Functions of Families » Parsons on Primary Socialisation

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Talcott Parsons' functionalist theory of the family
The concept of primary socialisation and its importance
How families perform the function of primary socialisation
The role of families in teaching norms and values
Critical perspectives on Parsons' theory
Real-world examples and case studies of primary socialisation

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Talcott Parsons and the Functions of Families

Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) was an American sociologist who developed key functionalist theories about the family. Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain social stability. According to Parsons, the family performs essential functions that help society run smoothly.

Key Definitions:

Functionalism: A theoretical perspective that sees society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability.
Primary socialisation: The process during early childhood where children learn the basic norms, values and behaviours of their society.
Nuclear family: A family unit consisting of parents and their dependent children, which Parsons saw as the ideal family structure for industrial societies.

Who was Talcott Parsons? 👨‍🎓

Talcott Parsons was one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. He taught at Harvard University from 1927 until 1973. His work on family structures and functions was particularly important in the 1950s and 1960s when the nuclear family was seen as the 'normal' family type in Western societies. His theories about family functions have been both widely used and heavily criticised.

Parsons on Primary Socialisation

According to Parsons, one of the most crucial functions that families perform is primary socialisation. This is the process through which children learn the basic norms, values and behaviours of their society. Parsons argued that this function is best performed by the nuclear family.

🏠 The Family as a Socialising Agent

Parsons believed that the family is uniquely positioned to perform primary socialisation because:

Parents have a deep emotional bond with their children
Children naturally look to parents as role models
The family provides a safe environment for learning
Parents can provide consistent guidance and correction

📖 What Children Learn Through Primary Socialisation

Through primary socialisation, children learn:

Basic social skills (manners, communication)
Cultural norms and values
Gender roles and expectations
Language and communication
Self-control and discipline

How Primary Socialisation Works

Parsons outlined several key mechanisms through which primary socialisation occurs in families:

💡 Imitation

Children observe and copy the behaviour of their parents and siblings. For example, a child might learn table manners by watching how their parents eat.

🌟 Rewards & Punishments

Parents reinforce desired behaviours with praise or rewards and discourage unwanted behaviours through various forms of discipline.

🧠 Identification

Children identify with their parents and internalise their values and behaviours, making them part of their own identity and personality.

The Importance of Primary Socialisation

Parsons argued that primary socialisation is essential for both individuals and society as a whole:

For Individuals 👤

Primary socialisation helps children develop into functioning adults who can:

Form healthy relationships with others
Understand and follow social rules
Develop a sense of identity and self
Function effectively in various social situations
Control their impulses and behave appropriately

For Society 🌎

Primary socialisation contributes to social stability by:

Ensuring new generations learn and accept society's norms and values
Creating social cohesion through shared understandings
Reducing conflict by teaching conflict resolution skills
Preparing children for their future roles in society
Maintaining social order through internalised control

Case Study Focus: The Feral Child

Cases of 'feral children' who grew up with minimal human contact demonstrate the critical importance of primary socialisation. One famous case is Genie, who was discovered in 1970 at age 13 after being kept in isolation by her father. She had not experienced normal socialisation and struggled to develop language skills or social behaviours, despite intensive intervention. Such cases highlight how the absence of primary socialisation can severely impact a person's ability to function in society.

Gender Role Socialisation

A key aspect of Parsons' theory is his view on gender role socialisation within families. He argued that families teach children appropriate gender roles that prepare them for adult life:

👨 Male Role: Instrumental

Parsons believed boys are socialised into the 'instrumental role' which involves:

Being the breadwinner
Making key decisions
Dealing with the outside world
Providing financial security

👩 Female Role: Expressive

Girls are socialised into the 'expressive role' which involves:

Providing emotional support
Caring for children
Maintaining family relationships
Creating a nurturing home environment

Critical Perspectives on Parsons' Theory

While influential, Parsons' theory has been criticised from several angles:

Feminist Critique ♀

Feminist sociologists argue that Parsons' view:

Reinforces traditional gender roles that limit women's opportunities
Ignores power imbalances within families
Presents the gendered division of labour as 'natural' rather than socially constructed
Fails to acknowledge that gender roles have changed significantly since his theory was developed

Diversity Critique 🌎

Critics point out that Parsons' theory:

Is based on the white, middle-class American family of the 1950s
Ignores cultural variations in family structures and socialisation practices
Doesn't account for diverse family forms (single-parent, same-sex parents, extended families)
Assumes a universal 'best' way for families to function

Contemporary Relevance 📅

Modern sociologists note that:

Many families now have dual earners rather than a male breadwinner
Gender roles have become more flexible and less distinct
Other institutions (schools, media, peer groups) play an increasing role in socialisation
Digital technology has created new contexts for socialisation outside the family

Modern Example: Changing Gender Socialisation 👩‍💻

Research by Blakemore and Centers (2005) found that children's toys are still heavily gendered, with 'boys' toys' emphasising action, competition and aggression, while 'girls' toys' focus on appearance, nurturing and domestic skills. However, many modern parents are now consciously trying to avoid gender stereotypes in how they raise their children. Companies like 'Let Toys Be Toys' campaign for toy manufacturers and retailers to stop limiting children's interests by promoting some toys as only for girls and others only for boys.

The Continuing Relevance of Primary Socialisation

Despite criticisms of Parsons' specific views, most sociologists agree that primary socialisation remains a crucial function of families. Even as family forms diversify, the family typically provides children with their first and most intense experience of social learning.

Research continues to show that early childhood experiences have profound effects on development. The family environment shapes not only a child's understanding of social norms but also their emotional development, attachment patterns and even brain development.

While Parsons' specific model may be outdated in some respects, his recognition of the family's central role in preparing children for society remains valuable for understanding how societies reproduce themselves across generations.

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