Structural Functionalism
Kingsbury, N., & Scanzoni, J. (1993).
Structural-functionalism. In P. G. Boss,
W. J. Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R.
Schumm, & S. K. Steinmetz (Eds.),
Sourcebook of family theories and
methods: A contextual approach (pp.
195-217). New York: Plenum Press.
Why Should We Study a Theory
Which Has Become Obsolete?
 It has been historically significant in
family studies.
 Functionalist assumptions continue to
influence family studies, although some
dispute the influence.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Terms
 Definition of function: contribution that a
part of a system makes to the
maintenance of the whole.
 Definition of structure: arrangement of
roles in a system.
 Properties of a social system, such as
family:
 Specialized or differentiated roles.
 Roles are organized around shared vales and
norms which establish rights and
responsibilities.
 Systems maintain their boundaries.
 Systems tend toward homeostasis or
equilibrium.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Functionalism and the Family
 The family was conceived of as the
structure best able to satisfy the physical
and psychological needs of its members.
 The family also contributes to
maintenance of the society because it
instills children with social values and
norms.
 Roles in the family:
 Two roles:
Instrumental: task-oriented duties such as
breadwinner role.
Expressive: person-oriented duties such as
nurturing.
 Deviance from roles, according to Parsons,
contributed to family disorganization.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Main Contemporary Problems
Addressed
 Alternative life-styles:
 This research compares diverse family forms
or experiences to traditional versions of “the
family.”
 If the structure is outside the mainstream, it is
often described in pejorative terms.
 Family stress perspectives: response to
structural changes is associated with
disorganization and reorganization.
 Remaking relationships: Evolution versus
choice and control
 Functionalist theorists suggest that social
changes are the result of social evolution,
suggesting that social forces dominate
individuals.
 Alternatively, other theorists suggest that
social change occurs because individuals
make personal decisions to challenge social
norms which lead to acceptance of different
structures.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Limitations of StructuralFunctionalism
 Scientific
 Research continues to demonstrate that there
are not “natural “ family structures.
 Research demonstrates that families regularly
experience conflict rather than equilibrium
(e.g., Olson and McCubbin, 1988, noted that
husbands and wives disagree about major
variables, as do parents and adolescents).
 It is difficult to clearly distinguish between
instrumental and expressive roles.
 Public policies/Political implications:
functionalist theories supported existing
structures.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson