Sociologist Theory/ Topic Key findings
Murdock (1949) Functionalist Nuclear family is universal and has 4 vital functions: (1) Sexual, (2) Reproduction, (3)
Educational/Socialisation and (4) Economic.
BUT rose-tinted view ignores the ‘dark side’ of the family, ignores that these functions can be performed by
other institutions.
Parsons (1955) Functionalist 1. ‘Functional fit’ theory - functions and structure of the family will depend on the society in which it’s
found. Industrialisation brought about a shift from the extended to nuclear family (social and
geographical mobility).
2. Two key functions of the family: (1) Primary socialisation and (2) Stabilisation of adult personalities
(‘warm bath’ theory).
BUT Young and Willmott - pre-industrial family was nuclear not extended and industrialisation brought
about the extended family as mothers and grandmothers worked together. Laslett - life expectancy meant
that grandparents and grandchildren didn’t meet.
Engles (1884) Marxist- inheritance Primitive societies- no one owned land, people lived in tribes and no isolated families. As production
of private property developed, wealth increased, and private property became important. The patriarchal, monogamous
nuclear family was important so that men could be certain they were passing their wealth onto legitimate
heirs. Women became an instrument for producing children and became economically dependent on men.
Women’s liberation would come if capitalism was overthrown, and production was owned collectively.
Reproduces inequality as introduced ascribed status.
BUT assumes the nuclear family is dominant
Zaretsky (1976) Marxist- ideological Families socialise children into accepting hierarchy – parental power mirrors hierarchy in the workplace.
function Zaretsky- The family offers the illusion of a haven/ cushioning effect from the frustration of the capitalist
workplace. However, the family cannot compensate for frustrations of work.
Althusser- socialisation into the social hierarchy immerses members into a false-class consciousness which
leads members into accepting inequality as fair.
N/A Marxist- unit of Capitalism exploits workers by profiting from the goods they have produced. These profits come from the
consumption family, as they are the ones who will purchase these goods. Advertisers urge families to ‘keep up with the
Jonses’ by consuming the latest products. The media target children, who use ‘pester power’ to persuade
parents to spend more. Children who lack the latest clothes or ‘must have’ gadgets are mocked and
stigmatised by their peers.
N/A Liberal feminism Family inequality is caused by inflexible working hours and men refusing to pull their weight around the
house. Reformist- seeks equality through parliamentary laws and non-sexist socialisation. ‘March of
Progress’ viewpoint, gradual progress. Male and female attraction is natural and don’t see the nuclear
family as patriarchal, women can choose to be married with children or not.
BUT Radical and Marxist feminists- ignore deep rooted, patriarchal structures in society.
Murdock (1949) Functionalist Nuclear family is universal and has 4 vital functions: (1) Sexual, (2) Reproduction, (3)
Educational/Socialisation and (4) Economic.
BUT rose-tinted view ignores the ‘dark side’ of the family, ignores that these functions can be performed by
other institutions.
Parsons (1955) Functionalist 1. ‘Functional fit’ theory - functions and structure of the family will depend on the society in which it’s
found. Industrialisation brought about a shift from the extended to nuclear family (social and
geographical mobility).
2. Two key functions of the family: (1) Primary socialisation and (2) Stabilisation of adult personalities
(‘warm bath’ theory).
BUT Young and Willmott - pre-industrial family was nuclear not extended and industrialisation brought
about the extended family as mothers and grandmothers worked together. Laslett - life expectancy meant
that grandparents and grandchildren didn’t meet.
Engles (1884) Marxist- inheritance Primitive societies- no one owned land, people lived in tribes and no isolated families. As production
of private property developed, wealth increased, and private property became important. The patriarchal, monogamous
nuclear family was important so that men could be certain they were passing their wealth onto legitimate
heirs. Women became an instrument for producing children and became economically dependent on men.
Women’s liberation would come if capitalism was overthrown, and production was owned collectively.
Reproduces inequality as introduced ascribed status.
BUT assumes the nuclear family is dominant
Zaretsky (1976) Marxist- ideological Families socialise children into accepting hierarchy – parental power mirrors hierarchy in the workplace.
function Zaretsky- The family offers the illusion of a haven/ cushioning effect from the frustration of the capitalist
workplace. However, the family cannot compensate for frustrations of work.
Althusser- socialisation into the social hierarchy immerses members into a false-class consciousness which
leads members into accepting inequality as fair.
N/A Marxist- unit of Capitalism exploits workers by profiting from the goods they have produced. These profits come from the
consumption family, as they are the ones who will purchase these goods. Advertisers urge families to ‘keep up with the
Jonses’ by consuming the latest products. The media target children, who use ‘pester power’ to persuade
parents to spend more. Children who lack the latest clothes or ‘must have’ gadgets are mocked and
stigmatised by their peers.
N/A Liberal feminism Family inequality is caused by inflexible working hours and men refusing to pull their weight around the
house. Reformist- seeks equality through parliamentary laws and non-sexist socialisation. ‘March of
Progress’ viewpoint, gradual progress. Male and female attraction is natural and don’t see the nuclear
family as patriarchal, women can choose to be married with children or not.
BUT Radical and Marxist feminists- ignore deep rooted, patriarchal structures in society.
