Functionalist Theory of the Family (Part 2) PDF
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This document presents a lecture on the functionalist theory of the family, focusing on Talcott Parsons' perspective. It includes learning objectives, success criteria, and key concepts such as the nuclear family, primary socialization, and the 'warm bath' theory.
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Week 11 The Functionalist Theory of the Family Learning Objective: To evaluate the nuclear family structure and assess its advantages. Success Criteria: 1. I know who Talcott Parsons is. 2. I can explain Parsons’ functionalist theory on the nuclear family. 3. I c...
Week 11 The Functionalist Theory of the Family Learning Objective: To evaluate the nuclear family structure and assess its advantages. Success Criteria: 1. I know who Talcott Parsons is. 2. I can explain Parsons’ functionalist theory on the nuclear family. 3. I can evaluate whether Parsons’ perspective of the nuclear family is limited. Key Words: Functionalism, Parsons, Warm Bath Theory, Analogy. Talcott Parsons and the Nuclear Family: Talcott Parsons is regarded by many as the 20th century’s most influential American sociologist. He laid the foundation of the modern functionalist perspective. Parsons argued that the main function of the family are: 1) primary socialization of children, 2) stabilization of adult personalities. In other words, families are needed in society to raise children and to provide for the emotional needs of adults. Parsons also traced the development of the family suggesting that extended families were replaced by nuclear families (as the most dominant family type) in the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution. The ‘Warm Bath’ Theory: As previously discussed, Parsons believed that the family serves a second function (not just the primary socialization of children) in society – the stabilization of adult personalities. Parsons referred to this function as a ‘warm bath’. Parsons claims that family life relieves the stresses of living in modern-day society. Q. Can you remember what type of stressors you mentioned? Class Discussion: 10 Points to Consider mins Take a look at the 6 aspects of modern-day living that you have identified as causing stress. Q. Did any of these aspects also cause stress for your grandparents? Q. Has society changed much in the last 50 years? Q. Do you predict that the 6 stressors that you listed on your graphic organizer will also cause future generations stress? Q. What plans can we put in place Task 3: 2:10 EdPuzzle Video Let’s now watch a video entitled: Families and Households: Parsons on the Family Tips: Take notes during the video as some of the information could be useful for your graded assignment on The
