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.

IW
Answered by Isobel W. Sociology tutor

32945 Views

See similar Sociology GCSE tutors

Related Sociology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are two ways in which the agents of socialisation influence ethnic identity?


A researcher is investigating the amount of hours children spend on the computer a day. Suggest a suitable research method. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of this method.


Why are families important agents of socialization?


How do I approach an OCR fifty-mark essay?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning