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Functionalist perspective of the family- Consensus Perspective. (Loss of…
Functionalist perspective of the family- Consensus Perspective.
Murdock- argues the family needs to meet the 4 basic needs in society as to allow it to function.
Believes the family has 4 main function-
stable satisfaction of the sex drive- monogamy- the idea that there will be an eradication of adultery.
Reproduction of the next generation- as without it society would not continue.
socialisation of the young- teaching children the basic norms and values within society.
Meeting members economic needs- for example providing food and shelter.
A03 against Murdock these functions but that they are better equipped for the nuclear family- Murdock does agree that other institutions can easily.
Other theories argue against the rose tinted approach functionalism takes-
Feminism- argues the family benefits the man and oppresses women.
Marxists- argues that these functions benefit society's capitalist viewpoint and not the family/ society as a whole.
Parsons- he agrees with the idea of functions- but argues that these may change depending on what society you live in.
argues that alongside Murdocks suggested functions the family may also meet others- these may include performing military, welfare or political functions.
Calls is the 'functional fit family'- family change to fit what society/environment they live in.
pre industrial- families lived in same village; on the same farm and usual;ly in large families (extended)
Modern society industry changes- t/f families need to be prepared to move- he argues this is a reason for growth in nuclear families- easier to move smaller groups than larger.
Socially mobile- idea that society is constantly evolving- science and tech
means talented people need to win the promotions and get the important jobs;
today's society status is based on individual success- t/f not ascribed making it easier for social mobility.
Parson argues nuclear are better equipped to meet industrial needs.
Loss of functions-
pre-industrial family was a multi functional family-
Members worked together- on the farm.
Feeding each other
clothing each other etc..
H/E according to Parson's when industry changes- family doesnt just lose structure but also functions.
Examples ^-
family loses unit of production.
work moves to factories- making family a unit of consumption only.
loses function to other institutions- including schools and health system.
as a rsult of 'loss of functions' the nuclear family only takes on two key functions-
1; Primary socialization of children- equip them with basic skills; teach them to deal with others and integrate them into society.
2-Stabilization of adult personalities- family is a place adults can relax, enables them to return to workplace and continue to meet demands.