Objectives Identify and evaluate the work of Parsons. Examine the two functions of the family. Understand the roles of men and women in the household. Specification link The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, with particular reference to the economy and to state policies.
Your thoughts Based on what we currently know about functionalism… What do you think they are likely to say about the family?
Expressive vs Instrumental ‘Expressive role’ - woman’s familial role is to provide care, love, affection, security and all the necessary emotional support a family member might need ‘instrumental role’ = bread winner. Such a role is very arduous and is such a stressful, anxious challenge that it can cause men to breakdown. Therefore a woman’s function is to relieve this burden or tension from the men’s shoulders by providing love and understanding as well as continuing to be the primary carer irrespective of their own circumstances.own circumstances Basically mum runs the bath and dad pays for the water!
Parsons believes that every family in every society has two 'basic and irreducible' functions: the primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities. The initial or primary socialisation takes place in the early years of a child's life within the family group. During this period the child learns the basic elements of the culture into which she or he has been born. The second basic and irreducible function is the stabilisation of the adult's personality. The family gives the individual adult a 'safety ‑ valve', a place where she or he can relax, escape the stresses and strains of the world outside and feel emotionally secure. Objectives Identify and evaluate the work of Parsons. Examine the two functions of the family. Understand the roles of men and women in the household.
Functionalism & the Family Continued…. The Nuclear Family & ‘Functional Fit’ Theory: Parsons (1955) ‘Functional Fit’ Theory As you will remember Functionalist’s believe the Nuclear Family is the ideal type of family in modern society. What Functions does the Nuclear Family have according to Parsons? What Functions does the Nuclear Family have according to Murdock? Parsons argues that the Nuclear Family has a ‘Functional Fit’ within today’s society as the functions it carries out are ideally suited to it.
What is Industrialisation? Parsons argues that different types of families suit different types of societies. For Parsons, there are 2 types of society: 1) Pre-Industrial Society 2) Post-Industrial ‘Modern’ Society 1750 – 1900 approx. > Urbanisation > Mechanisation > The Creation of ‘The Work Place’ > The Creation of ‘The Welfare State’.
Pre-Industrial Life & Pre- Industrial Families: Parsons argues that Pre-Industrial Society was characterised by Rural Life where the family was a UNIT OF PRODUCTION. This society & the lifestyle it generated meant that the family had many functions What is an Extended Family? Why might an Extended Family be ideally suited to Pre-Industrial Society? During this Pre-Industrial Era Parsons argues that Extended Families were the most popular family type
Structural Differentiation…… Parsons highlights how, during Industrialisation, the families began to lose some of their functions to other newly created institutions. Education Work Health Care Law & Order The Media Parsons calls this ‘Structural Differentiation’ – different structures (institutions) have taken over many of the functions the family used to have. This means that Extended Families were not necessary any longer – they began to fragment.
Industrial Life & Modern Industrial Families: Industrialisation created the need for families to be: > GEOGRAPHICALLY MOBILE > SOCIALLY MOBILE In Modern Industrial Society Families have moved from being a Unit of Production to being a UNIT OF CONSUMPTION. Remember! Parsons argues that the Nuclear Family still has 2 Key Functions. For Parsons the Privatised Nuclear Family suits Modern Industrial Society & it thus it is so prevalent today………. It is a ‘FUNCTIONAL FIT’
Critique of the ‘Functional Fit’ Theory………. Laslett (1972) – Most Pre-Industrial Families were in fact Nuclear. Short life expectancy meant that families were hardly ever extended. Young & Willmott (1973) – The hardships of early industrial society meant that the extended family were needed more than ever. Anderson (1980) – Supports Young & Willmott by highlighting ‘Exchange Theory’… Within industrial society, family are more likely to rely on kin and exchange services & support to one another. ‘Functional Fit Theory’ ignores multiculturalism and the fact that the extended family is still popular amongst certain social groups. Middle Ground?: Litwak (1981) – Modified Extended Families
Review how industrialisation has changed the role of the family. Compare and contrast Parsons and Murdock. Evaluate both perspectives.
Young and Willmott (1973) Laslett (1972) Anderson (1980)
Further reading… Giddens – Introduction life & work of Durkhiem