Sociology (9699)
Topic 3 of 3Cambridge A Levels

The Family

Functionalist, Marxist, feminist and postmodern views on the family

Functionalist perspective (Murdock, Parsons):

  • Family performs essential functions: sexual regulation, reproduction, socialisation, economic provision
  • Parsons: Nuclear family fits industrial society. Instrumental role (male breadwinner) + expressive role (female homemaker)
  • Criticised for being ideological — ignoring diversity and dark side of family life

    • Marxist perspective (Engels, Zaretsky):

  • Family reproduces labour force for capitalism. Socialises children into accepting inequality.
  • Zaretsky: Family provides "warm bath" — emotional refuge that prevents workers from rebelling
  • Inheritance of property maintains class inequality across generations

    • Feminist perspectives:

  • Liberal feminists: Push for legal equality within existing family structure
  • Radical feminists: Family is a site of patriarchal oppression. Domestic violence, unpaid labour
  • Marxist feminists: Women's unpaid domestic work benefits capitalism (reproduces workers for free)

    • Postmodern view: No single "normal" family type. Diversity is the norm — single-parent, reconstituted, same-sex, chosen families. Individual choice over structural forces.


    Changing family trends: Rising divorce, declining marriage, cohabitation, smaller families, same-sex families, beanpole families (fewer children, living longer).

    Key Points to Remember

    • 1Functionalist: family serves essential social functions
    • 2Marxist: family reproduces capitalism and class inequality
    • 3Feminist: family can be site of patriarchal oppression
    • 4Postmodern: family diversity is the norm, no single ideal

    Pakistan Example

    The Pakistani Joint Family vs Nuclear Trend

    Pakistan's traditional joint family (multigenerational household) reflects functionalist ideas — grandparents socialise children, family provides economic security. But urbanisation is shifting patterns: Karachi and Lahore see more nuclear families. Feminist analysis highlights how joint families can pressure women into domestic roles while Marxist analysis notes how family businesses reproduce class privilege.

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