Questions and Answers
What is Structural Functionalism Theory?
There are needs that must be met in families and structures (patterns or family types) emerge to meet those needs.
What does it mean that Structural Functionalism is a theory of social survival?
It asks the question, how do we meet the needs of families to survive?
How does this theory relate to the human body?
Society is like the human body, with various social structures working together to maintain equilibrium.
What do 'instrumental' and 'expressive' mean in terms of structure and function?
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How does this theory relate to the Family Proclamation?
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In what ways does it support and diverge from the Proclamation?
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The propositions of the Structure Functionalism Theory include social solidarity and __________.
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What does it mean that polyandrous unions are adaptations to economic poverty?
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How does the debate on Gay marriage fit from a structural/functionalism perspective?
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Primary terms in Structural Functionalism include structure, function, __________, and equilibrium.
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What are the basic assumptions of the Structural Functionalism theory?
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Study Notes
Structural Functionalism Theory Overview
- Structural Functionalism theory emphasizes the necessity of meeting family needs, leading to the emergence of various family structures to fulfill those needs.
- This theory is fundamentally concerned with the concept of social survival, questioning how families can meet societal needs for continuity and stability.
Relationship to the Human Body
- Survival of society parallels the survival functions of an organism, with families acting as essential components to maintain societal health.
- Various social structures operate in unison, akin to organ systems, to sustain societal equilibrium.
- A healthy family structure, free from disruptions like divorce or single parenthood, is crucial for societal well-being.
Tasks Within Family Structures
- Family tasks are categorized into two types:
- Instrumental: Involves protection and provision, focusing on achieving practical outcomes and problem-solving through financial support.
- Expressive: Encompasses nurturing and emotional support, ensuring love is expressed, managing internal conflicts, and fostering social integration.
Alignment with Family Proclamation
- Structural Functionalism aligns with the Family Proclamation in emphasizing that families procreate and socialize children effectively within a traditional nuclear family setting.
- It advocates for clear role divisions among husbands and wives to optimize family function and fulfill individual and collective needs.
Gender Roles and Natural Abilities
- The theory suggests men and women perform distinct tasks based on inherent abilities, with women often taking on the expressive nurturing role and men performing instrumental protective roles.
- Men's physical strength is noted as advantageous in roles of protection and providing family leadership.
Social Solidarity and Collective Conscience
- Fundamental propositions include:
- Social Solidarity: A sense of belonging driven by shared culture, values, and norms.
- Collective Conscience: The societal agreement that reflects the common will of its members.
Polyandrous Unions and Economic Adaptations
- In harsh agricultural environments, polyandry (multiple husbands) develops as a strategy to cope with economic limitations, contrasting with the preference for polygyny in wealthier contexts.
Structural Functionalism and Gay Marriage Debate
- The theory posits that the family is crucial for societal function, cautioning against structures like gay marriage which may disrupt traditional family roles.
- It emphasizes the biological imperative of procreation and socialization as foundational to family stability, viewing same-sex relationships as lacking this capacity to fulfill societal needs.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Important terms include: structure, function, instrumental, expressive, equilibrium, Benchmark Family, deviant behavior, conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion.
Basic Assumptions
- The primary assumption is that family functions are focused on procreation and the socialization of children, emphasizing that every system has its designated functions within society.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of Structural Functionalism Theory through these informative flashcards. Each card provides definitions and insights into how family structures meet social needs for survival. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this sociological perspective.
