Functionalism is a basis for a building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to create stability. Within the functionalist theory, …show more content…
Families reproduce, nurture, and socialize children. Talcott Parsons and Robert Bales (1955) Argued that there needs to be two types of leaders in order for a small group to function effectively. These men published a book entitled Family, Socialization and Interaction Process, which provided a functionalist explanation for the differentiated family gender roles. Parsons and Bales described the roles of women and men necessary to support a family. Parsons argued that a full-time mother was responsible for the family needs, while the husband was responsible for income. Women were limited to their roles of wives and mothers.The Functionalist Perspective states that families are organized in instrumental-expressive lines, the instrumental role has typically been played by the father and the expressive role by the mother. Men tend to be task oriented leaders while women lead in social and emotional behavior. The husband will provide income and primary leadership authority within the family and the wife will provide affection and moral support towards the husband and children. Women often worked the “second shift”. After coming home from their paid day job, they would put on an aprina and start their “second shift” This consisted of cleaning the house, making dinner and caring for the children while the …show more content…
Feminist theory analyzes gender stratification through the intersection of gender, race, and class. Feminism is not a single theory, but a set of evolving theoretical perspectives. Feminist argue women are disadvantaged because society is patriarchal. Patriarchy is a system of sociological organization in which men have a disproportionate share of power.One of the first actions taken by feminist, was the seneca falls convention. This convention took place in 1848 to start creating an awareness of the need for Women’s Rights. Feminists believe that both men and women should have the freedom to develop their human interests even if those they conflict with the status quo. If a woman wants to be a police officer, she should have the right and opportunity to do so. Feminists oppose laws and cultural norms that limit income, educational and job opportunities for women. Gender stratification occurs when gender differences give men greater privilege and power over women. Feminists feel that women should have control over their sexuality and reproduction. Miriam Johnson (1993) stated that women should change the particular normative order rather than changing patterns in the role of differentiation, she believed this would be a more effective way to reduce gender inequality. Women are disadvantaged because of the pattricrical culture that values men 's usefulness over women 's expressiveness. To