Functionalism Flashcards
How many societies did Murdock ‘study’?
250
What type of theorist was Murdock 1949?
Arm chair
What were Murdock’s (1949) universal functions?
Socialisation
Sexual regulation
Economic
Reproduction
Sly | Snakes | Engulf | Rainbows
What do functionalists believe?
That society is based on shared harmonious values. To be functional an agent must contributes to society.
What is Parson’s 1955 functional fit theory?
Functions depend on society.
Pre industrial- extended family, work and home not separated, perform all functions.
Industrial- has different needs to pre industrial:
Geographically mobile workforce: easier for nuclear family to move to where jobs are
Socially mobile workforce: need meritocratic promotion, if son has job of greater influence than father, tension.
Ideal family: MOBILE STRUCTURALLY ISOLATED NUCLEAR FAMILY.
What are Parson’s (1955) 2 irreducible functions?
Primary socialisation of children
Stabilisation of adult personalities- relieve tension and help economic efficiency.
Why does Parson’s believe there has been a loss of functions?
Education to school
Care to NHS
Why do Marxists and feminists criticise the functionalist view?
Say they view society with rose tinted glasses, society isn’t harmonious but based in conflict.
Ignores the dark side of the family.
Some critics say that functions could be performed by other institutions, making Murdock’s claim of the purpose of the family to carry out these functions redundant. What does he retaliate with?
The family do all and do so easier thus making it a ‘universal’ phenomenon.
