Theories of the family: functionalist, feminist, conflict and interactionist

What this note covers

1. Why the family needs more than one theoretical lens
2. Functionalist views: Murdock's universal functions and Parsons' functional fit
3. Conflict and Marxist perspectives: family, property and capitalism
4. Feminist perspectives: liberal, Marxist and radical critiques
5. Interactionist perspective: family as a negotiated, everyday achievement
6. Worked example: one family scenario through four lenses
7. Evaluating the theories: strengths and limitations side by side
8. How theories of the family are examined and what separates a top response

8 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes