Transcript Functionalism and the Family

Functionalism and the Family
Read through your handout to get an
overview of what we will be covering this
lesson
Functionalism & the family


Understand the functionalist view of the family
Be able to evaluate the functionalist view of the family
 Key
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

Questions;
What is the functionalist view of ‘the family’
Is this view still relevant today?
What are the criticisms of the functionalist view of the
family
Organic Analogy
Brain
Heart
Stomach
Intestines
Lungs
Liver
Kidney
Heart Question
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What is the organic analogy?
Back
The comparison functionalists make between
society and the human body
Stomach Question
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What S__________ approach do Functionalists take
when they look at society?
Back
Structuralist
Lungs Question
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What are shared values known as?
V.................... C.................
Back
Value Consensus
Liver Question
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What does social solidarity mean?
Back
Ties in a society that bind people to one
another
Brain Quesiton
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If Marxism and Feminism are conflict theories, what if
Functionalism?
Back
Consensus
Intestines Question
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Functionalists argue society is H.........................?
Back
Harmonious
Pancreas Question
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Name one criticism of the Functionalist theory?
Back
Outdated
Overly optimistic/positive view of society
Kidney Question
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Name one functionalist sociologist?
Back
Parsons
Durkheim
Functionalist perspective on the family
The family is at the heart of society and consequently
they promote its value at every opportunity
The family is a very positive institution which always
benefits its members
Functionalism
Warm Bath Theory
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Functionalists claim that the home life is like a ‘warm
bath’ which soaks away the stresses of the outside
world.
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It is an outlet for individuals to escape from modern day
pressures
George Murdock (1949) – a
Functionalist argued that...
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The family is found in all
societies and it performs the
same functions everywhere
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So it is a universal
institution with universal
functions.
The role of the Family
THINK – PAIR
- SHARE
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What do you think are the roles of the family?
Have they changed over the past 30 years?
The role of the Family
2 key functionalist sociologists;
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Parsons – 2 roles
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Murdock – 4 roles
Roles of the family (Murdock)
1.
Regulation of sexual activity
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sexual drive could lead to conflict over partners.
cooperation is best achieved by couples living together
for the long term and such a bond is cemented by
sexual union
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Roles of the family (Murdock)
2. Reproduction
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Couples must reproduce in order to maintain a society,
no children, no future generations of people, no society.
Roles of the family (Murdock)
3. Economic support and the sexual division of
labour
 Men are naturally stronger than women and therefore are
the breadwinners of the family
 Women are more suited to a nurturing role in which they
care for the children and their husbands
Roles of the family (Murdock)
4. Primary Socialisation
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Parents teach their children the norms and values needed
for social order to be maintained in society
Parsons (functionalist)
2 key functions of the family
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Socialisation of children
Parsons (functionalist)
2 key functions of the family
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Stabilisation of adult personalities
General Criticisms of Functionalist
views on the Family
1. Children are not passive
recipients of socialisation
2. Family is not as harmonious as
they claim
3. Based on middle class life
ignoring other important
influences.
4. Division of labour is not
natural.
Key terms splat!
MLT Results!!!!
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show me on Thursday and I will sign it off!
Less than 80% you need to re take it on Thursday lunch
time, I will mark it as soon as you have finished!
It is your responsibility to ask me any
questions before Thursday!!!