Functionalist views of family functions
- Created by: Former Member
- Created on: 06-03-14 07:03
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- Functionalist views of family functions
- Parsons 'functional fit' theory (the family functions depending on what society it's in)
- Extended family for preindustrial society
- /Young and Willmott- preindustrial family was nuclear, e.g. parents and children together in cottage industries. /Lasslett- nuclear, as grandparents didn't last long due to late childbearing and short lifespans
- Nuclear family for industrial society. It is a:
- Geographically mobile workforce- a compact 2- generation family, easier to move than extended families to where jobs spring up
- Socially mobile workforce- modern society cares about achieved status and a skilled competent workforce- those from humble backgrounds can get jobs and promotion, but in extended, binding obligations and status conflicts prevent this
- Young and Willmott- nuclear emerged due to geographical mobility, higher living standards, women working, welfare state and better housing
- Extended family still provides financial help, childcare and emotional support
- /Young and Willmott- early industrial hardships gave rise to the 'mum-centred' working class extended family for support. /Michael Anderson- in mid 19th century Preston, the benefits of the extended family outweighed costs for the time's harsh conditions. /Tamara Hareven- extended family was a source of security and mutual aid
- Extended family for preindustrial society
- Can have welfare, military, political or religious functions
- Parsons' irreducible functions, which can't be replaced through industrialisation:
- Primary socialisation of kids with basic skills to integrate into society
- Stabilisation of adult personalities- adults can relax to meet the workplace's demands
- George Peter Murdock:
- Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
- Reproduction of the next generation
- Socialisation of the young
- Meeting member's economic needs
- Some functions can be done equally by other institutions or family structures
- Feminists- the family is based on patriarchy
- Marxists- the family serves capitalism only
- Parsons 'functional fit' theory (the family functions depending on what society it's in)
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