Premium Essay

Assess the View That the Family Has Lost Its Functions

In:

Submitted By nutella22
Words 962
Pages 4
Assess the view that the family has lost its functions
Functionalism is the theory that all parts of a society serve a function which contributes to the survival of the society. Many sociologists argue that modern day nuclear families are becoming less common. Instead of just a couple and their independent children, extended, reconstituted and lone parent families are becoming increasingly more common. Leading, to the loss of traditional family functions in today’s society.
Different sociologists have different theories on functionalism. One of the most famous sociologists who looked at family is G.P Murdock. He believed that families perform four main functions: Primary socialisation; to learn socially acceptable behaviours and values. Sexual; because in some societies/cultures there are rules that limit sexual relationships outside of marriage. Reproduction; a stable environment to raise children, and economics; as sometimes the family is seen as a source of production. These functions demonstrate the functions that each family demonstrated during the 1940s. Although Murdock’s ideas were very important for understanding the main functions traditional nuclear families play, it is vital to note that Murdock’s theory dates back to 1949. Therefore many things have changed since then and the family has developed. For example many women are now the ‘breadwinners’ for their family as well as or instead of the men. Murdock’s theory is outdated as it relies on an old fashioned division of labour. Therefore, the family’s functions have not been completely lost, just changed.
Also, sex and reproduction within marriage is becoming less common. During the 1960s the so called ‘sexual revolution’ was released, making sexual liberation and freedom accepted. These days it is seen as ordinary to have sexual relations outside of marriage. The amount of people getting married

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Family Is Loosing Its Functions

...Assess the view that, in today’s society, the family is loosing its functions. (24 marks) The family in most societies traditionally had a number of responsibilities to take care of, such as reproduction, socialisation, education and a unit of production. These are the functions they needed to perform in order to make sure they prepare children to fit into adult society. This essay will examine different sociologist views on whether the family has lost its traditional functions or has not. Murdock would argue that the family is no longer needed for reproduction, as there has been an increase in sexual relations before, alongside and out of marriage, whereas bringing up children was seen as the main reason for marriage. Also, in today’s society work has moved outside the home into different economic industries e.g. factories, and therefore skill required for adult life are no longer learnt in the family but at colleges or job training schemes. The family, also has fewer responsibilities as media, nurseries, play groups and the educational system as a whole now help to socialise children, however parents still have an important role in supporting children. Others, would argue that there is structural differentiation( the way new,more specialised social institutions emerge to take over a range of responsibilities that were once performed by a single institution i.e. the family) as state institutions take care of many responsibilities of the family, such as healthcare...

Words: 738 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Scly1 Past Papers

...SCLY1 (Old Specification) Past Exam Questions Although June 2016 will be a new specification and exam structure much of the material you have learnt in families and households applies to the new exam. Below are examples of questions taken from the old exam papers that you should practice writing plans for as they are still relevant. However there are a few key differences: * The question you will answer will be worth 20 marks not 24 marks. * You will have 30 minutes to write a 20 mark answer. * The essays will consist 4 paragraphs and a conclusion containing new information. How to use this document: * Use the extract from the mark scheme and examiners’ advice to create essay plans of the questions. * You may not have heard of all of the concepts in the mark scheme but there should be at least some that are familiar to you. * The examiner’s advice usually outlines bad, moderate and good answers to the question so pick out the ways in which you can achieve top band and incorporate this into your plan. June 2015 Examine the impact of government policies and laws on family life. [24 marks] From the mark scheme: Concepts and issues such as the following may appear: patriarchy; familism; surveillance; ideological control; gender regimes; marital breakdown; family structure; family diversity; welfare dependency; underclass; reserve army of labour Policies/laws on abortion; divorce; contraception; reproductive technology; marriage; adoption; pensions; benefits; taxes;...

Words: 7021 - Pages: 29

Free Essay

Functionalism and the Family

...Using the material from the Item and elsewhere, assess the functionalist contribution to our understanding of the family.(24 marks) Functionalism is a structural theory as it examines social institutions e.g. economy , education etc. It sees these institutions as a way of moulding and shaping the individual. Functionalism is also a consensus theory and tends to encourage sharing norms and values and promotes agreement rather than conflict , value consensus. Functionalists adopt and organic analogy. This is the idea of seeing society as a living system (human body) , e.g. the skin of our body is like our norms and values. Material from the item says that Murdock (1949) suggests the four main family functions are reproducing the next generation , then going onto to socialise the next generation they have reproduced into the shared culture , value consensus. The third family function Murdock suggests is the economic function , this function involves providing food , shelter and clothes in order for individuals to benefit. The final family function Murdock suggests is the sexual function , this involves adults' sexual needs being satisfied in a way that doesn’t disturb social order. However information from elsewhere has shown that Murdock assumes only the nuclear family can perform these functions. Parsons argued that as modern industrial societies have evolved and changed , the modern nuclear family has lost may of its former functions. Parsons argued that in modern societies , more...

Words: 637 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Assess the View That ‘the Extended Family Remains as Important Now as It Was in the Past’

...Assess the view that ‘the extended family remains as important now as it was in the past’ (24 marks) There are different opinions regarding the importance of the extended family in modern Britain. Some sociologists such as Parsons and Wilmott and Young believe that extended families have almost disappeared completely due to them losing their functions. However some sociologists such as Charles and Wilmott say the extended family remains as important now as it was in the past, but maybe the definition has changed. Firstly, Parsons believed that the extended family was the norm during pre-industrialisation. This was because England was a kinship-based society was because the family was self-sufficient where its member’s wold work together and the older members of the family were needed for extra help with work or to look after the children. He then said that industrialisation led to decline of the extended family as it lost functions and the isolated nuclear family became the norm, suggesting the extended family is no longer as important as it was in the past. However a view that criticises this one is one from Peter Laslett, he thought that the extended family was never important in pre-industrialisation as he said only 10% of families were extended. He found this out by looking through the only records available at that point; church records. However an argument against this could be that this was influenced by the fact that life expectancy was only around 40. Therefore families...

Words: 902 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Religion

...ed however that religion does in fact cause social change. Yet some believe that religion can be both a conservative force and a force for social change. Max Weber believed in the social action theory, where religious beliefs of Calvinists helped to bring about social change. This is supported in item A ‘religious ideas can be a powerful motivation for change, as Weber showed in his study of Calvinism.’ The emergence of modern capitalism in Northern Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries was due to Calvinist beliefs. Calvinists had several distinctive beliefs. Predestination, where god had predetermined whether a soul will be saved or not and there is nothing you can do to change this. Devine transcendence, no individual can claim to know god’s ill, which made people feel inner loneliness and ‘salvation panic’. Asceticism, abstinence, self-discipline and self-denial were required by Calvinist’s and prepared them for a life under capitalism. Vocation or calling, Calvinist’s introduced the idea of this worldly asceticism, which meant constant methodical work in occupation and was a religious duty. Again preparing people of life under capitalism as it requires hard work. Weber did not say that Calvinism was the cause of modern capitalism, but that it was one of the causes. Weber’s theory is often seen as a direct assault on Marx’s theory. Bruce was interested in the relationship between religion and social change he compaired two examples of religiously inspired protests...

Words: 1521 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Assess the Contribution of Functionalism to Our Understanding of Families and Households

...Assess the contribution of functionalism to our understanding of families and households. Functionalism is a macro approach to society. It is based on a consensus that society as whole is run by and for the benefit of all its members. Early Functionalists such as Durkheim believed that society is made up of many institutions which work together to function. Regarding families, Functionalists believe that the nuclear family is best for society. Functionalists look at what the functions the family performs and they therefore say that the nuclear family is best for society. For example functionalists believe that traditional domestic roles (for the male to play an instrumental role as the breadwinner and the female to do the dual-burden) are necessary to ensure that children are socialised correctly with both male and female role models. Functionalists believe that the nuclear family is perfect for bringing up a geographically mobile workforce which allows families to move about for work easily, for example Functionalists believe during the industrial revolution nuclear families became more common as it was easier for families to move to an urban area in search of work than if it was for example an extended family. Conflict theories such as Marxism and Feminism challenge the Functionalism and the consensus of society by taking a more critical view. Social historians such as Laslett and Anderson also criticize the functionalist view of a ‘Functional Fit’ in the family. The main...

Words: 3354 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Registered Nurse

...rate and from accurate assessment server as the foundation for age appropriate nursing care Obtaining history from elderly clients will most time include a family member this will help in focusing on the areas of concerns doing the assessment...Before obtaining the health assessment you as an health care professional has to develop a rapport with the client. Speak clear, slowly, appropriately, look directly at them, and put at easy by explain what you will be doing, the reason and give a brief over view of the procedure before you proceed. The data collected will have to be subjective which will include the past history and present, which will be their complaint for seeking care .In preceding to collecting the health history and assessment ask the client about past medical and surgical history that require hospitalize in the past. Assessment should include neurologic disorder and medical history like diabetes mellitus, cancer, respiratory, cardiac, injuries, and falls. Be sure to also document all prescriptions and none prescriptions medications which will include the dosage , names, frequency and last time they took the medication. The skin, nail and hair should also be assessed. As we aged out skin lost its elasticity and turgor. Therefore assessing the older adult skin become very important. Assess for any Pressure ulcer, moles and change in the color of...

Words: 570 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Compare and Contrast

...Early Nursing Intervention in Parkinson's Disease CE Parkinson's disease (PD), is a multisystem neurodegenerative process that results in both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Quality of life (QOL) is significantly impaired for both the patient and the family. Therapy should focus on early detection and alleviation of motor/nonmotor symptoms and improvement of QOL for the patient and his or her entire support system. Patients, families, and healthcare providers often do not recognize the nonmotor symptoms as being related to PD.[1-6] Although there is no consensus about when to start therapy, early treatment is thought to maintain QOL more effectively than delayed treatment. Considerations for early treatment include the effect of PD symptoms on lifestyle and employment, the patient's role within the family system, attitudes about medication, and patients' perceptions of QOL.[1,6-9] Clear Communication About Motor Symptoms Treatment starts with a comprehensive and accurate assessment. The motor assessment is the most obvious. Asking about tremor, rigidity or stiffness, balance, and slowness of movement is imperative; however, using language the patient and family will understand is paramount to effective ongoing communication. For example, patients may better relate to terms such as "shake" instead of "tremor," and "falling backward" or "feeling lightheaded or dizzy" when they stand up or stand too long rather than "losing your balance." The practitioner might also ask whether...

Words: 2162 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Assess the of Functionalist Theories in Understanding Religion Today

...Assess the of Functionalist theories in understanding religion today Functionalists have put forward their perspective on religion and how it benefits both society and the individual starting with how religion brings people together harmoniously, creating social cohesion and a sense of belonging as people believe in the same thing and all abide by the same rules. Religion creates and maintains a value consensus whilst giving society social order. By confirming to religious beliefs this allows us to gain morals and therefore Functionalists see religion as a positive aspect to society. Durkheim defines religion as ‘a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things’. He says all societies divide the world in to the sacred and the profane. Sacred are things set apart and forbidden, inspiring feelings of awe, fear and wonder. Profane are ordinary things that have no significance. Durkheim’s views on sacred symbols represents society’s collective consciousness which is the shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life possible; without such consciousness it would crumble. Participating in shared rituals binds individuals together reminding them that they are a part of a community. Religion defines values as sacred giving the people great power compared to the non-believers. Through collective worship society understands the moral bonds that unite them. Durkheim also argues that religion functions to reinforce the collective unity/ social solidarity...

Words: 1202 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Neuro Sensory

...Nursing 122 Fundamentals of Neuro-Sensory nursing --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Review major structures and functions of both central and peripheral nervous system. (Carolyn Jarvis, Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 3rd ed., pages 688-692 Structure and function of the CNS and PNS --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Potter and Perry, Fundamentals of nursing (8th), Chapter 16 p. 210-211 Types of Data --There are two primary sources of data: subjective and objective. Subjective data are your patients’ verbal descriptions of their health problems. Only patients provide subjective data. For example, Mr. Jacobs's report of incision pain and his expression of concern about whether the pain means that he will not be able to go home as soon as he hoped are subjective findings. Subjective data usually include feelings, perceptions, and self-report of symptoms. Only patients provide subjective data relevant to their health condition. The data sometimes reflect physiological changes, which you further explore through objective data collection. --Objective data are observations or measurements...

Words: 23163 - Pages: 93

Premium Essay

Assess the View That Sociological Arguments and Evidence Support Functionalist Views of the Role and Functions of Religion in Contemporary Society.

...Assess the view that sociological arguments and evidence support functionalist views of the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Functionalists see society as based upon consensus, where each institution functions to help society work together as a whole with shared ways of thinking and behaving. One example of this is the Ten Commandments which include a number of the principles highlighted in the U.K law system. As a result of this, functionalists such as Durkheim and Parsons see religion as a means of integration and social control within society. They believe that the shared rituals and collective worship of religion help reinforce the consensual values and norms of society, and that without these shared values society could not function. Sociologist Bellah believes that there is a much stronger sense of consensus values in the USA, where strong religious roots are very apparent through American’s worshipping of the flag, thus worshipping their country. Parsons however still believes that this can also be seen in Britain. Functionalists also see religion as a form of social control, providing religious backing and answers for society's rules, so people will abide by them. Functionalists such as Malinowski also believe that it is a way of coming to terms with life changing events like death, marriage and baptisms, helping individuals within society to work through the crises of life. The question of whether or not religion is still relevant in a postmodern...

Words: 1647 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Sfsdf

...Assess the view that science has replaced religion as the main ideological influence in society today. 33. On the one hand it is argues that science has replaced religion as the main ideological function because of the increase in technology, science, and secularisation. However, on the other hand it is argued that religion is still influential and evident in society because of the functions is still performs, thus science has not replaced religion. in comparison to these two views, Marxists and Feminists argue that nor science nor religion are the main ideological influences, rather capitalism and patriarchy are the main ideological influences in society. Firstly, science has replaced religion as the main ideological influence in society because of the enormous impact it has had on society over the last few centuries. This has led to a widespread faith in science. The key feature of science is that it has cognitive power; it can explain, predict and control the world. The fact that religion is declining shows that science has replaced religion. for example, in 2005 only 6.3% of the population attended church on Sundays, which is half of the figures in the 1960s. There also less church clergy now, e.g. in 19000 here were 45000 clergy whereas in 2000 it was 34000. Thus this shows that religion has declined, and this can be attributed to the fact that science is taking over. On the other hand, Davies argues that religion is still the main ideological influence in society...

Words: 1397 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Older Adult Patient Education Issues

...Running head: OLDER ADULT PATIENT EDUCATION ISSUES Older Adult Patient Education Issues Lisa D. Johnican Grand Canyon University Older Adult Patient Education Issues The more a patient knows about his or her disease and understands reasons and methods for treatment, the better off s/he will be in the long run even if that long run is fatal. Patient education has significant benefits, including the improved ability of the patient to cope with the inevitable, more satisfaction with the care s/he receives, fewer complications and better recovery. Teaching older patients about their illness and strategies to cope with it will help them to feel more in control and better able to make decisions. Elderly people want to maintain independence and control their own lives and deaths. One of the best ways for older patients to have control over their health care options is through education. However, due to normal physiological aging, medical care professionals may have to change their teaching styles to adapt to the way older patients learn. Many older people deal with loss of functions that affect learning such as hearing and sight. When Alvin was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), he was aware of and understood the diagnosis. However, because of some hearing loss, those who spoke with him about it could not be sure if he understood. A few years later when he received the even deadlier diagnosis of bone cancer, his ability to understand what was being...

Words: 820 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Charter

...assigned date. Be realistic and aware if you get behind and notify the team leader. * Support: Be there for each other and help each other. We will succeed only as a team. * Trust: Be open. Be honest. Be candid. Be accountable. Team Assessment (Strengths / Weaknesses): y: DiSC (ID Influencer and Dominant) and TKI (Collaborating, Competing) (Thomas-Kilmann, 1974,2002,2007) * Strength – My strength is the ability to dissect and analyze critical KPI’s. My other strength is my ability to motivate other through collaborative team work and able to drive results. * Weakness – Through my dominant side I can come off as too pushy. Sometimes I’m not a great listener because of the fact that I have my blinders on. My dominant side has exceled me to achieve my accomplishments however it can be my Achilles heel as well. W: DiSC (Dominant/Influencer, DI) (Inc., 2013) and TKI (Compromise, Avoiding) ( Thomas-Kilmann, 1974,2002,2007) * Strength – Collaborative, very goal oriented. Connecting with others and motivating people to achieve their goals. Very positive and energetic and believes in empowering others * Weakness – As a manager need to work on candor without offending...

Words: 2780 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Research

...evidence to assess its validity, results and relevance before using it to inform a decision. q Critical appraisal is an essential part of evidence-based clinical practice that includes the process of systematically finding, appraising and acting on evidence of effectiveness. q Critical appraisal allows us to make sense of research evidence and thus begins to close the gap between research and practice. q Randomised controlled trials can minimise bias and use the most appropriate design for studying the effectiveness of a specific intervention or treatment. q Systematic reviews are particularly useful because they usually contain an explicit statement of the objectives, materials and methods, and should be conducted according to explicit and reproducible methodology. q Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews are not automatically of good quality and should be appraised critically. www.evidence-based-medicine.co.uk Prescribing information is on page 8 1 What is critical appraisal What is critical appraisal? Critical appraisal is one step in the process of evidence-based clinical practice. Evidencebased clinical practice is ‘an approach to decision making in which the clinician uses the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide the option which suits the patient best’.1 To determine what is the ‘best’ evidence, we need critical appraisal skills that will help us to understand the methods and results of research and to assess the quality...

Words: 4659 - Pages: 19