social life possible.
Why is Reproduction an essential functions for society?
Within the family children are produced.
This is good for society because it produces new members for that society and therefore, keep that particular society going.
It is beneficial for the individuals because they are born into a family that will look after them and provide for their needs.
Why are Socialisation/ education essential functions for society?
This means that the family performs vital functions so that the adults are passing the culture, norms and values of their society to their kids. These norms and values will show the kids the correct way to behave in society.
Talcott Parsons - He believed that Socialisation was one of the most important functions of society because by showing the children the correct way to behave they are keeping the harmonious nature of society.
Why is Economic one of the essential functions of society?
The family ensures that new members of the workforce are introduced.
The family members produced would then go to work and earn money, which would be put together to provide the family with what they need e.g. shelter and clothing.
The worker also has the family as a safe haven where they can go and rest ready for the next day of work.
Why is Sexual one of the essential functions of society?
The family provides a stable environment where the family can have a socially acceptable sexual relationship.
This is useful because it strengthens the family’s relationships and stabilises the personalities of the adults so they can become useful members of society.
Parsons believed that this function of the family was important because it relieves the stresses of the day.
What type of sociologist was Talcott Parsons?
Functionalist Sociologist.
What did Talcott Parsons say about George Murdock’s views on the family?
He agreed with him that the nuclear family is the ideal type of family for society. However, he took it a step further and said that the nuclear family is ideal for a industrial society but an extended family is ideal for a pre-industrial society.
What did Parsons say was the most common type of family during the pre-industrial age?
The extended family.
What did Parsons say the pre-industrial society was like?
- Rural population.
- Worked at home as either a craftsman or as part of the cottage industry.
- The children would start working as soon as possible.
- This is called an ascribed role because they would take over the role of their parents.
Why did Parsons say that the extended family was a functional fit for the pre-industrial age?
- It was a multifunctional family.
- It made financial sense because the money made through jobs could be pooled together to look after the entire family and to keep the adults healthy so that they could keep producing more goods and earn more money.
- It also took care of socialising the kids so that they knew how to behave in society and how to work and get a job when their older.
- It also ensured the health and wellbeing of the family members because it allowed the members to have days of sick because other members of the family could go to work and earn money.
