Functionalist View of the Family

Question 1

Who are the main functionalists when it comes to theories of the family?

Answer 1

Parsons and Murdock

Question 2

What was Parsons Theory of the family?

Answer 2

Functional Fit Theory

Question 3

What is the Functional Fit Theory?

Answer 3

The idea that the traditional nuclear family is the most functional family type to society because they are can adapt to meet society’s requirements. The traditional nuclear family is a product of modern society and has a function of social and geographical mobility whereas the extended family is a product of pre-industrial society and is a unit of consumption

Question 4

What was Murdock’s theory of the family?

Answer 4

4 essential roles

Question 5

What is the 4 Essential Roles?

Answer 5

-Socialisation of the young
-Stable Satisfaction of the sex drive ;)
-Reproduction of next generation
-Meeting economic needs