In this essay I will examine the different functions performed by the family for individuals and society by exploring ideas expressed by the different sociologist groups including functionalism and Marxism. Functionalists had a strong belief that the family is a positive foundation. There view on the family is one that works well with the needs of an industrial society for a workforce that is not just geographically mobile but also socially mobile. This idea they believe benefits all aspects of society is that all families should be a nuclear family and by this they mean the husband is the bread winner this is a role to support the family his wife and children, functionalists call this the instrumental role. The expectation in a nuclear family is that the wife stays at home and looks after the children, she would clean and cook and provide the emotion in the family and they call this the expressive role.
Functionalists see the family as an important sub-system. George Peter Murdock (1949) says that the family is universal, always has been and always will be. Murdock argues that the family has four functions that are needed in order to meet the needs of society and its members. Firstly, he believes that there is a function within the family that is called, Stable satisfaction of the sex drive – this is with the same partner and is the prevention of social disruption which is ultimately caused by a sexual ‘free-for-all’. Secondly, Reproduction of the next generation – without this essential function, society would seize to exist.
The functionalist perspective recognises that families perform vital functions for their members and for their society, to ensure stability and harmony in order to achieve social order (Giddens, 2009). Functionalists say that society is held together by social consensus, in which members of the society agree upon, and work together to achieve, what is best for society as a whole. Emile Durkheim suggested that social consensus takes one of two forms, one of which is Mechanical Solidarity – the sense of togetherness within a society
Assess the functionalist contributions to our understanding of the family Functionalists believe that parts of society exist for a function and are all part of the organic analogy. If these parts work together to pass on norms and values it creates a collective conscience, hereby creating social order. From the item we can see that Murdock saw the family as fulfilling the function of reproducing the next generation and socialising them into the shared culture. They believe the nuclear family is the most effective family for its function and is the most able to pass on the norms and values to create a collective conscience for the next generation. Murdock, a functionalist sociologist, says that the nuclear family is universal.
The goals for the family in SFBT should be definitive, small, positive, and important to the client or family (Cepeda & Davenport, 2006). Family Systems Therapy Family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions within this unit (Carr, 2006). This theory suggests that the connectedness and reactivity found among family members makes the functioning of family members interdependent (Corey, 2001). The theory was developed from this suggestion. Family Systems theory is based
Our checks are also examples of what we need to be when a new line arises and we become responsible for lending our aide to them. Its all about strengthening our familyhood outside of our current immediate family. Proving that we deserve to be the place holder of what use to be their responsibility. Giving them a sense or idea that we are worthy of carrying the weight of their old responsibility and representing their number. The more our checks familiarize with us, the better and stronger the relationship will be.
This broad marriage genus would supposedly encompass traditional marriage, homosexual or heterosexual unions, and whatever other bizarre new relationships might arise. This new “marriage” genus, however, is not marriage. Marriage is the permanent, sacred bond uniting a man and woman who desire to constitute a family and face life’s trials together. Marriage entails selfless dedication, devotion and sacrifice. Marriage and the family are sacred institutions that foster the common good of society.
Functionalism is about the structure of the nuclear family a self contained unit fulfils important functions to keep society running smoothly which Murcock (1949) claimed it is universal. Functionalism states that the family is an institution, which gives the individual members stability in society at large. Functionalists feel that society would not exist without the family. Murdoch argued that the family has evolved around sex, emotional stability, education and economic provision. Durkheim and Parsons were concerned with research that institutions have on society.
The first habit is the key to all the other habits, the power to choose. The second habit (Begin With the End in Mind) involves creating a clear, compelling vision of what you and your family are all about. It is the principle of vision. The key is creating a family mission statement, which is a unified expression from all family members of what the family is all about and the principles that will govern family life. We must decide what kind of family we want and then identify principles that will help us get there.
The thought of marriage, represents two people, truly in love, who have committed to share their lives together. However there are motivations other than love that leads us to marriage. The purpose of this essay is to attain a better understanding of the Erik Erikson psychosocial theory of development and John Bowlby's attachment theory in application to my present life. This essay explores the bond my husband and I share and how being a securely attached couple contributes to our current marital happiness, focusing on four important abilities essential for intimacy; having the ability to seek out care, be able to give care, have the capability of feeling comfortable with an independent self and having the capacity to negotiate. (Busch & Hofer, 2012).