This paper looks upon the structural functional approach in relation to the problems of sex and gender. The theory serves to explain why men and women have unequal roles in the society, the fact that nowadays, with the onset of feminism and equal opportunities, is more and more seen as a problem and an injustice. Structural functional approach presupposes that gender roles are determined by societal expectations that are formed in the process of social interaction within society; therefore, these roles are socially imposed and nurtured.
Parsons and the concept of separation of instrumental and expressive functions in the family played a leading role in American sociology until the early 70s of the XX century. The structural-functional approach to understanding the relations between the sexes was reflected in the joint monograph by Parsons and Bales. This approach has become paradigmatic, being called gender-role. At the center of the gender role theory of socialization is the process of learning and internalization of cultural and normative standards that stabilize society (Parsons and Bales 37-42). Learning involves the assimilation and reproduction of existing norms. The background of this concept is the idea of a person as a relatively passive entity that perceives, assimilates cultural reality, but does not create it itself.
According to this approach, a woman performs an expressive role in the social system, a man — an instrumental one. Expressive role means, in modern terms, the exercise of caring, emotional work, maintaining the psychological balance of the family. This role is the monopoly of the housewife, belongs to the sphere of responsibility of the woman. The instrumental role of a man is to regulate relations between the family and other social systems, this is the role of a breadwinner and protector. Types of role behavior are determined by social status, role stereotypes are assimilated in the process of socialization and internalization of norms, or role expectations. The correct performance of the role is ensured by a system of rewards and punishments, positive and negative reinforcements.
The allotment of an expressive role to a woman and an instrumental one to a man is explained by the attachment of young children to their mother. A strong bond between mother and children is formed that is why the father has the only option of performing an instrumental role, that is to ensure effective interaction of a family with society (Parsons and Bales 67-70). Moreover, primary role of a man is seen in providing for the family. A man’s professional activity is extremely important for the family not only because it is the main source of material support for the family, but also because the amount of income and prestige of a man’s work determine the social status, standard and lifestyle of the family as a whole.
At the same time, the initial basis of the gender-role approach is the implicit recognition of the biological determinism of roles, referring to the Freudian idea of innate masculine and feminine principles. These principles serve well to explain why the problem of gender roles still exists today. Indeed, seen as an inalienable part of natural development of men and women alike, innate stances may well govern the societal perception of man’s and women’s roles. Since these principles are viewed as predetermined, they are not changed along the changes that take place in the society and remain intact to this day.
Parsons recognizes that there is a contradiction between the basic values of modern society and the inequality of men and women in the structure of employment. If some women are committed to the core values of equality and the importance of working outside the home, they may be dissatisfied with their subordinate position, and modern feminism is an expression of this dissatisfaction. The solution to gender problem, according to structural functional approach, lies with the fact that women should find occupations that would allow them to gain confidence without undermining the dominant role of men in society. Women may become professional housewives and do charity work to satisfy their craving for social recognition.
Advocates of structural functional approach believe that gender roles are predetermined by societal expectations and, simultaneously, derived from inner principles of men and women. According to the theory, men are seen as providers for the family while women are allotted the roles of mothers and housewives. Nowadays, this theory has largely been reconsidered. However, it may still be instrumental in helping to resolve gender problems through the system of positive and negative reinforcements, when women, for example, get additional monetary rewards for their instrumental role within society and family.
Work Cited
Parsons, Talcott, and Robert Bales. Glencoe. The Free Press, 1955.