Sociological Perspectives on Family Structure and Function

How Do Sociologists Approach the Study of Families and Family Life?

Before, the nuclear family was viewed in very positive terms as an important and necessary part of society. Recent approaches see things differently as they focus more on the negative aspects of family and family life.

The Functionalist Approach to the Study of the Nuclear Family

Some sociologists argue that the nuclear family performs a number of essential functions, both for individuals and society. This view is known as the consensus or functionalist approach; people and society have basic needs. Functionalists identify 4 main functions of the nuclear family:

1. Reproduction

The nuclear family has an important role in procreation and childbearing. The family reproduces the human race and the future workforce. It also helps to regulate adult sexual behavior, as the nuclear family is based on monogamy.

2. Primary Socialization

Society needs to ensure that new members will support its norms and values. Through the primary socialization process, we learn how to fit in and how to conform. The family also acts as an agency of social control.

3. Emotional Gratification and Nurture

The nuclear family supplies us with emotional and psychological support and comfort. It is a place of safety and security.

4. Economic Provision

We need financial support, food, and shelter, and the nuclear family meets these needs.

New Right Approach

This can be seen as a recent reworking of the earlier optimistic approach of functionalism. It believes that the nuclear family is the preferred family type. Children of two parents are thought to do better educationally, physically, psychologically, and socially than children with single parents. The New Right Approach (NRA) believes that family values are important. Family values are based on the view that there is a normal family type:

• Woman’s role within the family is that of carer and nurturer.
• Man’s role is breadwinner and protector.
• Family members have a duty to provide for each other.

Supporters of family values tend to oppose gay and lesbian rights, sexual freedom, and abortion. They argue that family values are declining and that this has placed the family in crisis.

How Do Critical Approaches View Families and Family Life?

Sociologists hold a critical view of the modern family, focusing on the negative side of family life. Critics of family life point to the emotional conflict that can exist between family members, leading to stress and frustration, which shows the dysfunctional side of family life.

The Conflict Approach

This approach is critical of the family as an institution. Marxist sociologists see capitalist society as based on conflict. The family is one of the institutions through which social inequality is reproduced over time from one generation to the next. Educational advantage is also passed down through families. Conflict sociologists argue that through socialization processes in the family, working-class people may learn to accept their position in an unequal society.