Parsons Functional Fit Theory

What is modern industrial society?

Smaller nuclear families living in urban areas due to introduction of modern technology/industrial revolution

What is traditional pre-industrial society?

Larger extended families living in the countryside working together in agriculture

What is the function fit theory?

The functions a family performs depend on the kind of society in which it is found

What is ascribed status?

Status that you are born with

What is achieved status?

Status you have worked for in life

What is status?

Position in society

What is geographical isolation?

Living away from other people

What is a mobile nuclear family?

Moving based on job needs

What is a skilled workforce?

Workers with special skills/training

What is a unit of production?

When the family produces/makes something e.g. food from a farm

What is a unit of consumption?

When the family ‘uses up’ resources e.g. clothes, electricity

What is self sufficiency?

When the family aims to look after itself without the help of external agencies

What are irreducible functions?

Functions that don’t change