How do Functionalist and Marxist perceptions of the family differ?
Functionalists view the family and its contribution to society as positive, whereas Marxits see it as a negative institution.
Functionalists see the nuclear family as essential for social order. They view it as providing adequate socialisation and economic support essential for cohesion. The family therefore helps to maintain a harmonious society that functionalists value.
However Marxists argue that the family reproduces oppression. The working class are unable to provide adequate opportunities to their children. This allows the ruling class to maintain power as the family as an institution is like a trap for the working class.
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