1. One of the major topics you will have to study within this SCLY1 Families & Households Module is ‘Theories on the Family’.
This basically means that different theories exist that try to explain the function / purpose/ role of the family within society. The theories that you will need to know are as follows:
> FUNCTIONALISM (Consensus Structuralism)
> MARXISM (Conflict Structuralism)
> FEMINISM (Conflict Structuralism)
Learning Objectives:
When you have studied this topic, you should:
> Understand the Functionalist, Marxist & Feminist perspectives on the family
> Be able to analyse the similarities & differences between these perspectives
> Be able to evaluate & critically assess the usefulness of these perspectives in the family

2. Why are these terms important to Functionalist Theory?
Functionalist Theory of Families & Households
> Before going into detail it is important to remind ourselves of the basic principles of Functionalism
Why are these terms important to Functionalist Theory?
> What are meant by the following principles?
The Family is a ‘Vital Institution’ within Society that meets certain Functional Pre-Requisites that ensure Society’s survival and keep it ‘Functioning’.
> Organic Analogy?
> Functional Pre-Requisites?
> Collective Consciousness?
> Value Consensus?
> Social Solidarity?

3. What is a Nuclear Family?
Functionalism argues that the ‘Nuclear Family’ is the most efficient form of family in meeting Society’s Functional Pre-Requisites.
> 2.4 Children
> Heterosexual Couple (married)
> 2 generations living in same household.
> Expressive & Instrumental Roles
What is meant by ‘Expressive & Instrumental Roles?’.
Why might these functions be seen as Functional Pre-Requisites for Society?
Murdock (1949): The 4 Functions of the Family
1) Teaching Sexuality & Gender Roles
2) Reproduction
3) Primary Socialisation
REMEMBER: Functionalists argue that the Nuclear Family is best suited to meet these Functional pre-Requisites of Society
4) Economic Security

4. 1) Teaching Sexuality & Gender Roles
Families teach people how to express sexuality in a socially approved context i.e. It teaches that heterosexuality is the norm and that other types of relationships are ‘abnormal’ e.g. adultery, homosexuality, incest.
Why is the Nuclear Family more suited to this than other types of families?
Why might this be seen as a Functional Pre-Requisite for Society?
2) Reproduction
The family ensures reproduction and provides a stable environment to rear children.
Why is the Nuclear Family particularly useful for this?...
Why might this be seen as a Functional Pre-Requisite for Society?

5. 3) Primary Socialisation
The family provides Primary Socialisation – it is through this that they are ‘groomed’ into society’s Value Consensus & Collective Conscience.
Why might this be seen as a Functional Pre-Requisite for Society?
Why is the Nuclear Family more suited to this than other types of families?
4) Economic Security
The family provides food and shelter and other material needs for the family.
Why is the Nuclear Family more suited to this than other types of families?
Why might this be seen as a Functional Pre-Requisite for Society?

6. - Murdock and Functionalism argue that indeed it is Universal……
As you can see Murdock strongly favours the Nuclear Family as the dominant type of family within society.
‘The Nuclear Family is Universal human social grouping. Either as the sole prevailing form of the family or as the basic unit from which more complex forms compounded, it exists as a distinct & strongly functional group in every society’.
A favourite question for examiners is whether or not the Nuclear Family is a ‘Universal Institution’.
- Murdock and Functionalism argue that indeed it is Universal……
There is a ‘Functional Fit’ between the Nuclear Family & Industrial Society.

7. Why is this bad news for Functionalists?
2) The Stabilisation of Human Personalities:
Parsons (1955): 2 Functions of the Family
In industrial Societies, the need to work and the pressure to provide and achieve creates
stress which
could
destabilise
people.
Parsons agrees that the Nuclear Family is best for 2 reasons:
Why is this bad news for Functionalists?
Primary Socialisation:
Families internalise society’s culture in to children – this is so strong that society’s culture becomes part of the child’s personality.
Parson’s argues that the sexual division of labour helps get rid of this stress.
Also, families allow for ‘Infantile Regression’ to take place – which also de-stresses adults.

8. Criticisms of the Functionalist Theory on the Family
> Very ‘Rosy’ picture of the family
> Old-Fashioned
> Ignore suppressive and destructive sides to the family (i.e. they ignore dysfunction):
Leach & Cooper (1967):
The Nuclear family has become so isolated and ‘inward looking’ that it is actually a very destructive institution which suppresses individuality and teaches blind obedience:
‘Far from being the basis of a good society, the family, with it’s narrow privacy & tawdry secrets is the source of all our discontents’
> Ignores Family Diversity & the fact other forms of family can carry out all of the functions that Murdock & Parsons argue are only suited to the Nuclear Family i.e. it is not necessarily universal (SEE HANDOUT).