1. For each perspective you must be able to say:
AO1: What they believe?
AO1: How does this apply to the family?
AO2: What are the strengths of these views with regard the family?
AO2: How has this view been criticised by other theory’s/writers?
Functionalist Theory on the Family
What do they believe? How does their theory apply to the family?
Society is like the human body The family is a system within the ‘body’
Systems in the body works together for the Through socialisation children learn the ‘rules’
benefit of the whole (Norms & Values) of their society
Each system is reliant on each other This ensures that society continues in its
Each system has shared rules (Norms & Values) harmonious state.
so they are always in harmony with the other So the family is an important system within
systems society – it is abuilding block for society
There is ‘consensus’ between all systems
This consensus is started with primary
socialisation in the family and then reinforced by
every system in the body – education, church,
media etc
What are the strengths of these views with regard the How has this view been criticised by other
family? theory’s/writers?
Family performs essential functions for society • Assumes the family is harmonious and ignore
and its members conflict and exploitation like child abuse and
Murdock = 4 functions women’s oppression
Parsons = 2 functions • Assumes the nuclear family is universally the
Parsons = the family is ‘functionally fit’ – it fits norm and ignores family diversity
the needs of the society it is in. • Criticised by Marxists who see the conflict in
Preindustrial society = extended family society
Industrial society = nuclear family • Feminist criticise it for being oppressive to
women – serves the needs of men
• Functionally fit idea of parsons has been
disproved as there is evidence of nuclear family’s
in preindustrial times –( Willmott& Young –
Lasslett) – often did not live long enough to see
grandchildren
• Extended families in industrial times (Anderson)
– poverty meant that this was the best type of
family for mutual support
Key players: What do they say?
Murdock: family =>4 essential functions for society 1.Sexual; 2. Reproduction; 3. Socialisation; 4. Economic
Parsons: family =>2 essential functions for society 1.Primary socialisation; 2.stabalisation of adults
Parsons: Warm bath theory Family is somewhere that the working man can relax and
be themselves – take out their frustrations in safe
environment rather than at work
Parsons: Functionally fit Nuclear = Industrial society =>geographically mobile
=>socially mobile
Loss of function with industrialisation- family no longer
provide education and health care, the state does.