Topic Summaries

Sociological perspectives of family

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Families and households > Sociological perspectives of family
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Exam overview
  • Functionalist perspectives:
    • 👤 Murdock (1949) identifies four universal functions of the nuclear family: sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational. He argued the nuclear family was best suited to meet the needs of industrial society and its members.
      • Feminists argue this view ignores gender inequality and the exploitation of women
    • 👤 Parsons (1959) identifies two key functions of the family in modern society: primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities. He links the rise of the nuclear family to industrialisation and geographic mobility.
      • Outdated view that ignores diversity and alternative family structures
  • Marxist perspectives: 
    • 👤 Engels (1884) argues the monogamous nuclear family emerged to protect private property and ensure inheritance through legitimate heirs.
      • Based on limited historical evidence and ignores modern family diversity
    • 👤 Zaretsky (1976) claims the family provides emotional support to male workers, cushioning the effects of capitalism, and acts as a unit of consumption. Family provides an ideological haven from capitalism but ultimately still supports it.
      • Over-emphasises the economic role and neglects other positive aspects of family life
    • 👤 Althusser (1970) sees the family as an ideological state apparatus that reproduces class inequality and capitalist values.
      • Neglects variation between families and ignores resistance to dominant ideology
  • Feminist perspectives:
    • Radical feminism: argues the family is patriarchal and oppresses women. 👤 Greer (1971) supports the idea of matrilocal households (i.e. husband moves into wife’s family/community) as an alternative.
      • Ignores women’s choice to remain in traditional family arrangements
    • Marxist feminism: 👤 Ansley (1972) describes women as the “takers of shit,” absorbing frustration from male partners caused by exploitation at work.
      • Reduces women’s experiences to economic relations under capitalism
    • Difference feminism: 👤 Hooks (1981) argues women’s experiences differ based on ethnicity, class, and sexuality, so one universal theory is insufficient.
      • Can downplay shared experiences of patriarchy
    • Liberal feminism: 👤 Somerville (2000) argues family life is gradually becoming more equal through policy changes and shifts in attitudes.
      • Overly optimistic according to other feminist perspectives
  • New Right perspectives:
    • 👤 Murray (1984) argues that state policies like welfare benefits undermine the traditional nuclear family by rewarding dependency and lone parenthood.
      • Simplistic; ignores economic realities that necessitate financial support

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