Family - Perspectives

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

• The structure, functions and roles of the family fit society
• The family is good for society
• The isolated nuclear family is dominant in modern society
• Roles within the family are equal
• The nuclear family is universal

EVALUATION

• The family is idealized
• Negative aspects ofthe family are ignored - domestic violence, marital ****
• Marxists claim the family is beneficial to capitalism
• Gender inequality is ignored
• Increasing social problems are ignored

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

• The econmoy influences the structure and the role of the family
• The family maintains social class and inequality
• Married females are the labour reserve
• Family is a refuge from work
• The family is seen as a consumption model
• The family evolved in order to ensure lines of inheritance for private property

EVALUATION

• Ignores family diversity
• Although the dark side of the family is acknowledged, not all family members experience this
• Ignores partiarchy
• Too critical

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

• The family sustains patriarchy benefiting men

MARXIST FEMINISM

The family exploits women serving the needs of capitalism

BENSTON - family responsibilities make male workers less likey to strike

ANSLEY - emotional support in families stabilise male workery which make them less likely to balme capitalism for their stresses

FEELEY - family teaches obedience, children learn hierarchy and accept it

EVALUATION

• Ignore diversity
• The negative image of the family is possibly exaggerated
• Women are portrayed as passive victims of exploitation

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

• Conventional nuclear family is ideal, variations are less functional
• Single mothers are condemned
• State support for lone parents encourages social problems

EVALUATION

• Narrow view of the family
• Blame and punish victims (single mothers, lone parents, same sex couples etc.)of social problems

LIBERAL FEMINISM

The exploitation of women can be changed if legislation is changed and political action is taken

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

• Conventional nuclear family is ideal, variations are less functional
• Single mothers are condemned
• State support for lone parents encourages social problems

EVALUATION

• Narrow view of the family
• Blame and punish victims (single mothers, lone parents, same sex couples etc.)of social problems