Describe functionalist perspectives on families

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Functionalists emphasize the importance of the family in maintaining the stability of society and the well-being of individuals. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, marriage is a microcosmic replica of the larger society; both marriage and society involve a mental and moral fusion of physically distinct individuals. Durkheim also believed that a division of labor contributes to greater efficiency in all areas of life— including marriages and families. In the United States, sociologist Talcott Parsons was a key figure in developing a functionalist model of the family. According to Parsons, the husband/father fulfills the instrumental role (meeting the family's economic needs, making important decisions, and providing leadership), whereas the wife/mother fulfills the expressive role (running the household, caring for children, and meeting the emotional needs of family members). Contemporary functionalist perspectives derive their foundation from Durkheim. Division of labor makes it possible for families to fulfill a number of functions that no other institution can perform as effectively. In advanced industrial societies, families serve four key functions: 1 . Sexual regulation— families are expected to regulate the sexual activity of their members and thus control reproduction so that is occurs within specific boundaries. At the microlevel, incest taboos prohibit sexual contact or marriage between certain relatives.. 2 . Socialization— parents and other relatives are responsible for teaching children the necessary knowledge and skills to survive. 3 . Economic and psychological support— families are responsible for providing economic and psychological support for members. In preindustrial societies, families are economic production units; in industrialized societies, the economic security of family is tied to the workplace and to macrolevel economic systems. 4 . Provision of social status—families confer social status and reputation on their members. These statuses include the ascribed statuses with which individuals are born, such as race/ethnicity, nationality, social class, and sometimes religious affiliation. One of the most significant and compelling forms of social placement is the family's class position and the opportunities resulting from that position. Examples of class-related opportunities include access to quality health care, higher education, and a safe place to live.. Changes in the economy, in religion, in the educational system, and in the law or government programs can all contribute to family problems.