Different Theories on How Families Function in Society

There are different ways to think about what families do in our communities. Here are three important ideas:

1. Functionalism:

   • Functionalists see families as important parts of society. They believe families have several important jobs:
     • Teaching Values: Families help children learn what is right and wrong and share their culture.
     • Emotional Support: Families give love and security, which is very important for our mental well-being.
     • Financial Help: Families share their resources and help support each other financially.
   • According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 90% of kids under 16 live with at least one parent. This emphasizes how important families are in raising children.

2. Marxism:

   • Marxists focus on how families fit into the money-focused way our society works. Here are some main ideas:
     • Creating Workers: Families bring up the next group of workers for the economy.
     • Spreading Ideas: Families pass on beliefs that support the way things are, including the acceptance of inequality.
   • Statistics show that about 65% of families in the UK face financial difficulties, which reflects larger economic issues in society.

3. Feminism:

   • Feminist theory looks at how traditional family roles can affect gender roles for men and women:
     • Male-Dominated Families: Many families are controlled by men, which can keep women in lower positions.
     • Work at Home: Women often do more unpaid housework; studies show they spend about 30 hours a week doing household tasks, while men spend about 15 hours.
   • The number of single-parent families has grown, now making up about 15% of households in the UK. This changes how we think about what a family can be.

These theories help us understand how families work and how they affect our lives and society. Knowing about these different perspectives is important for examining families today.