Functionalism

Question 1

Functionalists argue that all institutions have important ___ to play in the running of a smooth and _____ society.

Murdock (1949) argues that the nuclear family performs 4 key roles. What are they?

Answer 1

• Roles
• Functional

1, Educational - Children are taught the norms and values of society (also known as primary socialisation).

2, Economic -The family provides an economic function to all its members by pooling resources and ensuring all have what they need.

3, Reproductive - Produces the next generation of the society.

4, Sexual - Ensures that adults’ sexual relationships are controlled and stable.

Question 2

What is the warm bath theory?

Answer 2

It is the idea that when a man came home from a hard day at work, he could relax into is family like a warm bath and it would take away the stress and refresh him for the next day’s work.

Question 3

What is the warm bath theory?

Answer 3

It is the idea that when a man came home from a hard day at work, he could relax into is family like a warm bath and it would take away the stress and refresh him for the next day’s work.
For example, with this emotional support and security, ‘letting go’ and playing with children acts as safety value. By distressing the overwhelmed adult personality the destressed individual ultimately contributes toward a strengthened social stabilty in wider society.