Examine the different functions performed by the family for individuals and for society. There are many functions performed by a family, however these have declined since industrialisation. In this essay there will be different views of the family and what its role is in society. There are three main views on the family these are; Functionalist, Marxist and feminist, each has its own unique outlook on how a family should be run. The functionalist outlook is that there are shared norms which everyone in the society must follow to work together to achieve the society’s needs.
However, Murdock’s view of the nuclear family eliminate any other family structures, which too are able to supply these functions, and also neglects the conflict and exploitation of family. Parsons evaluated how the family provides solutions to the needs of modern industrial society and pre-industry society. Geographical Mobility is a need of modern industrial society as jobs now require people to move nationally or internationally for jobs. In today’s society, they’re are less extended families, making it easier for families to
As these generations age, society changes as well as the family values. Adjustments are made to meet both individual and society needs. The three key processes in which children learn values and develop character should start with the forming of emotional attachments, teaching of pro-social behavior, and respect for authority; and abiding by the rules both within the family structure and society. The forming of emotional attachment should start at birth. First the infant bonds with its mother.
Murdock – argues that the family performs four essential functions to meet the needs of society and it members. 1) Stable satisfaction of the sex drive – with the same partner, which prevents a social disruption 2) Reproduction of the next generation – without which society wouldn’t continue 3) Socialisation of the young – into society’s shared norms and values 4) Meeting its members economic needs – such as food and shelter Murdock argues that these four factors explains why having a nuclear family is universal Criticisms of Murdock Other sociologists argue that other institutions or non nuclear family structures could equally performs these functions, not just nuclear families. Feminists argue that they see the family as serving the needs of men and oppressing women. Parsons functional fit theory Parsons distinguishes two family structures Nuclear family – just parents and dependent children Non Nuclear family – three generations living under the same roof Parsons argues that the particular structure and functions of a given type of family will ‘fit’ the needs of the society in which it is found. According to Murdock there are two basic types of society -Modern industrial family: nuclear family -Pre industrial family: extended family A geographically mobile workforce -Parsons argues that it is easier for the nuclear family to move.
What Makes a Family a Unit Introduction The most important social institution that a person can belong to is the family unit. Society’s view of the family unit differ from culture to culture, however, it remains the forefront base of preparing an individual to function in a society. To gain a better understanding of the family unit, scientist study it’s place according to the social structure of society. Sociology is the study of group behavior through scientific research (Vissing, 2011). There are three views that this paper will look at regarding the family unit, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism.
Parsons (1955) argues that nuclear families in post-industrialised societies, are more ‘specialised’ and isolated, particularly as independent units of consumption, due to factors such as increased geographical mobility and the breakdown of the extended family. This has reduced the essential functions to two; primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personality (ibid). This stabilisation is seen as the ‘warm bath theory’, whereby the family provides a loving and supportive haven from the stresses of modern life, primarily for the patriarchal figure fulfilling the
Secondly, Reproduction of the next generation – without this essential function, society would seize to exist. Thirdly, Socialisation of the young – this is where the young are socialised into society’s shared norms and values. Lastly, Meeting its members economic needs – for example the society provides food and shelter. On the other hand, other sociologists have criticised his functionalist approach. Feminists and Marxists both have
To achieve this, this paper will focus on four factors, which are, (1) parenting style/child rearing pattern (2) parents’ career, work values and work related attitudes and behaviour (3) parent’s education and socio-economic status and (4) gender stereotyping and the gender of parent and child. The following definitions will be used throughout the literature review and as a result, they have been singled out and defined for greater clarity. Definition of Terms 1. Impact strong effect or impression (Collins’ dictionary) 2. Familial of a family or its members; something that has a tendency to occur in a
Another group is the Feminists who have different groups within them, some with very optimistic views, some with views that will agree with Marxists or some who will have their own ideologies and ways to demolish the generic nuclear family. This essay will explore the different functions performed by the family and see how that benefits individuals and society; whether that’s in a bad way or a good way. Functionalists believe that the family provides many functions for the individual and for society. Parsons and Murdock, two functionalists believe that the family is the primary agent of socialisation for an individual; the family is an important organ in the body of society. Murdock saw the family, the nuclear family in particular, an absolute need for society and he considered the four basic functions of the family to be the sexual, the reproductive, the socialisation and the economic.
Secondly they believe it is most important type of family as it stops deviance in children and also reduces crime caused by children. They also believe that there are some economic gains to being in a nuclear family which is that it reduces the dependency ratio of the country as both parents are capable of supporting their family, rather than depending on the government of financial support. And finally their view on divorce is that it creates an underclass of welfare- dependant female lone parent’s lone parent and leaves boys without the adult male role model they need However, postmodern sociologists support the view that family has become diverse in modern UK. They see that people have become fragmented and