#Structure functionalism theory how to#

– Equilibrium: Family structures function best when there is balance. Again this was generally provided by the mother although more husbands are participating in expressive roles nowadays. – Expressive: emotional needs that a family requires like love, communication, and support. Today it is more evently split between husbands or wives. In the 50s this was traditionally the husbands or fathers. is provided through the instrumental role of the breadwinner. – Instrumental: physical needs that a family requires like income, food, clothing etc. We understand the purpose of a structure by its function. The family structure enhances our survival. – Function: The family structure exists to serve a function in society. This could be a typical nuclear family with a mother, father and children, a single-parent family, etc. – Structure: The members that make up a type of family. We have gender specific roles, such as mother/wife and father/husband who perform specific roles for the needs of the family. Our behaviors are driven by our hope of reaching a goal which is defined by the culture we live in. – All systems have functions: Family members help meet the needs of each other and maintain the its family structure.

#Structure functionalism theory how to#

Parents teach children how to function as members in society. – The function of families is to procreate and socialize children: The ideal structure includes the intact nuclear family of husband, wife, and children. Even thought this theory is not widely observed in the present-day it holds valuable information of the role and function the family plays for individuals and society. Many people started to view this theory as outdated with little application to family structures outside of the basic benchmark family, which included a mother, father, and their children. Stability within the family helped to “avoid divorce, rebellion, non-martial sex, and single parenthood.” Although even with the success found within this theory there emerged a decline and upheaval in the 1960s, and by the 1970s it was seen with noticeable disfavor. The family was thought of as the key to balance and survival for individuals and society as a whole. It was the dominant paradigm of the 50’s.

Talcott Parsons, a leading functionalist thinker, believed that the key to societal survival was the shared norms and values within individuals of families. Each family member has a role they play which brings balance and harmony. This is similar to the function of a family. Each part must be in balance to operate correctly. Our bodies consist of organs, tissues, and muscles that need to work together for the body to function properly. Created in the 1950s, this theory had many contributors who taught that the family is similar to the functions and various parts of the human body. This theory is very interesting although it is considered outdated in society today.