Functionalist view on Same-Sex Families

What is Functionalism?

Functionalism is the belief that members of society form relationships with each other through rules and regulations i.e. the law. They also believe society is based on a consensus and there is no time for conflict, although it is acknowledged but is seen as only a temporary disturbance, which can be resolved. They believe it is the basis of social life without it there would be conflict and disorder. Society is seen like the human body, institutions within society playing a significant role to ensure its upkeep like schools. These institutions are what influence societies members on social behaviour. They see the family as how it functions and contributes towards society as a whole. They believe the function of a family is to educate and prepare children before they become adult workers.

What is the New Right?

The New Right believes the family is the cornerstone of society. They see the ideal family is that of the nuclear unit, a heterosexual relationship based on love and commitment with the reproduction of children. They believe the cause of decline in the nuclear family is due to the change in society, which is threatening the norms of marriage. They believe it shall all be resolved with the return of the traditional family norms.

How is society structured from a traditionalist or functionalist point of view?

As I said earlier functionalists believe rules and regulations guide society, they believe it forms the basis of consensus. They see society structured like the human body; every part has an important role to play and a significant contribution to give. Society can be separated into three separate classes; the ruling class and the working class (who by functionalists are seen as equal members) and the underclass which includes same-sex relationships, single parents etc. according to the beliefs of the New Right. So therefore from a functionalists point of view same-sex relationships are what they’d call a temporary disturbance. So ...

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What is the traditional family then?

The traditional family is seen as the basis of a nuclear unit, mum, dad and kids!

So how do we define a family in the 21st Century?

There are still a lot of families all over the world that conforms to what society expects. But there is a rise in alternative families. So, in what we call the real world a family can be defined as a range of social, cultural, economic and symbolic meanings. There are several variations on what a family could be; it doesn’t always follow the basic nuclear family. I think the definition a 21st Century family would be: A household in which 1 or 2 adults who have a loving and committed relationship raise their children.

How does society treat the ‘underclass’?

In today’s society same-sex couples are becoming more and more common, and they contribute just as much to society as the average heterosexual couple.

So why is it so hard for same-sex families to live like everyone else? Because society disapproves.

During my research on the Internet I discovered a few news articles that can answer my question:

SUIT OVER DEATH BENEFITS ASKS, WHAT IS A FAMILY?

In 1977 Sandra Rovira and Marjorie Forlini formalised their relationship in a ceremony where they exchanged vows and rings in front of a gathering of friends and family. They did this because under American Law same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. Over their years together they did what every family does; bought a house, raised Ms Rovira’s children, and cared for each other through sickness and in health. When Ms Forlini passed away, Ms Rovira was by her bedside. The company in which Ms Forlini worked for denied benefits to Ms Rovira. So she filed a lawsuit for breach of policy, AT&T clearly state in their benefit plan that it provides a years pay to the spouse and unmarried dependant children under 23 of an employee who dies of an illness. In addition the plan also says AT&T may under discretion, pay some benefit to other relatives who have been dependant on the employee.

NEW JERSEY IS LIKELY TO BE GAY MARRIAGE BATTLEGROUND

A national gay rights group has decided to file a law suit in state court on behalf of seven same-sex couples who have been denied marriage licences. But the New Jersey Family Policy Council opposes this and is reinforcing the legislation to prohibit same-sex unions.

PA. COURT OVERTURNS SAME SEX LAW

A Pennsylvania Court struck down a 1998 Philadelphia City Ordinance that recognised same sex ‘life partnerships’ saying the law usurped the power of the state to regulate marriage. The law amended the definition of ‘marital status’ to include ‘life partner’ thereby granting benefits to same sex partners of city employees who signed a partnership affidavit. A group of seven taxpayers sued, charging the city did not have the power to change marital status. A common wealth court panel agreed, saying in its ruling that the law ran counter to what the general assembly intended the definition of marriage to be.

Society stands by the functionalist view of nuclear family and consensus. Although Ms Rovira wasn’t a blood relative she was family, she was Ms Forlini’s spouse but because of legal reasons she couldn’t prove on paper. Society doesn’t recognise same-sex relationships. They reward those who conform to society by giving them benefits. A homosexual relationship doesn’t conform to the norms of society. A same sex couple would have to go through the legal system to get recognition of their commitment to each other. They have to argue their case in order to claim benefits that would be given to heterosexual couples without question. This is societies answer, to resolve the ‘temporary disturbance’.

In conclusion, functionalists believe that the nuclear family is the role model of society. There are several types of family in this day and age and not all of them follow the nuclear influence. Same sex couples are not yet recognised as a norm in society but the awareness is growing, they still have to keep fighting for their rights but there will be a day when people won’t think anything of it. Functionalist place same sex couples in the ‘underclass’ category because they don’t conform to their expectations. In a recent survey taken in America 50% of young Americans think gay people shouldn’t have the same rights as everyone else, but they also said they didn’t know enough to form a sound opinion. Most Americans said they think gay teachers should be fired, not only is that unfair dismissal, and discrimination. But what is it teaching the children?

Functionalists say the main function of a family is to help educate children in social behaviour required by society. If they believe society is based on consensus then why are they encouraging conflict?