Functionalism

Question 1

Murdock

Answer 1

Four functions of the Family:
Sexual:
- Provides a stable sexual relationship for adults, and controls the sexual relationships of its members
- Promotes monogamous relationships

Reproductive:
- Provides new babies/ new members of society

Economic:
- The family pools resources and provides for its members

Educational:
- Primary Socialisation: The family teaches children the norms and values of society, which keeps the values of society going

Question 2

Parsons: Functional Fit Theory

Answer 2

• the nuclear family is best fitted to modern society, because modern industry needs a geographically mobile workforce

Question 3

Parsons: 2 functions of the family

Answer 3

Primary Socialisation:
- the family is responsible for teaching children the norms and values of society, to maintain social order/ value consensus

Stabilisation of Adult Personalities:
- the emotional relationship within the marriage gives the husband the support and security he needs to cope in wider society (at work)
- the family acts as a safe sanctuary/ haven away from the stress of everyday work (warm bath theory)