Page 1: Sociological Perspectives on Family Functions
This page introduces the concept of family and primary socialisation, then delves into various sociological perspectives on the main function of the family.
Definition: Family is defined as a group of two or more people connected by birth, marriage, cohabitation based on a long-term relationship, or adoption.
Definition: Primary socialisation is the social learning process where children learn societal norms, values, rules, and regulations from their parents.
The functionalist perspective on family is explored first. Functionalists argue that the main role of the family is primary socialisation. They believe parents are responsible for teaching children acceptable behavior and discouraging unacceptable behavior, ensuring societal continuity.
Highlight: Functionalists assign gender-specific roles within the family, with mothers taking on the expressive role (emotional and cultural development) and fathers the instrumental role (breadwinning).
The text critiques the functionalist view as outdated, noting that it doesn't account for modern family structures where women work outside the home or same-sex parents raise children.
The Marxist view on family is then presented. Marxists disagree that primary socialisation is the main role of families, instead emphasizing economic support.
Highlight: Marxists view families as consumer units and customers of capitalism, necessary for the continuation of the capitalist system.
While Marxists acknowledge the importance of primary socialisation in producing future workers, they see economic support as the family's primary function.
The New Right sociological perspective is also discussed. New Right Sociologists agree with functionalists that primary socialisation is the main role of families.
Quote: "New Right sociologists also agree that primary socialisation is the main role of families as they feel that children require a mother and a father in order to receive a balanced upbringing and accurate understanding of the norms and values and how to behave appropriately in society."
The New Right view emphasizes the importance of traditional family structures with both a mother and father, criticizing single-parent and same-sex parent families.
Example: The text mentions that, according to New Right statistics, children from single-parent households are more likely to face various social and personal challenges.
The page concludes by noting that New Right sociologists, like Peter Saunders and Davis Marsland, view non-traditional family structures as undermining society.
