Functionalist View Of The Family - 1473 Words

Murdock (1949) studied 250 different societies, he concluded that society could not survive without the family as it was so functional. He argued there were four essential functions, without these society would not survive: sexual, reproductive, economic and education. Without sex and reproduction there would be no new members, without economic and education, the family providing for its members, the young socialised to norms and values, cultures would not exist. In the absence of this human society would cease (Haralambos and Holborn, 2008). 83 Evaluate the functionalist view of the family by referring to for example, the view that the family has lost functions/role due to structural differentiation. Parsons (1955) studied the modern†¦show more content†¦220 Discuss an additional sociological theory on the role of the family, e.g. feminist, Marxist or the New Right. Where functionalism believes the nuclear family is positive, marxism argues from a negative viewpoint seeing an extended and reproduced conflict between classes. Marxist dispute the belief of family having equal benefit for all and argue the capitalist economy depends on the family to buy and work, to produce goods which benefits the capitalist. Although the nuclear family is responsible for socialisation, it must be considered that not all norms and values are positive. They oppose the functionalists who paint a rosy view, who forget to account for issues that arise possibly leading to divorce or separation, as not all families are the same (Taylor and Richardson et al,. 2002). The increase of economic pressure from unemployment and people living longer seen to impose pressure on relationships leading to breakdown. The socialisation process seen to result in the spreading of the ruling class philosophy, individuals being deceived into accepting a capitalist system of leadership and dominance. Those Bourgeois benefitting from a created labour force with the proletariat exploited. Engels (1972) saw the bourgeois form of nuclear family as oppressing women, who were dependent financially on their spouse and expected child bearers. Family being designed to control women, protect property and for men to know theirShow MoreRelatedFunctionalist View of the Family1317 Words   |  6 Pagesusefulness of the functionalist view for an understanding of the family today? Functionalism is a structural theory. In functionalism, social institutes like families are the key parts of the structure/system. These institutions are seen as working in an integrated way that keeps society in a state of consensus. Functionalists stress the positive role of a family for society and its members. They argue that the families’ role is universal and functional. A famous functionalist, called Murdock believedRead MoreAssess the Functionalist View of the Family.1031 Words   |  5 Pages‘Assess the functionalist view of the family?’ Functionalist looks at society on a macro level. It is a consensus theory and structuralists prefer to use functionalism as it agrees with their ideals and models and they prefer to look at society as a whole. Functionalists are interested in studying what family is most functional. This essay will assess how functionalists view point of the family by exploring Murdock, Comte, Parsons and Durkheim, the founder of functionalism, ideas and evaluatingRead MoreEssay on The Functionalist View of the Family565 Words   |  3 PagesThe Functionalist View of the Family It is undoubted that functionalism has contributed to the general understanding of the family, even if you don’t believe the functionalist view-point to be correct, it still plays an essential part in the topic of sociology by simply being there to conflict the Marxist view of the family. The functionalist view of society makes the assumption that every society has a range of basic needs. Functionalists would say that if Read MoreCompare and Contrast the Functionalist and Marxist views on the Family1508 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Compare and Contrast the Functionalist and Marxist views on the Family Functionalists argue that societies consist of inter-related social institutions such as schools, mass media, political systems, the Church and the family each of which contribute positively to the maintenance of stability of society as a whole. Broadly speaking it is assumed by functionalists that societies operate in the interests of all of their members so that there is no reason for fundamental conflict in society. InsteadRead More Functionalist View on Same-Sex Families Essay1162 Words   |  5 Pages Functionalist View on Same-Sex Families What is Functionalism? Functionalism is the belief that members of society form relationships with each other through rules and regulations i.e. the law. They also believe society is based on a consensus and there is no time for conflict, although it is acknowledged but is seen as only a temporary disturbance, which can be resolved. They believe it is the basis of social life without it there would be conflict and disorder.Read MoreOutline and Evaluate Functionalist Views of the Role of the Family in Society.1570 Words   |  7 PagesOutline and evaluate Functionalist views of the role of the family in society. [33 marks] Functionalism is a structuralist theory; this meaning that it sees social structure (the social organisation of society) as more important than individuals. Functionalist sociologists believe that people have a range of basic needs that must be met if society is to run smoothly. Different groups and individuals in society are important because they perform certain functions which meet societys needs. FunctionalismRead MoreFunctionalist View Of The School As Secondary Socialisation And Acts As A Bridge Between The Family And Wider Society Essay1744 Words   |  7 PagesAnother functionalist view is that of Talcott Parsons, who focuses on the function of the school as being secondary socialisation and acts as a bridge between the family and wider society. In the family we gain ascribed status and are judged on particularistic terms, this means that we are seen as a particular person, i.e. son/daughter, and as such receive specific treatment. When we move into wider society we are judg ed in terms of our achieved status, that which we have gained through our own meritsRead MoreAssess the View That the Nuclear Family Functions to Benefit All It Members and Society of a Whole1216 Words   |  5 PagesAssess the view that the nuclear family functions to benefit all its members and society as a whole. A nuclear family is universal and is defined as a two generational grouping; consisting of a father, mother and their children, all living in the same household. The idea of the nuclear family was first noticed in Western Europe in 17th century. The concept that narrowly defines a nuclear family is essential to the stability in modern society and has been promoted by modern social conservatives inRead MoreThe Usefulness of Functionalism for an Understanding of the Family1289 Words   |  6 PagesFunctionalism for an Understanding of the Family The Functionalists see the family as an important and vital institution in society. They take a MACRO view and look at interdependence between the family and other organisations. Functionalists look at the positive parts to society but overlook the negatives. They emphasise on the value consensus and see the family as being universal. Other people’s outlooks disagree with this view, such as the Marxists, the Marxist FeministsRead MoreFunctionalist Perspective On Society As A Macro Institution1056 Words   |  5 PagesThe functionalist perspective In this essay I will outline and evaluate the functionalist perspective. This will include exploring the origins of the perspective, while explaining and evaluating how functionalists see society as a macro institution, rather than its many constituent parts. Further to this I will explore how functionalists deem the way society should be maintained and organised to maintain a functionalist’s ideal society. The consensus perspective is predominantly concerned with the