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 …show more content…

For example, the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act (1976) and the Divorce Act (2002). Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act (1976: 50) states that it is a law put in place to amend the law relating to matrimonial injunction; to provide the police with powers of arrest for the breach of injunction in cases of domestic violence. Harwin and Barron (2000, p205) discuss how the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act in 1976 allowed a court order to prevent further violence and prohibit their violent partner from the home and in certain situations it allowed them to arrest an individual. This allows courts to make orders on restraining individuals from molesting their partner and excluding them from the home or parts of the home. The Divorce Act (2002) was put into place which allowed an individual to divorce their partner. The Divorce Act (2007: 27) states that it is an act to make provision enabling a court to require the dissolution of a religious marriage before granting a civil divorce. The Divorce Act (2002) will help individuals escape marriages they are unhappy in where they may suffer from domestic violence. Therefore this act helps to protect individuals. Policy may cause problems when defining family too. The Civil Partnership Act (2004: 33) allows individuals in a same-sex relationship to form a civil partnership. Therefore this shows that the act is allowing