1. Role of the family revision A strategy

2. Functionalist views on the role of the family Key argument Family = benefits for individual and society. Integration/shared values, emotional needs Roles of family Nuclear family = ideal family Murdock = Reproduction/Education (socialisation), Economic (resources) and Sexual function. Parsons – (a) goodness of fit = geographic mobility (b) warm bath theory = emotional/psychological benefits (c) 2 irreducible functions of the family – primary socialisation & stabilisation of adult personality (help economy) Evaluation points Ignores conflict in families (ie, arguments/abuse/domestic violence) Ignores alternatives to nuclear families (diversity) Ignores oppression of women Ignores how family benefits capitalism Ignores how other institutions can provide these roles/meet these needs 1950s bias in theories – out of date

3. New Right views on the role of the family Key argument Roles of family Evaluation points

4. Marxist views on role of the family Key argument Family helps to support capitalism – legitimate inequality and reproduce social relations of production. Performs ideological role to male capitalism seem normal. Roles of family Engels – nuclear family = inheritance and passing on private property - family is oppressive to women – ‘sex in exchange for protection’ Althusser – family is an ideological status apparatus – teaches the idea that working for capitalists is normal Zaretsky – family is a haven from capitalist oppression and effects of alienation (like warm bath) - Family is a buffer to revolution - Family is a unit of consumption – ‘pester power’ for products Evaluation points Ignores benefits of families Ignores how people marry for love Out of date – many women today are independent and marry for love not protection Ignores how families meet basic human needs Ignores family diversity – focused on nuclear family

5. Feminist views on role of the family Key argument Roles of family Evaluation points

6. Comparative analysis tables FunctionalismMarxismFeminism Effect on individual Links/effects on society Other points Evaluation