The Functionalist Approach

The Functionalist approach to the family is like 'an organic system' just like the human body, where every part plays a role to keeping the body working and therefore in general keeping society harmoniously. They see every institution in society as essential to the smooth running of society.

Functionalist Views
Sex, marriage and reproduction - they believe that it provides satisfaction of sexual needs and then benefits both partners. They also believe that it produces the next genenerations and the new members of society.

Socialisation and social control - they believe this passes on the shared culture without which society wouldn't exist. They also believe that this prepares children for adult roles.

Stabilisation - they believe a loving relationship in marriage provides warmth, security, emotional support and fulfilment for adults.

Economic and welfare - they believe that both genders have different capabilities so the division of labour is an efficent way of organising the family.

Evaluation
There are negatives with the Functionalist family because they only look at the positive aspects and are oblivious to the other factors. However, the positives are that they understand how important the family is to society.

Functionalists



This is Talcott Parsons and he introduced the 'warm bath' theory.