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Unlock This CourseFunctionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology that views society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability. When functionalists look at families, they focus on how different roles within marriage (conjugal roles) help society function smoothly.
Key Definitions:
Functionalists believe the family is a positive and necessary institution that performs vital functions for society. They argue that the traditional nuclear family, with clear roles for husbands and wives, is the most efficient family structure for modern industrial society.
According to functionalists, families perform several essential functions: socialisation of children, economic support, emotional security, reproduction and regulation of sexual behaviour. Clear conjugal roles help ensure these functions are fulfilled effectively.
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) was an American sociologist who developed one of the most influential functionalist theories about family roles in the 1950s. His work is central to understanding the functionalist perspective on conjugal roles.
Parsons argued that for families to function effectively, husbands and wives should perform different but complementary roles. He identified two types of roles that he believed were essential:
Typically performed by: The husband/father
Involves: Being the breadwinner, providing financial support, making major decisions and representing the family in the wider world.
Example: Working full-time to earn money, fixing things around the house, dealing with external authorities.
Typically performed by: The wife/mother
Involves: Providing emotional support, nurturing children, maintaining harmony in the home and meeting the family's emotional needs.
Example: Caring for children, cooking meals, providing comfort when family members are upset, maintaining relationships.
Parsons developed his theory during the 1950s, a time when the "traditional" nuclear family was the dominant family form in Western societies. After World War II, there was a strong emphasis on women returning to domestic roles after working in factories during the war. This historical context heavily influenced Parsons' view of "natural" gender roles within families.
Functionalists argue that this clear division of labour between husbands and wives is beneficial for several reasons:
Specialisation in different roles means tasks are completed more efficiently, as each person becomes expert in their domain.
Clear roles reduce conflict and competition between spouses, creating a more stable family environment.
The family can better meet society's needs when roles are clearly defined and complementary.
Another important functionalist, George Peter Murdock, studied hundreds of societies and concluded that the nuclear family was universal. He identified four essential functions that the family performs:
Murdock believed that clear conjugal roles helped families fulfil these functions effectively.
While functionalist theories were influential, they have faced significant criticism from other sociological perspectives:
Feminists argue that functionalist theories:
Additional criticisms include:
In their 1973 study, sociologists Michael Young and Peter Willmott challenged Parsons' view by identifying the emergence of the "symmetrical family" in which conjugal roles were becoming more equal and shared. They found that as women entered the workforce and men became more involved in domestic life, the strict division between instrumental and expressive roles was breaking down. This research showed that the functionalist model was becoming outdated even in the 1970s.
Despite criticisms, some aspects of functionalist theory remain relevant to understanding contemporary families:
When evaluating functionalist perspectives on conjugal roles for your iGCSE exam, consider these points:
When answering exam questions on functionalist perspectives on conjugal roles:
For your exam, make sure you can explain: