Structural Functionalism Theory

Structural Functionalism Theory

Family Theory Timeline1918-1929 Symbolic Interactionism1930-1945 Structural-Functionalism

1946-1960 Life Course1960-1980 Systems • Conflict • Exchange • Ecological

1980-1985 Feminist

Family Theory FociSymbolic Interactionism : Meaning , Roles, & Identities

Structural-Functionalism : Function, Norms, & DevianceLife Course: Development Over Time

Systems: Decision MakingConflict : Power And Resource Distribution

Exchange : Interdependencies and Transactions Ecological : Adaptation To Environmental ChangesFeminist : Gendered Roles, Positions, and Statuses

Family Theory Timeline1918-1929 Symbolic Interactionism1930-1945 Structural-Functionalism

1946-1960 Life Course1960-1980 Systems • Conflict • Exchange • Ecological

1980-1985 Feminist

Family Theory FociSymbolic Interactionism : Meaning , Roles, & Identities

Structural-Functionalism : Function, Norms, & DevianceLife Course: Development Over Time

Systems: Decision MakingConflict : Power And Resource Distribution

Exchange : Interdependencies and Transactions Ecological : Adaptation To Environmental ChangesFeminist : Gendered Roles, Positions, and Statuses

KEY ASSUMPTIONSKEY ASSUMPTIONS• Every social system needs to achieve a state of Every social system needs to achieve a state of

order or system equilibrium. Institutions help order or system equilibrium. Institutions help make that happen.make that happen.

• All of our norms, values, roles, and institutions All of our norms, values, roles, and institutions can be classified on the basis of the following can be classified on the basis of the following expressive and instrumental variables:expressive and instrumental variables:

• Ascription and Achievement• Affectivity and Affective Neutrality• Diffuseness and Specificity• Particularism and Universalism• Collectivity and Self

THE FUNCTIONS OF FAMILIESTHE FUNCTIONS OF FAMILIES

To regulate sexual activityTo ensure that new babies survive to become adult

members of the societyTo ensure that children are socialized into the norms

and values of societyTo provide “economic” support for family membersTo satisfy our emotional needs for love and security

To provide us with a sense of place and position

The “Benchmark” Family Is The Traditional Intact The “Benchmark” Family Is The Traditional Intact Nuclear Family Of A Breadwinner Husband, Nuclear Family Of A Breadwinner Husband,

Homemaker Wife, And Their Children Homemaker Wife, And Their Children (Preferably A Boy And A Girl)(Preferably A Boy And A Girl)