Family Concepts - GP Murdock

Question 1

Functionalist see every institution within society as essential to to the smooth running of society. A key functionalist - Murdock (1949) argued that this global nuclear unit of the nuclear family, made up of two sexually cohabiting adults of either sex and a child(ren), performed four functions.
What were they?

Answer 1

1 - Reproductive
2 - Sexual
3 - Educational
4 - Economic

Question 2

According to Murdock what did the reproductive function provide?

Answer 2

It ensures physical survival in different ways.

Question 3

Murdock argued that some form of the nuclear family existed within all 250 different societies.
What is the basic function of ‘Sexual’?

Answer 3

Provides a stable sexual relationship for adults, and controls the sextal relationship of its members.

Question 4

What is the basic function of ‘Reproductive’?

Answer 4

Provides new babies - new members of society, the next generation.

Question 5

What is the basic function of ‘Economic’?

Answer 5

The family pools resources and provides for all its members adults and children.