Topic 3: Theories of the family

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  • Created by: Ali682
  • Created on: 13-04-18 20:19
What do functionalists believe?
Functionalists believe that society is based on a value consensus - a set of shared norms and values - into which society socialises its members.
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What do functionalists regard society as?
They regard society as a system made up of different parts or sub-systems that depend on each other, such as the family, the education system and the economy.
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What does George Peter Murdock (1949) argue?
He argues that the family performs four essential functions to meet the needs of society and its members.
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What are the four functions according to Murdock?
Stable satisfaction of the sex drive, reproduction of the next generation, socialisation of the young and meeting its members economic needs.
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What does Murdock argue?
He argues that the sheer practicality of the nuclear family as a way of meeting these four needs explains why it is universal.
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Who criticises Murdock's approach?
Marxists and feminists reject his 'rose tinted' harmonious consensus view that the family meets the needs of both wider society and all the different members of the family.
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Talcott Parsons (1955)
In the view of Talcott Parsons the functions that the family performs will depend on the kind of society in which it is found.
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What does Parsons argue?
Parsons argues that the particular structure and functions of a given type of family will 'fit' the needs of the society in which it is found.
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What are the 2 functions the modern nuclear family specialise performing in?
The primary socialisation of children and The stabilisation of adult personalities.
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How do Marxist's sociologists see capitalist society?
They see capitalist society as based on an unequal conflict between two social classes, the capitalist class and the working class.
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Eli Zaretsky (1976)
According to Eli Zaretsky the family also performs an ideological function by offering an apparent 'haven ' from the harsh and exploitative world of capitalism outside, in which workers can 'be themselves' and have a private life.
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What do Marxists argue?
They argue that the key factor determining the shape of all social institutions, including the family, is the mode of production.
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Liberal Feminists
Liberal Feminists are concerned with campaigning against sex discrimination and for equal rights and opportunities for women.
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What do liberal feminists argue?
They argue that women's oppression is being gradually overcome through changing peoples attitudes and through changes in the law such as the Sex Discrimination Act.
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What do liberal feminists believe?
They believe we are moving towards greater equality.
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What do Marxist feminists argue?
They argue that the main cause of women's oppression in the family is not men but capitalism.
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What do radical feminists argue?
They argue that all societies have been founded on patriarchy- rule by men.
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What does Germaine Greer (2000) argue?
She argues that for the creation of all female or matrilocal households as an alternative to the heterosexual family.
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Card 2

Front

What do functionalists regard society as?

Back

They regard society as a system made up of different parts or sub-systems that depend on each other, such as the family, the education system and the economy.

Card 3

Front

What does George Peter Murdock (1949) argue?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What are the four functions according to Murdock?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What does Murdock argue?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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