Which statement is a criticism of the functionalist view of the family?

Which statement is a criticism of the functionalist view of the family?

• A. It is too radical and utopian
• B. It ignores exploitation of women and gender inequality
• C. It overemphasizes conflict
• D. It is too focused on economic class

Answer: (B)

The question tests a feminist critique of the functionalist view of the family. Functionalism sees the family as a stabilising unit that socialises children and maintains social order, often portraying gender roles as functional and natural. The strongest criticism is that this perspective ignores how family life can involve the exploitation of women and reinforce gender inequality. By focusing on harmony and the smooth running of society, functionalism tends to gloss over unequal power within the home, unpaid domestic labour, economic dependence of women, and patriarchal norms that privilege men. That is why this particular statement stands out: it points to a real, well-documented limitation of the theory.

The other options don’t fit the critique as well. Functionalism isn’t described as radical or utopian; it actually emphasizes stability and consensus. It doesn’t typically claim the family overemphasises conflict; in fact, it tends to downplay conflict. And while class can be discussed, functionalism is not centered on economic class in the way that other theories (like Marxism) are.