Functionalism & Families, Murdock: lesson 7

Question 1

What do functionalists believe about the family

Answer 1

See the family as an essential building block which preforms critical functions

Question 2

What did George Murdock believe

Answer 2

That families must have children, economic
co- operation and live together

Question 3

How many functions did Murdock believe family has

Answer 3

4

Question 4

What 4 functions did Murdock believe family served

Answer 4

• economic needs
• reproduction
• sexual
• education

Question 5

What did Murdock investigate and what was his conclusion

Answer 5

Murdock investigated 250 societies and worldwide and concluded that the nuclear family was essential so must be positive

Question 6

What are criticisms on Murdock

Answer 6

• he ignores family conflict
• ignores decline on religious beliefs
• ignores women’s attitude change on child bearing
• other institutions may have a greater impact on socialisation

Question 7

Describe briefly case study criticisms on Murdock

Answer 7

The Nayer Tribe, south west Asia 1900s:
- young women before puberty are married
- after puberty she is visited by 4-12 men to become pregnant
- girl and her family care for baby whilst all fathers financially support

This is socialisation taking place outside of a nuclear family