Final answer:
The functionalist theory holds that identification with traditional gender roles is maintained during the active parenting years to help ensure the survival of children.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the functionalist theory, identification with traditional gender roles is maintained during the active parenting years to help ensure the survival of children. Functionalists argue that these gender roles were established in pre-industrial times, with men taking on responsibilities outside the home and women taking care of domestic responsibilities.
These roles were seen as functional because of the physical limitations faced by women due to pregnancy and nursing. They were passed on to subsequent generations as it helped maintain a proper functioning family system.