Who do they believe that the family benefits?
The family benefits everyone in functionalism; the individuals in the family alongside
society.
- Parsons
Believes there is a ‘functional fit’ between the nuclear family and modern society.
It is said to perform two ‘irreducible functions’:
- Primary socialisation of children
- Stabilisation of adult personalities.
These both contribute towards the stability and effectiveness of society.
Men and women play different roles in the family:
- Men: Instrumental role
(The breadwinner earning money)
- Women: Expressive role
(Taking care of emotional needs)
Are there any similarities
with the other theories?
(Marxism or Feminism)
Functionalists believe that the family benefits
everyone.
Family - In contrast to this, Marxists and Feminists believe the
Functionalism opposite, where it only benefits a select group of
society/certain people; in this case Capitalism and the
ruling class or Patriarchy and men.
Is this still applicable in modern society?
Yes No
- N/A. - Today, families do not tend to
- Many of these factors in possess the factors of a warm
functionalism barely play out bath.
and the theory is outdated in - Due to increased equality,
modern society. women have a much higher
position in society now, taking
roles as or even more
important than men.
The family benefits everyone in functionalism; the individuals in the family alongside
society.
- Parsons
Believes there is a ‘functional fit’ between the nuclear family and modern society.
It is said to perform two ‘irreducible functions’:
- Primary socialisation of children
- Stabilisation of adult personalities.
These both contribute towards the stability and effectiveness of society.
Men and women play different roles in the family:
- Men: Instrumental role
(The breadwinner earning money)
- Women: Expressive role
(Taking care of emotional needs)
Are there any similarities
with the other theories?
(Marxism or Feminism)
Functionalists believe that the family benefits
everyone.
Family - In contrast to this, Marxists and Feminists believe the
Functionalism opposite, where it only benefits a select group of
society/certain people; in this case Capitalism and the
ruling class or Patriarchy and men.
Is this still applicable in modern society?
Yes No
- N/A. - Today, families do not tend to
- Many of these factors in possess the factors of a warm
functionalism barely play out bath.
and the theory is outdated in - Due to increased equality,
modern society. women have a much higher
position in society now, taking
roles as or even more
important than men.
