functionalism Family

Question 1

FUNCTIONALISM FAMILY : sociologist (Murdock)

Answer 1

Family perform 4 essential functions:

1) sex function- satisfied sex drive and maintains a partner

2) reproduction function- produces the next generation of

3) socialisation of children- norms, values, culture passed down

4)economic function- providing food and shelter

Question 2

FUNCTIONALISM FAMILY: sociologist evaluation (Murdock)

Answer 2

Strength- accepted that there is other institution that can carry out these function but nuclear family can do all 4

Weaknesses- other institutions can carry out these functions

• feminist/ Marxist reject the view as it’s based on class and gender inequality

Question 3

FUNCTIONALISM FAMILY: sociologist (parsons- functional fit)

Answer 3

Functional fit:

• geographically mobile workforce-industry always changing people will go where there is jobs

-nuclear family are the easiest to move then extended families

• socially mobile workforce- size and technology always evolving requires skilled backers

• in modern society people gain status through effort not background nuclear families allowed children to gain their own status

Question 4

FUNCTIONALISM FAMILY: sociologist (parson- loss of function)

Answer 4

• pre-industrial family was functional unit of production as they were together

• Society chairs to industrial and then Becomes a unit of consumption

modern nuclear family essential;

1) the primary socialisation of children
2) the stabilisation of adult personality

Question 5

FUNCTIONALISM FAMILY: sociologist evaluation (parson)

Answer 5

•willmott and young- pre-industrial family was a nuclear and do not extended with parents and children working together

•willmott and young- send it families have not disappeared but playing an important function (financial help, childcare, emotional support)