Families and Households - Functionalism

Question 1

4 functions of the nuclear family:
1. sexual function - limiting sexuality to monogamous relationships, preventing conflict arising from sexual desire
2. reproductive function - new generation is reproduced, vital for survival of society
3. economic function - unit providing food and shelter for its members to survive
4. educational function - a stable environment in which children can be socialised into culture of their society

Answer 1

Murdock (1949)

Question 2

A03 of Murdock

Answer 2

• not all children are raised in families
• other institutions socialise e.g education
  MARXISTS say it meets needs of capitalism through obeying superiors, submission
• study in 1949 so outdated views, family structures changed since then e.g children of wedlock

Question 3

family structure changed to fit the needs of different societies e.g:
pre industrial - extended family
industrial - nuclear family, geographically and socially mobile workforce

structural differentiation of the welfare state has taken over many functions of the family into specialised agencies e.g healthcare and clothing

Answer 3

Talcott Parsons

Question 4

A03 of funtionalism

Answer 4

• ignores dark side of family e.g domestic violence, sexual abuse
• FEMINISM says men benefit more from family than woman e.g lack of triple burden
• ignores family diversity away from the nuclear family