Structural Functionalism

1
Structural Functionalism

• Kingsbury, N., Scanzoni, J. (1993).
  Structural-functionalism. In P. G. Boss, W. J.
  Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R. Schumm, S. K.
  Steinmetz (Eds.), Sourcebook of family theories
  and methods A contextual approach (pp. 195-217).
  New York Plenum Press.

2
Why Should We Study a Theory Which Has Become
Obsolete?

• It has been historically significant in family
  studies.
• Functionalist assumptions continue to influence
  family studies, although some dispute the
  influence.

3
Terms

• Definition of function contribution that a part
  of a system makes to the maintenance of the
  whole.
• Definition of structure arrangement of roles in
  a system.
• Properties of a social system, such as family
• Specialized or differentiated roles.
• Roles are organized around shared vales and norms
  which establish rights and responsibilities.
• Systems maintain their boundaries.
• Systems tend toward homeostasis or equilibrium.

4
Functionalism and the Family

• The family was conceived of as the structure best
  able to satisfy the physical and psychological
  needs of its members.
• The family also contributes to maintenance of the
  society because it instills children with social
  values and norms.
• Roles in the family
• Two roles
• Instrumental task-oriented duties such as
  breadwinner role.
• Expressive person-oriented duties such as
  nurturing.
• Deviance from roles, according to Parsons,
  contributed to family disorganization.

5
Main Contemporary Problems Addressed

• Alternative life-styles
• This research compares diverse family forms or
  experiences to traditional versions of the
  family.
• If the structure is outside the mainstream, it is
  often described in pejorative terms.
• Family stress perspectives response to
  structural changes is associated with
  disorganization and reorganization.
• Remaking relationships Evolution versus choice
  and control
• Functionalist theorists suggest that social
  changes are the result of social evolution,
  suggesting that social forces dominate
  individuals.
• Alternatively, other theorists suggest that
  social change occurs because individuals make
  personal decisions to challenge social norms
  which lead to acceptance of different structures.

6
Limitations of Structural-Functionalism

• Scientific
• Research continues to demonstrate that there are
  not natural family structures.
• Research demonstrates that families regularly
  experience conflict rather than equilibrium
  (e.g., Olson and McCubbin, 1988, noted that
  husbands and wives disagree about major
  variables, as do parents and adolescents).
• It is difficult to clearly distinguish between
  instrumental and expressive roles.
• Public policies/Political implications
  functionalist theories supported existing
  structures.