Reading reflection

z

Week 2 - Family Theories Structural Functionalism

UNST 228A

Keela Johnson

z agenda

§ Exercise

§ Family Theories: Structural Functionalism

§ History

§ Key terms and ideas

§ Contemporary applications and perspectives

z Exercise

§ What does the term ‘FAMILY’ mean to you?

§ Who is in a family?

§ What is the ‘function’ of family?

§ Are all families biologically related?

z Family theories: structural functionalism

§ History:

§ Based on “organic analogy” developed by social philosophers Comte and Durkheim

§ Society as a body, each part of the body works together to remain healthy

§ Talcott Parsons and Functionalism- behavior is driven by efforts to conform to the moral code of society, moral codes constrain behavior for the common good, subsystems (families) must promote the maintenance of society

§ Popular in the 1950’s- deviation from shared norms and values must be avoided, threaten the survival of the system

z Family theories: structural functionalism

§ Key terms:

§ Structure

§ Function

§ Instrumental

§ Expressive

§ Equilibrium

z Family theories: structural functionalism

§ Main ideas:

§ Function of the family is to procreate and socialize children

§ Strict gender roles: Men are instrumental, women are expressive

§ Five patterns variables: § Ascription/achievement

§ Diffuseness/specificity

§ Particularism/universalism

§ Affectivity/affective neutrality

§ Collectivity/self

z Family theories: structural functionalism

§ Contemporary applications and perspectives:

§ Pervasive, unacknowledged use in political discussions and policy making

§ Moved out of popularity within the family sciences world in the 1960’s

§ Doesn’t recognize diversity of family forms