Functionalist Theory In Road End

Society has made constant attempts to rationalize and explain child and human development through observations and research done over extended periods of time. Over the course of life, sociologists, psychologists, and anthropologists have deduced several theories, which clearly articulate and respond to the questions about human civilization that individuals have asked, for over centuries and established them as theoretical perspectives. The most referred to theory, functionalism, analyzes the family structure and the roles in which individuals assume in life. Through the works of Mary Lawson “Road Ends” The author uses the functionalist theory as a basis to explain the dysfunctions of the Cartwright’s through its idealization of the nuclear …show more content…
Functionalists have also acquired the ability to deduce when individuals are not behaving according to their role in society, therefore recording the cause and effect that this issue has on its members (Holloway). While reading the novel, there is an instance where Emily does not respond to the principles phone calls regarding her twin sons and ignored Tom’s constant remarks about the child neglect seen within the household. This results in a shift of everyone’s role within society as the teacher is now forced to take time out of his day in order to ensure the situation is dealt with, Tom has to confront his mother and have an uncomfortable conversation with her in regards to her child-rearing abilities, while Edward now has to go and deal with a matter that disinterests him, alone (Lawson). Emily’s inability to behave according to her status as a female during this time and role as a mother, resulting in her inability to care for her family, thus affecting society as a whole. Moreover, the placement and use of social institutions teaches appropriate behaviours for different roles individuals will play within society, when their family of origins are unable to provide them with these qualities (Holloway). Within the text Lawson utilizes the social institution of the family and protagonist Tom in order to teach Adam about gender roles from …show more content…
On the whole, functionalism is not the only theory to be noted when observing the structure and development of a family and its members, however it is the most prevalent theory witnessed within this