Discuss the value of understanding sociological approaches to the family in enhancing effective partnerships with families and children’.

This essay aims to give an overview perspective of three sociological approaches to the family; Functionalist, Marxist and Feminist, how each approach sees society and how each approach perceives the family. Secondly, each perspective will be evaluated and critically analysed. Finally, the values of the theories highlighted in this essay, will be discussed in relation to how, as an early years practitioner I can use this knowledge to improve my practice.

According to Taylor et al (2005), the sociology of the family was traditionally governed by functionalist theory which highlights the universal and functional role the family played in society. Furthermore, functionalists take a broad view of society and focus on macro aspect of social life (Ingleby and Oliver 2008). Cunningham and Cunningham (2010:12) use an analogy of the human body to highlight the functionalist approach to society:

“Just as biologists understand the ways in which different bodily organs such as, the heart, the brain, the kidneys, the lungs and so on, perform a specific function to keep the human body alive, so with society, its different components work in harmony with one common end, the survival and well-being of society”.

Moreover, social institutions such as the family, education, the economy, religion and the political system exist because they carry out central tasks which contribute to the well-being of society (Cunningham and Cunningham 2010). Similarly, according to Comte (1798-1857), society is a system of interrelated parts, each of which depends on other parts to function. For example the education system relies on the family to produce effectively socialised children; the economy is dependent on the education system to produce educated i...

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... continue to critique Marxist and functionalist approach for ignoring diversity within the family.

Early years practitioners need to be aware of the connection between the conflict theory and the effect that the economic circumstances of a family will have on the child’s overall development. For example Goodman and Gregg (2010) highlight that children growing up in poorer families leave school with substantially lower levels of educational attainment. Furthermore, Ingleby and Oliver (2008) state that it is essential for early years practitioners to recognise the significance to a child’s ability to fulfil their potential based on their economic circumstances, such as poor housing, lack of education and poverty. Moreover, once these circumstances are alleviated children will have more possibility to attain their developmental potential (Ingleby and Oliver 2008).