‘The family has experienced a loss of functions.’ Explain this view.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2023
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The Loss of Family Functions in Modern Society
This essay will explore the argument that the family has experienced a loss of functions in modern society, examining various factors contributing to this trend.
Parsons' Functional Fit Theory and the Shift in Family Roles
This section will discuss Parsons' Functional Fit theory and how it relates to the changing role of the family in modern society. It will explore the transition from the extended family to the nuclear family and the subsequent loss of functions such as production.
The Role of Specialist Institutions
This section will examine how the development of specialist institutions, such as education, has taken over some of the functions previously performed by the family. It will discuss the impact of these institutions on the changing role of the family.
The Impact of the Welfare State
This section will explore the influence of the welfare state on the family, focusing on how government intervention has taken over certain functions like healthcare and social care. It will examine the implications for the traditional role of the family.
The Rise of Lone-Parent Households and the Impact on Primary Socialization
This section will discuss the increasing prevalence of lone-parent households and the potential impact on primary socialization. It will consider the perspectives of the New Right and other sociological theories.
The Erosion of Traditional Gender Roles and the Loss of Instrumental and Expressive Functions
This section will examine how changing gender roles have led to the decline of traditional instrumental and expressive functions within the family. It will explore the implications of this shift for family dynamics and socialization processes.
The Impact of External Agencies on Primary Socialization
This section will explore the role of external agencies, such as childcare providers, the media, and peers, in primary socialization. It will discuss how these agencies have increasingly taken over some of the functions traditionally performed by the family.
The Decline in Fertility and the Loss of Reproductive Function
This section will discuss the decline in fertility rates and the subsequent impact on the reproductive function of the family. It will explore the factors contributing to this trend and its implications for the future of the family.
Conclusion
This section will summarize the main arguments presented in the essay and offer a conclusion on the extent to which the family has experienced a loss of functions in modern society. It will also consider any potential implications for the future of the family unit.
Has the Family Lost its Functions?
The family, a fundamental social institution, has long been recognized for its crucial role in society. However, the extent to which it continues to fulfill its traditional functions in contemporary society is a subject of ongoing debate among sociologists. While some argue that the family has experienced a significant loss of functions due to various social and economic transformations, others maintain that it remains a vital institution, albeit in an evolved form. This essay will explore the various factors contributing to the perceived loss of functions within the family unit, drawing upon sociological perspectives and evidence.
Functionalist Perspective
Functionalists, such as Talcott Parsons (Parsons, 1955), argue that the family has undergone a process of structural differentiation and functional specialization in response to societal needs. According to Parsons' 'Functional Fit' theory, the industrial revolution led to a shift from extended families to nuclear families, as the latter were better suited to the demands of a mobile workforce. This transition, however, resulted in the family relinquishing some of its traditional functions. For instance, the family ceased to be the primary unit of production as work moved outside the home, transforming it into a unit of consumption.
Moreover, institutions like schools and hospitals emerged to take over functions previously performed by the family, such as education and healthcare. Parsons argues that this specialization allowed the family to focus on its two primary functions: primary socialization and the stabilization of adult personalities. Primary socialization refers to the process by which children learn the norms, values, and beliefs of their society, while the stabilization of adult personalities involves providing emotional support and security to its members.
The Impact of Social Change
However, critics argue that even these core functions have been impacted by broader social changes. The rise of lone-parent families, as highlighted by the New Right, has raised concerns about the ability of single parents to effectively socialize children. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of dual-worker families has led to a situation where external agencies like nurseries, nannies, and the media play a more significant role in shaping children's values and beliefs.
Furthermore, the traditional gender roles within families have become increasingly blurred. With more women entering the workforce and men taking on domestic responsibilities, the instrumental and expressive roles, as described by Parsons, are no longer clearly defined. This shift has led to a decline in the family's role in gender role socialization.
Challenges to the Reproductive Function
The family's reproductive function has also been impacted by societal trends. Women are increasingly prioritizing careers and delaying motherhood, while the rise of 'Dual Income No Kids' (DINK) couples reflects a conscious choice to forgo parenthood altogether. These trends suggest that the family's function of reproduction is no longer a given but rather a matter of individual choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the family has undoubtedly undergone significant transformations and relinquished certain functions to other institutions, it would be inaccurate to claim that it has completely lost its functions. The family continues to play a vital role in primary socialization, providing emotional support, and shaping individual identities, even if these functions are now shared with external agencies. While the form and structure of the family may continue to evolve, its fundamental importance as a source of social and emotional support is likely to endure.
**References** * Parsons, T. (1955). The American Family: Its Relation to Personality and to the Social Structure. In Parsons, T. & Bales, R. F. (Eds.), Family, Socialization and Interaction Process. Free Press.Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Loss of Functions Within the Family
The family has experienced a loss of functions due to various factors:
- Functional Fit theory, as proposed by Parsons, suggests that the family has adapted to economic needs by transitioning to a nuclear form, resulting in the loss of some functions such as moving from being a unit of production to one of consumption.
- Secondary functions have been transferred to specialist institutions like education.
- The impact of the welfare state has led to the fulfillment of some functions, for instance, the NHS taking care of the sick and elderly.
- Currently, the family mainly concentrates on performing primary functions such as primary socialization and stabilizing adult personalities as described by Parsons.
- The rise in lone-parent households has led to an inability to fulfill some functions like primary socialization, as noted by the New Right.
- Traditional expressive and instrumental leader roles have been lost in terms of gender role socialization, illustrated by more men taking on domestic roles and women becoming breadwinners.
- Private nurseries and nannies are taking care of children during their early years while parents work, rather than relying on extended family.
- With the increase in dual-worker families, the role of primary socialization is being assumed by external agencies such as the media and peers.
- Women focusing on careers and the rise of Dual Income No Kids couples (DINKS) are opting not to have children, thereby not fulfilling the reproductive function.
- Additionally, other relevant points that contribute to the loss of functions within the family context may also be considered.