Evaluate 3 different ways of looking at the function of the family

Functionalists see the family as an important social institution, functioning for the good of society and the individual. Parsons (1955) stated that families are "personality factories" where children are socialised into the culture of society by being taught the shared norms and values of their community. They are given a strong sense of belonging and the family is seen as central to consensus and order. This is also shown when functionalists' state that family controls its …

…needs of men rather than society, and exploits and oppresses women. There seem to be a variety of problems with each of these theories, though it is probably more to do with the passing of time than anything else. None seem to be aware of influences such as ethnicity, social class or religion and fail to appreciate that modern woman may stay at home to take care of the children only if family finances permit.