THE FAMILY IN SOCIETY

 Relationship between the family and wider society, particularly economy.

FUNCTIONALIST APPROACHES 

 Main assumptions

  • The structure, functions and roles of the family can be understood by examining the relationship between the family and other parts of society.
  • The family is good, for family and society.
  • The isolated nuclear family is dominant in modern society.
  • Roles are becoming more equal.

 Evaluation

Most critics question functionalists idealized view of happy families meeting the needs of society.
Marxists say the family serves the needs of the ruling class.
Feminists say it meets men's needs.
Different critics have identified dysfunctional, unhappy families with abuse, mental illness, violence etc.

MARXIST

Main Assumptions

  • Two themes, the influence of the economy on functions, structure and role -- and the role of the family in maintaining social class inequality, labour power, free child-raising for employers, who've learned to be obedient.
  • Married females are labour reserve.
  • Family is work refuge.
  • Families are main consumers.

Evaluation

Functionalists say positive for family and all.

FEMINIST APPROACHES

Feminists say gender, not class, is major inequality, and men rather than employers benefit.

Feminism has replaced functionalism as the mainstream perspective on the family.

 Main Assumptions

  • Family creates economic dependence of females.
  • Housework is productive (Oakley) and caring for children benefits employers.
  • Not based on choice and love, and not efficient, as women who are alone alone often rely on state support.

 Evaluations

  • Some housework might be enjoyed enjoyed. More power as more women work.
  • H. Graham (1991) studying black domestic workers said family was an escape for them from paid housework/slavery.
  • Women can no longer be considered reserve labour now really reserve labour now.

NEW RIGHT APPROACHES 

 Major influence since Thatcher years, but not widely accepted.

Main Assumptions

Conventional nuclear family is ideal, variations are less functional. Single mothers condemned. State support for lone parents encourages problems.

 Evaluation

  • Narrow view of family.
  • If femalea are discouraged from working, then this contradicts the free market approach to employment.
  • Criticism for blaming and punishing victims of social problems i.e. lone mothers.

Terminology/extra information

Free market = no government interference.

Often answers can be based on a critical discussion of functionalist approaches.

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