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Sociology490 views·Updated May 21, 2026·2 pagesSociology Essay Plan: Family's Role in Socialisation
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Understanding the Question and Functionalist Views
Before diving into your essay, you need to define your key terms clearly. Family refers to a group of two or more people connected by birth, marriage, adoption or living together in a long-term relationship. Primary socialisation is simply the process where children learn social rules and values from their parents.
Functionalist sociologists strongly agree that primary socialisation is the family's main job. They argue that families pass on norms, values, and belief systems that help society function smoothly. According to this view, mothers take the "expressive role" - focusing on emotional care and cultural development - while fathers play the "instrumental role" as breadwinners.
However, these functionalist ideas face serious criticism in modern society. Many women now work outside the home, and the theory completely ignores families with same-sex parents. The traditional gender roles seem outdated when you look at how families actually work today.
Quick Tip: Always include a criticism of each sociological perspective to show balanced evaluation skills.
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Marxist and New Right Perspectives
Marxist sociologists take a different stance on family functions. While they acknowledge that primary socialisation happens, they argue it's mainly used to maintain capitalism. Families become "consumer units" that focus on buying the latest goods, which keeps economic inequalities going for generations. For Marxists, economic support is actually the family's most important function, not socialising children.
New Right sociologists agree with functionalists that primary socialisation is crucial. They believe children need both mother and father influences to properly understand society's norms and values. New Right theorists like Peter Saunders worry that family breakdown creates social problems, pointing to statistics showing children from single-parent homes face more challenges.
Critics argue that New Right views are too narrow, failing to acknowledge that children from traditional two-parent families can also face difficulties. Their perspective doesn't account for successful outcomes in diverse family structures.
Essay Success: In your conclusion, note that Functionalists and New Right theorists do agree on primary socialisation's importance, while Marxists prioritise economic functions instead.
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Sociology490 views·Updated May 21, 2026·2 pagesSociology Essay Plan: Family's Role in Socialisation
Planning your next sociology assessment? You'll be tackling a 12-mark question about whether sociologists agree that families exist mainly to teach children how to fit into society. This breakdown will help you understand the key arguments from different sociological perspectives... Show more
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Understanding the Question and Functionalist Views
Before diving into your essay, you need to define your key terms clearly. Family refers to a group of two or more people connected by birth, marriage, adoption or living together in a long-term relationship. Primary socialisation is simply the process where children learn social rules and values from their parents.
Functionalist sociologists strongly agree that primary socialisation is the family's main job. They argue that families pass on norms, values, and belief systems that help society function smoothly. According to this view, mothers take the "expressive role" - focusing on emotional care and cultural development - while fathers play the "instrumental role" as breadwinners.
However, these functionalist ideas face serious criticism in modern society. Many women now work outside the home, and the theory completely ignores families with same-sex parents. The traditional gender roles seem outdated when you look at how families actually work today.
Quick Tip: Always include a criticism of each sociological perspective to show balanced evaluation skills.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Marxist and New Right Perspectives
Marxist sociologists take a different stance on family functions. While they acknowledge that primary socialisation happens, they argue it's mainly used to maintain capitalism. Families become "consumer units" that focus on buying the latest goods, which keeps economic inequalities going for generations. For Marxists, economic support is actually the family's most important function, not socialising children.
New Right sociologists agree with functionalists that primary socialisation is crucial. They believe children need both mother and father influences to properly understand society's norms and values. New Right theorists like Peter Saunders worry that family breakdown creates social problems, pointing to statistics showing children from single-parent homes face more challenges.
Critics argue that New Right views are too narrow, failing to acknowledge that children from traditional two-parent families can also face difficulties. Their perspective doesn't account for successful outcomes in diverse family structures.
Essay Success: In your conclusion, note that Functionalists and New Right theorists do agree on primary socialisation's importance, while Marxists prioritise economic functions instead.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Sociological Functionalism
9Most popular content in Sociology
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user