Views on the Family

Question 1

What are the four functions of the family according to functionalist, George Murdock?

Answer 1

• Reproductive: Family provides new members for society
• Sexual: Family provides stable sexual relationship for adults leading to stability in the family and society
• Economic: Family keeps stable economy when buying necessities
• Educational: Family teaches the next generation norms and values of society

Question 2

What are the two functions of the family according to functionalist, Talcott Parsons?

Answer 2

• Primary socialisation: family teaches the next generation norms and values including roles in society. male - instrumental role, female - expressive role
• Stabilisation of adult personalities (SoAP): family is always there to protect from danger/stressors. –> warm bath theory: Family is a safe haven where one can feel secure, leads to stable adult personality.

Question 3

What are two criticisms of the Functionalist view of the family?

Answer 3

• Ignores inequality (in family e.g Child Abuse or society e.g ethnicity, gender, class or age)
• Outdated: many have children outside of marriage + changing gender roles (not all parents follow separate conjugal roles)

Question 4

Marxism - How do families support Capitalism?

Answer 4

• Buying into the economy increases the bourgeoisie profits

- Primary socialisation keeps capitalism relevant through generations

Question 5

What are two criticisms of the Marxist view on the family?

Answer 5

• Outdated: Women no longer forced to rely on men financially AND people more likely to marry out of love rather than personal interest
• Ignores positive aspects of family: having both parents working might mean extra income