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Explain and Discuss Why the Definition of Family Is Problematic from the Perspectives of History, Ideology and Policy. How Does Violence Within Families Challenge the Functionalist Approach to Family?

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Explain and Discuss Why the Definition of Family Is Problematic from the Perspectives of History, Ideology and Policy. How Does Violence Within Families Challenge the Functionalist Approach to Family?
Explain and discuss why the definition of family is problematic from the perspectives of history, ideology and policy. How does violence within families challenge the functionalist approach to family?

I am discussing how history, ideology and policy perspectives establish problems with the definition of family. My main focus will be identifying how family violence and abuse within families challenge the functionalist approach to family. The definition of ‘family’ is extremely broad; however I will only be focusing on the functionalist approach which is the nuclear family. Functionalists believe that the nuclear family is the ‘ideal’ family type and is seen as the traditional family. The history perspective will explore how domestic violence has become more of a problem throughout the year. I will include how domestic violence has appeared to increase over the years which also link with policy and ideology because there are new laws linked to domestic violence and theorists such as feminists who have spoken up about domestic violence. History is used ideologically to produce policies for the present. Ideology will focus on different peoples beliefs on the definition of family and the effect domestic violence can have on a functionalist approach to family. The perspective of policy will concentrate on new laws that have been put in place which have a positive effect on the damage of domestic violence. A policy perspective also emphasises how important these laws have become and the effect it has had on the functionalist approach to family. An understanding of the past and present helps society to understand where present policies and ideologies have been produced. All of these perspectives have a connection with one another, for example, throughout history there have been new policies put in place to help decrease domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be described as violent, threatening behaviour or abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners



Bibliography: 1. Britain Parliament (1976) Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act (1976: 50) (Act of Parliament) London: HMSO. 2. Cheal, D (2008). Families in today’s world: A comparative approach. Oxon: Routledge. 3. Dallos, R. and McLaughlin, E. (1993) Social Problems and the Family. London: Sage Publications. 4. Dobash. R.E. and Dobash, R.P. 2000. ‘The politics and policies of responsing to violence against women.’ In J.Hanmer and C. Itzin Home Truths About Domestic Violence. London and New York: Routledge, p187-204. 5. Gelles, RJ. (1993) Through a Sociological Lens: Social Structure and Family Violence. In: Gelles, RJ. And Loseke, DR. (1993) Current Controversies on Family Violence. London: Sage Publications, p31-46. 6. Geoff Dench. 1996. The Place of Men in changing family cultures.. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.s-cool.co.uk/category/subjects/a-level/sociology/family-ideology. [Accessed 09 January 13]. 8. Harwin, N. and Barron, J. (2000) Home Truths About Domestic Violence: feminist influences on policy and practice: a reader. London: Routledge. 9. Home Office Statistical Bulletin (2010) Crime in England and Wales 09/10. 3rd Edition. Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218135832/http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1210.pdf Last Accessed 8th January 2013. 10. McCue, ML, 2008. Domestic Violence: A Reference Handbook. 2nd ed. USA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. 11. Mooney, J. (2000) Revealing the hidden figure of domestic violence. In: Hanmer, J. and Itzin, C. eds. (2000) Home Truths About Domestic Violence: Feminist influences on policy and practice: A reader. 1st ed. London: Routledge, p.24-43. 12. Oregon Domestic Violence Council. 1995. A Collaborative Approach to Domestic Violence: Oregon Protocol Handbook. Portland: Oregon Domestic Violence Council. 13. Parliament of the United Kingdom (2004) Civil Partnership Act (2004: 33) (Act of Parliament) London: HMSO. 14. Parliament of the United Kingdom (2002) Divorce Act (2002: 27) (Act of Parliament) London: HMSO.

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