functonalist perspective of the family (Murdock) Flashcards
what do functionalist believe society is based on
a value consensus
what do functionalist regard society as
a system made up of subsystems that depend on eachother
what do functionalists often compare society to
a biological organism like the human body
what does Murdock 1949 argue
families performs 4 essential functions to meet the needs of society and its members
what’s Murdock 4 functions
sexual
reproduction
socialisation
economic
what’s Murdock definition of sexual
stable material relationships allow adults to meet their needs in a safe/ secure way
what’s Murdock definition of reproduction
the birth of new people ensures the continuation of society
what’s Murdock definition of socialisation
children learn the values, norms, customs and rituals of society
what’s Murdock definition of economic
adults provide shelter, food, money for their children
the money they spend also helps maintain the economy
what does Murdock argue about the nuclear family
it is universal
one criticism of Murdock
parsons disagreed with Murdock idea that the nuclear family was universal
instead he argued that as society changes, the type of family that ‘fits’ changes
what do Marxists and feminists reject about Murdock’s approach
his ‘rose-tinted’ harmonies view that the family meets the needs of both wider society and all the different members of the family
what do Marxists and feminists argue
functionalism neglects conflict and exploitation
what do feminists see families as
serving the needs of men and oppressing women
what do Marxists argue
families meet the needs of capitalism, not those of family members of society as a whole
