How do functionalists see the family?

as an institution that benefits its members and society. It is a consensus view.

Which is a function of the family for functionalists?

primary socialisation. The family teaches children society's norms and values.

Which institutions took over some functions of the family?

schools and hospitals. Education and healthcare moved outside the home.

Why do functionalists think the nuclear family suits industrial society?

it is small and can move to where the work is. A small family is mobile.

Which is a criticism of the functionalist view of the family?

it ignores conflict, violence and abuse within families. It paints too rosy a picture.

Functionalist views of the family · Cambridge IGCSE Sociology

In plain words

Functionalists look at the family the way a doctor looks at the heart. They ask what it does for the rest of the body. Their answer is that society could not survive without it.

8 things to know

Functionalists see the family as an institution that benefits both its members and society as a whole.
Functions of the family. It produces the next generation. It socialises children into society's norms and values. It provides food, shelter and money for its members. It regulates sexual behaviour, by giving it an approved setting.
Primary socialisation: the family teaches children the basics of how to behave, so that they fit into society.
The "warm bath" theory: family life relaxes adults after the stress of work, as a warm bath does, so they can return to work refreshed. The family keeps adult personalities stable.
The loss of functions debate: in the past the family also educated its children, cared for the sick and old, and worked together to produce food. Schools, hospitals and employers have taken over much of this.
Some functionalists say the family has lost functions but become better at the two that matter most: socialising children and supporting adults. Others say the functions have changed, not vanished. Families still help with homework and care for sick relatives.
Functionalists stress the importance of the nuclear family. It is small enough to move to where the work is, so it suits an industrial society.
Criticism. This is too rosy a picture: it ignores conflict, violence and abuse within families. It assumes that the nuclear family is best and ignores diversity. Feminists and Marxists ask who really benefits.

Worked example

A father comes home tired and angry from work. He plays with his children, eats with his family and feels better by the evening. Explain this using functionalist ideas.

This is the "warm bath" theory in action.
Family life has relieved the stress of work.
The father's personality is kept stable, and he can go back to work tomorrow.
Both the individual and society benefit, since the economy needs workers who can cope.

Tips and tricks

Learn the functions as a list of four: reproduction, socialisation, economic support, regulation of sexual behaviour.
The fastest evaluation of functionalism is "the dark side of the family": it has no explanation for abuse and violence.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Functionalist views of the family: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

How do functionalists see the family?
- as a tool of the ruling class
- as a source of male power
- as an institution that benefits its members and society (the answer)
- as something that is no longer needed
It is a consensus view.
Which is a function of the family for functionalists?
- primary socialisation (the answer)
- exploitation of workers
- reproducing patriarchy
- making profits
The family teaches children society's norms and values.
Which institutions took over some functions of the family?
- gangs and peer groups
- shops and markets
- newspapers and television
- schools and hospitals (the answer)
Education and healthcare moved outside the home.
Why do functionalists think the nuclear family suits industrial society?
- it is the cheapest type
- it is small and can move to where the work is (the answer)
- it has the most children
- it needs no income
A small family is mobile.
Which is a criticism of the functionalist view of the family?Stretch
- it is too negative about family life
- it ignores the benefits of the family
- it ignores conflict, violence and abuse within families (the answer)
- it says too much about patriarchy
It paints too rosy a picture.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Functionalist views of the family

Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

What is meant by the "warm bath" theory?[2]
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The idea that family life relieves the stress of work and everyday life for adults, as a warm bath would.
I got this one
Describe two functions of the family, according to functionalists.[4]
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Any two, each described: reproduction, producing the next generation; primary socialisation, teaching children norms and values; economic support, providing food, shelter and money; regulating sexual behaviour; stabilising adult personalities.
I got this one
Explain what is meant by the "loss of functions" debate.[4]
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In the past the family carried out many functions, such as education, healthcare and producing food. Other institutions, such as schools and hospitals, now do much of this. Some sociologists say the family has lost functions. Others say its functions have only changed, as families still support education and care for members.
I got this one

Answers: Functionalist views of the family

1. The idea that family life relieves the stress of work and everyday life for adults, as a warm bath would.
2. Any two, each described: reproduction, producing the next generation; primary socialisation, teaching children norms and values; economic support, providing food, shelter and money; regulating sexual behaviour; stabilising adult personalities.
3. In the past the family carried out many functions, such as education, healthcare and producing food. Other institutions, such as schools and hospitals, now do much of this. Some sociologists say the family has lost functions. Others say its functions have only changed, as families still support education and care for members.