Outline and evaluate the functionalist view of the role of the family in society [33 marks]

Another functionalist thinker, Parsons, agreed with Murdock’s educational function. He stated that one of the main functions of the family was the primary socialisation of the children—this is to equip them with the norms and values they need to succeed in society. If they are not successfully socialised they will not fit the value consensus and will not be able to function in the society. Parson’s view of socialisation is focused only on the education of children, this could be criticised because he ignores the two-way interaction between parent and child. Parson also identified one other function of the family, this was to stabilise the personalities of its adult members, providing them emotional security. Laing would criticise this—arguing that the pressure put on the children for this function could result in the development of mental illness.

March of progress theory is a theory identified by the functionalist Fletcher. It is the theory that the needed of the extended family has become less important. Those extended families broke off into their own isolated nuclear families because they are more mobile and could move for the new opportunities offered from industrialisation. Also, that the need for the extended family has become less apparent because of state provisions such as education and healthcare.

Overall, the functionalist view of the family in society is that of maintaining the harmonious society of the day. A key factor in that is socialisation—this is important in creating the value consensus that is needed to keep society functioning. The role of the family can also be seen to be populating society and being the guideline for sexual relationships of its adult members. Although they’re a criticisms and weaknesses to the functionalist view of the family it can be seen that the family does operate under the functions identified by functionalist thinkers and therefore the view can be seen as accurate.