Functionalist View

Question 1

How do functionalists view institutions?

Answer 1

• All institutions perform important roles that allow for the smooth running of society
• All social phenomena play a positive function in society
• Family is no different

Question 2

What did Murdock do?

Answer 2

studied families across the world and found four universal functions that were common in all of them

Question 3

Murdock - the 4 functions of the family

Answer 3

1) EDUCATIONAL = children are taught the norms and values of society AKA primary socialisation - allows them to be functioning members of society

2) ECONOMIC = family provides an economic function to all of its members by pooling resources and ensuring everyone has what they need - EG using income to buy a house and food - keeps economy booming

3) REPRODUCTIVE = produces the next generation of society

4) SEXUAL = ensures that adult’s sexual relationships are controlled and stable - prevents a promiscuous horde, arguments and adultery

Question 4

Who does the family institution benefit?

Answer 4

1) The Individual = adis them to fully integrate into society and feel accepted, supported and stable

2) Society = ensures all members of society are integrated and able to perform their function in helping society to run smoothly and efficeintly which is crucial due to the organic analogy and the interdependence between social institutions

Question 5

How did Parsons criticise Murdock’s ideology?

Answer 5

in modern western societies the state provided education (not family) and could perform an economic function through welfare provisions

HOWEVER, the family still had 2 irreducible functions

Question 6

Parson’s - Family’s 2 Irreducible Functions

Answer 6

1) PRIMARY SOCIALISATION = families teach children norms and values specifically associated with their family and community (other institutions such as schools, media, religion etc teach children universal norms and values about wider society - secondary socialisation)

2) STABILISATION OF ADULT PERSONALITIES = families help prevent adult’s from behaving in dysfunctional ways by encouraging them to conform to social norms, provide emotional support to all its members and relieve stress WARM BATH THEORY