SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY

Sociology of the Family

Sociology of the Family

Introduction

Sociology of the family examines the ways in which social forces shape family life. Prior to 1960 family sociologists typically employed a functionalist perspective in their analysis of the family. The family was narrowly conceptualized as a nuclear household, consisting primarily of a married couple with children. In 1949 sociologist George Murdock defined the family as follows: “a social group characterized by common residence, economic co-operation, and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults.” (Tuttle, 2003, 65). During the first part of the twentieth century this and similar other definitions of “the family” formed the primary foundation upon which sociological theorizing and research on family life was based.

Feminism and the Family

Functionalist theories of the family [associated mainly with Talcott Parsons] are the one in which it is argued that nuclear family life is essentially harmonious and stable , that roles within families are allocated effectively in accordance with males' instrumental and females ' expressive characteristics respectively ,that the nuclear family contributes usefully to the maintenance of societies which are themselves basically fair via the socialisation of the young [which includes "appropriate" gender role socialisation] and the stabilisation of adult personalities.

The works of Young and Willmott which suggested that family life was becoming more symmetrical and harmonious. and the later work of "New Right" theorists which provide more or less unconditional support for the heterosexual nuclear family (Bumpass, 2000, 41).

Feminists argue that all of the above theories overstate the harmony and stability of the nuclear family while understating the extent of conflict within it: according to Feminists, Functionalist theories are not examples of careful, objective Sociology but are used as ideologies designed to protect the existence of the traditional family which in reality is often harmful to its members, especially to women and children.

Marxist Feminists

They argue that n capitalist societies the nuclear family is part of the overall Superstructure of capitalism and that its organisation and functions are heavily influenced by the nature of the capitalist economic base which means that women's oppression derives primarily from the organisation of the capitalist system rather than from the patriarchal behaviour of men which is emphasised by radical feminists.

Thus according to Marxist Feminists housewives fulfil several important functions for the capitalist system: they bear and rear children at no cost to the capitalist system and, along with their husbands, encourage their children to accept authority such that a new, suitably obedient generation of workers becomes available; housewives also provide many domestic services at low or zero cost which reduces the wage levels which the capitalist system needs to pay its male workers. Women also form part of the reserve army of labour which is available for employment during times of economic boom but which can return to the traditional housewife- mother role during economic ...