Functionalism

Question 1

What is the organic analogy of Family?

Answer 1

Functionalists believe society does the same, in which it is made up of interdependent parts (eg. the education system, the government, religion etc) that work together to maintain the social system as a whole

Just as the human body has organs that work together

Question 2

What 4 critical functions did Murdock say the Nuclear family performs?

Answer 2

Reproduction/ procreation - ensures societies survival and shows the emotional commitment of the couple, also stabilises the
family life and marital relationship

Sexual - Keeps stability in society and shows a message that the couple belong to one and other and are not sexually available

Economic - Parents economically support their children and encourages their children to do the same

Socialisation - culture is reproduced and passed down through the generations via primary socialisation

Question 3

What is the functional fit?

Answer 3

The idea that the family fits the functions based on the type of society it is in

e.g industrial vs pre-industrial

Question 4

Who came up with the functional fit?

Answer 4

Parsons

Question 5

What 2 irreducible functions does parsons argue the nuclear family have?

Answer 5

Primary socialisation

Stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 6

What analogy did Parsons use to describe the family?

Answer 6

the warm bath theory