The negative side of the Marxist theory is that; they rely on the stereotypical generalisation of the nuclear family, however, nowadays more family types exist. These are: extended, reconstituted, single-parent and single-sex relationships. Also, children are seen to be autonomous individuals, which means they are not entirely shaped by the family, therefore Marxism is too deterministic. Finally, maybe the family is not functional for capitalism, capitalism and well paid jobs is simply something which is functional for our familes.
The Structural Functionalist perspective on the family includes the views of : G P Murdock, T Parsons, D Morgan, and W Secombe. G P Murdock has argued that the nuclear family in modern industrial society performs four major functions. These are; sexual, reproductive, economic and educational. Each of these four functions unites the family and bonds them. Murdock has asserted that no other body can match the efficiency of the family in these respects. Thus, this unit should be seen as a multi functional body which is indispensible to society. T Parsons argues a similar line to Murdock. Parsons claims that families in America perform two functions. These are : the primary socialisation of children an the stabilisation of the adult personality. These two factors achieve love and security within the family which helps to protect them from the stresses of the industrial life. Parsons stated that this unit is vital to the well being of society.
However, Murdock and Parsons Structural Functionalists analysis of the functions of the family has been subject to criticism; mainly by researchers operating from other theoretical perspectives. D Morgan believes that these investigators have over emphasised on the aspect of finding sexual satisfaction within the family. This is because, affairs, marital breakdowns and domestic violence are all becoming increasingly common. This therefore knocks the structural functionalist view, as technically all they have created is a painting of a too good to be true family. Also, Morgan states that there is no reference to children who dominate there parents, as opposed to the ‘two way interaction process between parents and their children. W Secombe is a Marxist, and he believes that the structural functionalists have over exaggerated the functional importance of the nuclear family for society as a whole. According to Secombe, families in the western society merely serve the interest of capitalist society. This can be explained by saying that the male worker of the family has to provide for his wife and children, this therefore means that he has to have a job and stay at work. As a result the society has a reliant male workforce, thus boosting the economy.
In conclusion, the family performs different functions dependent on the perspective of the viewer. The Marxists and Structural functionalists both have strong and accurate views about the subject of the family.