Functionalism & The Family

Question 1

Parson’s 2 key functions of the family

Answer 1

1) Primary socialisation

2) Stabilisation of adult personalities (aka Warm Bath theory)

Question 2

Murdock’s 4 key functions of the family

Answer 2

1) Sexual
2) Reproductive
3) Educational (primary socialisation)
4) Economic (working to get food)

Question 3

4 Criticisms of Murdock

Answer 3

1) Ignores dark side of family
2) Ignores other institutions that perform 4 basic functions
3) Ignores that you can have sex before marriage
4) Welfare state proves work isn’t necessary for survival (economic)

Question 4

4 criticisms of Parsons

Answer 4

1) Ethnocentric (only studied white m/c Americans)
2) Primary socz. assumes parents are in control which isn’t necessarily true
3) Ignores dark side of family
4) Ignores institutions

Question 5

2 reasons as to why Fletcher believes the family is still valued in society

Answer 5

1) Increase in divorce explained by high value placed on marriage - if unhappy, partners will leave as they desire happy marriage
2) Most divorcees re-marry