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Theories of the Family (Functionalism (Murdock: four functions of the…
Theories of the Family
Functionalism
Shared set of norms and values that enables members of society to co-operate harmoniously to meet society's needs and to achieve their common goals
Organic analogy
Society is a system made up of different sub-systems (education system, the economy, religion, the state)
FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
Maintaining the social system as a whole, meeting needs of the economy
They see the family as performing beneficial functions both for society and and for all its individual members
However, they assume the family is harmonious and ignore conflict and exploitation
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New Right
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Evaluation
Gender roles in the family aren't "natural", but socially constructed
Marxist perspective
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Analysis
Similar to Functionalism becuz both are structural views that see the family as shaped by the wider society
Functions of the family. The family is seen as an oppressive institution that performs several functions for capitalism
PASSING ON WEALTH. ENGELS. Women are private property of their husbands, who control them sexually to ensure they are the father of her children
IDEOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS. ZARETSKY. Belief that we can only gain fulfilment from family life - and this distracts attention from exploitation
UNIT OF CONSUMPTION. Capitalism needs consumers to buy its products. The family is an important market for consumer goods and enables capitalists to make profits
Feminsm
LIBERAL FEMINISTS
Gender inequality is gradually being overcome through legal reforms and policy changes, challenging stereotypes and changing people's attitudes and socialisation
MARXIST FEMINISTS
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However, women's oppression didn't start with capitalism
RADICAL FEMINISTS
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However, they ignore the imporatnce of class and ethnic inequality
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PLP
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Sense of relatedness. Relationships with same sex "chosen families", fictive kin, friends, dead relatives, even pets
However, it ignores what might be special about "traditional" family ties based on blood or marriage
Donor-conceived children
NORDQVIST AND SMART. Parents on donor-conceived children often emphsized the importance of social relationships over genetic ones in defining "family"
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