Functionalist View of Family

Functionalist View of Family

1. Murdock

   • Reproduction
     • Alternatives to reproduction(IVF/Surrogacy)- don't need man/woman
       • INCREASE single parent
   • Economic Security
     • Welfare Benefits
       • Changing roles of women- don't need man for financial security
         • INCREASE single parent
   • Socialisation
     • gender role models/ role models for relationships
       • DARK SIDE OF FAMILY
         • INCREASE divorce to get away from bad role models
         • INCREASE in single parents to avoid relationship conflict- saw as child?
         • INCREASE cohabitation- see if works before legal ties
   • Sexual Stability

2. Parsons

   • Warm bath theory/SOAP
   • Expressive/ Instrumental Roles
     • Changing roles of women- women work!
       • INCREASE single parent- women take on instrumental
     • Changing role of men
       • INCREASE single parent- men take on expressive-

3. Durkheim

   • Value consensus
     • Change in social attitudes= changing value consensus/social norms
       • INCREASE divorce as more socially acceptable
       • Gender roles changing- women can live alone/have a job
   • Role allocation