Functionalism

Question 1

What were murdocks 4 functions of the family?

Answer 1

-stable satisfaction of the sex drive
-reproduction of the next generation
-socialisation of the young
-meeting its members economic needs

Question 2

What family type does Murdock believe is best to carry out his 4 functions?

Answer 2

Nuclear

Question 3

What are 2 criticisms of murdocks theories?

Answer 3

• feminists: the family serves to meet the needs of men and oppresses women
• Marxists: the family meets the needs of capitalism, not the needs to family members and society as a whole

Question 4

What is parsons ‘functional fit’ theory

Answer 4

The functions that society performs will depend on the needs of society
Pre-industrial society= extended family
Industrial society=nuclear family

Question 5

What is parsons loss of functions?

Answer 5

Family in modern society has lost many of its functions and has become a unit of consumption only rather than a unit of production

Question 6

What are two essential functions?

Answer 6

Primary socialisation of children
Stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 7

What are Durkheim’s 2 basic functions of eduction

Answer 7

Promotes social solidarity
It prepares students for work