functionalist perspective

Question 1

What is Murdock’s perspective on the family?
(+) accepts that other institutions could perform these functions

(-) bases his argument on the nuclear family, whereas other non-nuclear families could easily perform these functions too

(-) marxists and feminists reject his ‘rose-tinted’ perspective: not everyone’s needs are met

Answer 1

• society is based on a value consensus and it is a system made up of different parts that depend on each other like body parts, each with a vital function: this includes the FAMILY, the education system, the economy
• family’s meet some of societies vital needs
=
- stable satisfaction of the sex drive
- reproduction of the next generation
- socialisation of the young
- meeting its members economic needs

Question 2

What is Parson’s ‘functional fit’ theory on the functions of families?

Answer 2

• the functions a family performs will depend on the kind of society in which it is found (industrial/pre-industrial)
• geographically mobile workforce - the decline in the extended family occurred as a result of society becoming industrialised (nuclear families can move to new jobs easier)
• socially mobile workforce - industrial society means people don’t have ascribed status’ but ones based on achievement due to work outside of the home

Question 3

What are two of the main functions society has?

positive perspective because it’s two-way beneficial i.e helps work and helps the individual

Answer 3

1. primary socialisation to learn and accept the norms and values of society - helps them cooperate with others and helps them to integrate into society
2. stabilises personalities of adults through the emotional relationships between the parents - adults relax and release tensions, whereby they can return to work refreshed and ready to meet work’s demands

Question 4

Criticisms of the Functionalist perspective of the family

Answer 4

(-) other perspectives e.g marxism (ignores class conflict) feminism (ignores exploitation of women) and the new right perspective

(-) idealises the family too much, doesn’t mention negatives

(-) Morgan (1975) - ignores problems in family relationships and makes no reference to alternative households