Evaluate the functionalist view of the family

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  • Created by: danbot77
  • Created on: 26-04-21 12:39
What is Murdock's view of the family?
He says that the NF is universal and the only correct family. He says it performs 4 functions: sexual, economic, stabilisation and socialisation. He says these are the best ways to have a functional society and are needed.
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What are some criticisms of Murdock's view?
The Nayar are an Indian group who have the female able to have sexual relations with whomever she wants. Disproving Murdock's universal hypothesis. Feminists say the family actually oppresses women. (negative function)
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What is Parson's view of the family?
(fitting needs of society)
His functional fit theory states that as the extended family reduced due to industrialisation and we moved away from cottage industries, the family became smaller and more socially and geographically mobile. (meet needs of industrial society)
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How does the NF allow families to be geographically and socially mobile (SM)?
It means only two generations have to move which is easier than the extended family. Previously, sons would stay at home and just inherit their father's wealth but in the NF they can be independent and be more SM.
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What is one criticism for Parsons' functional fit theory?
Extended families still exist today (30% of the world's families are extended) which means that potentially this theory could be missing functions which mean that the extended family is still the chosen family type.
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What is Parsons' view of the family?
(loss of functions)
Parsons says that the has been structural differentiation due to society taking over functions (like healthcare). Despite lost functions, the family still functions which shows that the NF can still function in a changing society.
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What is one criticism for Parsons' loss of the functions in the family?
Fletcher says that the family has actually gained responsibilities. This is due to parents having to still identify health issues to go to doctors and social services making the parents have more responsibility for keeping their child safe.
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What is Parsons' view of the family?
(two functions)
He says that the family performs two important functions for society and individuals: socialisation of kids, stabilisation of adults.
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How does the family perform the function of stabilising adult personalities?
Parents can release their stresses of the day to either eachother or to the kids through play. The split of labour relieves stress as men don't need to worry about kids etc so can relieve their stress. (Warm bath)
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How does the family achieve socialisation of children?
Children are taught by things like reward and punishment which teach norms and values of society. They will learn to respect things like hierarchy and authority through this process. Less criminals, easier to integrate.
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What is one criticism of Parsons' two functions of the family theory?
Postmodernists like the Rapoports say that organisational diversity means that the family tends to have both parents in the instrumental role which Parsons' theory doesn't account for. Who is doing the role nowadays?
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Card 2

Front

What are some criticisms of Murdock's view?

Back

The Nayar are an Indian group who have the female able to have sexual relations with whomever she wants. Disproving Murdock's universal hypothesis. Feminists say the family actually oppresses women. (negative function)

Card 3

Front

What is Parson's view of the family?
(fitting needs of society)

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How does the NF allow families to be geographically and socially mobile (SM)?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What is one criticism for Parsons' functional fit theory?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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