Assess The Functionalist View Of The Nuclear Family

Functionalism is a structural theory, it is believed that the social structure of society is responsible for shaping people as individuals and determining peoples’ experiences and life chances. (Moore, 2008). Many beliefs about the nuclear family are influenced by the theory of functionalism, which dominated thinking in the sociology of the family for many years. Functionalists are interested in how the functions for the greater good of society and how it contributes to the maintenance of social order. (Moore, 2008). Functionalism defines the family as having its part or function within society. Functionalists suggest that if a social institution is apparent then it must have a role or function. The family is looked at in terms of its functions
Functionalist theories seem to look at the positive functions of the family and give little look into negative aspects of family life. Parson’s has been said to idealise the image of the family. Parsons has been criticised for being too simplistic in the interpretation of the history of family as research has suggested that industrialisation may follow in different patterns in different societies. It over emphasises the harmonious nature of society. The idea of a change from a pre-industrial extended family structure to nuclear industrial is too simplistic. The value of functionalism for family types other than the nuclear family has been disputed. Functionalism fails to examine power inequalities between men and women. It also underplays the significance of women’s paid
All three theories also show similarities in how the family has been developed over time from pre-industrial societies to modern industrial societies. They explain the roles and relationships the family is involved with throughout the sociology. Another similarity is that all three theories look at the family in terms of it being an ideology or in other words a set of ideas in how things should be. The theories are different as functionalism emphasises stability, cohesion and consensus. The family is seen as functional and necessary. In comparison Marxists, has shown that the interests of powerful groups have come to influence the way in which the family is structured today and argues that the economic needs of society have brought changes which have influenced how the family as a social institution now works. For example, the early capitalist textile production of cloth took place in the home and involved all family members. Also, the Marxist perspective has shown us how the monogamous nuclear family has come to be through the advent of private property. The feminist perspective of the family is different from the functionalist and Marxist views as it specifically highlights the effects of the family upon women and looks at different parts of family, for