1.2 Changes & Continuities In Family Functions
Other Functions
Parsons
Contemporary society - Removed many functions of family need in pre-industrial society
Left family
2 Core/ Basic & Irreducible Function
Primary Socialization
Stabilization of Adult Personalities
Primary Socialization
Pre Industrial
Modern Industrial
Self Contained Unit
Performed by Family
Children - learn specific skills to do economic production / labour work.
Children - “Little Adults”
More Isolated, Fewer Connections to Society, Family Centered
Through parents, siblings,
Work as soon as they are physically able.
More open to society
Secondary Socialisation (media, school, and peers.)
Upper class
Compete w/ family
May be a stronger - Parents working outside home, less time to socialize children
Primary socialization - A way to manage children
Still strong - Children considered as investment. (e.g for the passing on of wealth, taking care of parents, etc.)
Emphasize - Establishing emotional attachment
Children - Learn more on norms, values, & skills to prepare to work in bigger society
Pre Industrial
Modern Industrial
Unit of production
Produce things for survival, comfort, leisure
Marriage - Ensure economic stabilization
Lower class
Subsistence farming; more members, easier distribution of labour.
Upper Class
Ensure wealth is consolidated / enhanced through arranged marriage.
Unit of consumption
Buying things v.s producing
Marriage - Ensure emotional stabilization
2 basic & irreducible function
Stabilization of adult personalities
Family - Particularistic values
How people treat others based on their particular relationship
V.S Universalistic values
Values apply to everyone regardless of their situation, e.g everyone is treated equally by law
Empty Shell Marriage
Couple still stay together for other reasons than love
Structure
Willmott & Young (1973)
Peripheral Functions
Modern Industrial
Pre Industrial
Asymmetrical
Home & workplace - separated
Men moved to paid work outside home
Women become domestic labourers & childcarer
Stable structure
Symmetrical
Beginning of Industrialism
20th Century - Joint conjugal relationships (Roles Shared Equally)
Men & women work together inside & outside home.
Women - not simply domestic labour
Functions taken over by other institution
Pre Industrial
Modern Industrial
Sole responsibility for physical & emotional survival (education,healthcare, etc.)
Taken over by institutions
Education
School System
Healthcare
Doctors, nurses
Recreation & Leisure
Pre Industrial- Focused in home
Modern - Pursued outside home
Functions - Not completely lost, only modified
Modified - Non critical illnesses & long term care of elders
Middle class families - Actively involved in children's education
Modified - In home through videogames, handphone, etc. Individualised
Family may no longer share activity.