Theories of the family

1
Theories of the family

• Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism

2
Marxism

• Engels (1972) The family arose in response to
  the development of private property and for men
  to pass this property on to their offspring
• Thus he saw the main function of the family as
  the reproduction of the capitalist system
• Capitalism System which believes that the rich
  (Bourgeoisie) exploit the poor (Proletariat) to
  maintain their wealth and power

3

• Zaretsky (1976) The Capitalist system is based
  on the domestic labour of housewives who
  reproduce future generations of workers the
  family consumes the products of Capitalism
• Essentially, the family is a bad thing

4
Functionalism

• Traditional family structures are necessary for
  social stability
• The family transmits social norms and values to
  its members (primary socialization)
• Argue that the family is universal (found
  everywhere) and functional (effective)
• Essentially, the family is a good thing

5
Murdock (1949)

• Some form of family structure is present in all
  societies the family is universal
• The 3 key functions
• Stabilizes sexual behaviour and reproduction
• Provides basic economic requirements e.g. food
  and shelter
• Socialization

6
Parsons (1959)

• Not all functionalists however agree with ALL
  THREE of Murdocks functions
• Parsons saw there as being 2 main functions
• Stabilization of the adult personality by
  providing a warm bath from which to escape
  lifes pressures
• Primary socialization

7
OConnell (1994)

• Because of family diversity, many different
  family types exist both within and across
  societies
• Therefore, the family can only be defined by its
  FUNCTIONS

8
Feminism

• Feminists have criticised the family for its
  impact upon women
• Feminist work has introduced a previously
  male-dominated subject to areas of family life
  such as housework and domestic violence that
  often have negative implications for women
• They have been particularly concerned with power
  relationships within the family

9
Marxist Feminism

• The family and its exploitation of women serve
  the needs of Capitalism
• Benston (1972) Because the man works to support
  his family (his traditional gender role) he is
  less likely to strike and so more likely to
  support Capitalism
• Ansley (1972) The emotional support of wives
  acts as a safety valve for the husbands
  frustration that is caused by his work

10
Radical Feminism

• Sees the oppression of women as the most
  significant aspect of a patriarchal,
  male-dominated society
• Delphy Leonard (1992) The familyis a
  patriarchal and hierarchical institution through
  which men dominate women
• Purdy (1997) Womens disadvantages relate to
  their obligation to childcare

11

• Germaine Greer (2000) Wives remain subservient
  to their husbands even though the increased
  divorce rate suggests women are less accepting of
  their oppression. Motherhood can be rewarding but
  is not valued by society enough to give it
  monetary reward.

12
Liberal Feminism

• Looking for equality between the sexes
• Somerville (2000) Women now have greater
  opportunities and choices available to them
  nowadays. Although many men do not fulfil their
  expected role as provider, many women still
  choose to accept a male partner.

13
Criticisms

• What criticisms can you think of for each of the
  sociological theories on the family?