The dark side of the family

Functionalists believe that the family is a good thing.

Marxist believe that in order for a capitalist society to run the faimly is needed.

1 in 4 people will experience abuse at some point in their life.

In the UK a women dies every three days at the hands of a partner.

Less then half of abuse that goes on in the home is reported, reasons...

• Ashamed
• Afraid
• Private matter

Selbourne (1993) - The largest category of murder victims in most years is children under the age of 5, at the hands of a family member.

R.D Laing (1976) (Radical psychiatrist) - Mental illnesses sometimes happen because of the pressures of family life.

Critism of Laing..

• Doesn't take into consideration other factors, for example pressures outside the family unit e.g. work.

In 1991 marital **** was made illegal.