Functionalism

Question 1

Outline the functionalist view of family?

Answer 1

• the family meets basic needs or prerequisites of society
• in terms of the biological analogy, the family is an important ‘organ’ in the ‘body’ of society
• maintains social order and cohesion

Question 2

How many societies did Murdock study?

Answer 2

250

Question 3

Which 4 basic functions did Murdock believe the family performs?

Answer 3

• Sexual
• Reproductive
• Socialising
• Economic

Question 4

What did Murdock mean when he said the family is a unit of production?

Answer 4

Individuals all work for their wages and contribute to produce/provide for their family

Question 5

What did Murdock mean when he said the family is a unit of consumption?

Answer 5

• there is a circular flow of income

- family earn to consume and spend

Question 6

What aspects of the family did Bell and Vogel look at?

Answer 6

The dysfunctional aspects

Question 7

What is meant by emotional scapegoat? Who normally takes on this role?

Answer 7

• the children

- when the problems within the family/marriage are taken out of the children

Question 8

What do Bell and Vogel believe emotional scapegoating does for the family?

Answer 8

Stabilising the family and therefore society - no tension outside of family

Question 9

What was Parson’s outlook on the family

Answer 9

• Families provide two key functions : primary socialisation (teaching kids norms and values) and stabilisation of adult personality (emotional security within the family)
• Warm bath theory - family provides warm bath for husband
• Geographic and social mobility - stability of family allows them to move (home or social class)

Question 10

What are criticisms of the functionalist outlook?

Answer 10

• ignores negative aspects of family - 42% of marriages end in divorce/50,732 children on child protection register
• assumes nuclear family is main family type
• ## looks at traditional families - e.g. wife stays home to cook