Sociological Theories of the Family Essay

Sociological Theories of the Family trySociological theories are usu eithery thought of as, systematic sets of ideas and statements about the neighborly world that aim to make sense of the social world. http//uregina.ca/gingrich/j799.htm. The conclusions drawn from empiric observation and testing help individuals and hostel to be improved in the ways they lead their lives in this world. This es phrase is going to explain lead mostly commonly mentioned sociological theories of the family which are Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism.Functionalists hope that each quality of society has a function, and they are very positive about society so they always let out the good in all things. By looking at society on a jumbo carapace they get by that society is based on consensus, meaning that we are socialised to agree on the norms and values in order to survive. Functionalists suppose that the family should be ingestn to perform functions which benefit both its members and societ y in general. According to Murdock (1949), the family is a universal institution with universal functions. Haralambos M Langley P. (2003) page 76.In another(prenominal) words, families are found in all societies regardless of for causa culture differences. Functions performed universally are reproduction which keeps the human race, primary socializing which teaches children the norms and values of society, economic and educational. Functionalists believe that the following functions are important for the benefit of society. Murdock strongly believes that the nuclear family represents all the above functions and he palisades that no seemly substitute washbasin replace it. In other words all other family structures are damaging to society. except, Marxists refuse the functionalists views. They are very interdict about the society we live in and see the bad in everything. They believe there will be a revolution, because of their belief that society is universe dominated by th e ruling tier, therefore because of the working distinguish being exploited they will get rid of the ruling class and capitalism. They believe in equality though their main interest is on capitalist societies such as Britain, Western Europe and America. Their main line of work is that institutions such as families are shaped by the requirements of capitalism and look to support and maintain it. Main emphasis is on the nuclear family, Marxists argue that effeminate have no rights and that men have all the power.Marxists believe that society is based on differences between the working class and ruling class. The family makes it easier to uphold class differences in society as the rich can be able to give their children a good beginning in life than the poor, for interpreter by paying for good education and acquire them good jobs either in their own business or their friends businesses, whereas the discharged and poor families would struggle in those terms. Marxists believe th e family socialises the working class to believe that it is normal that the classes are not the same.Feminists on the other hand see the family as patriarchal (all is dominated by men) some of them are detrimental about society. They look at society on a large scale, and they do generalise their ideas about males and female to the whole society. Overall they see the family as one of the main areas in which women are oppressed by men. They argue that domestic labour is done by women, regardless of being in employment or not. Women make the main contributions to the family life, men receive the main benefits. (Delphy Leonard, 1992) Haralambos M Langley P. (2003) page 80Feminists believe the family is bad for women, they argue that units like the nuclear family influence girls and boys to memorise their different gender roles in spite of appearance the family through socialisation. Mothers are role models to the girls who learn all house chores, whilst boys learn from their fathe rs, to do male duties. They then gain knowledge of how male and female roles should be. The purpose of the family is to reinforce the dominant position of men within a patriarchal society. The nuclear family is not an ideal family according to the feminist, lone nourish families especially those headed by women are seen as the ideal families.Overall, the family unit directly has changed since the time of Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism, however, they are relevant issues to some part of family life for example roles of men and women are different because of anatomy. Men cannot physically be significant so they can go to work without any ties on the other hand women are biologically designed to have children. Marxism and Functionalism would agree with this statement. However feminists say this should not jeopardise womens right to work, it could be agreed with what feminists say that women can have children and work but should balance looking afterward their children with empl oyment.Haralambos M Langley P. (2003) Sociology in Focus Causeway Presshttp//uregina.ca/gingrich/j799.htm