Murdock On The Family

Question 1

What are Murdocks 4 functions of the family ?

Answer 1

1. Economic
2. Sexual regulation
3. Education
4. Reproduction

Question 2

What is the economic function ?

Answer 2

Nuclear family fulfils the economic function through the man working and providing for the family

Question 3

What is the sexual regulation function ? ( 2 points )

Answer 3

1. Sexual relationships between men and women within marriages control sexual urges
2. Promotion of heterosexuality ensured the reproduction of the next generation of society

Question 4

What is the education function ?

Answer 4

Children learn the norms and values of society through the parents

Question 5

What is the reproduction function ?

Answer 5

Men and women reproduce and these children become the next generation of society

Question 6

What would happen if the function of reproduction is taken away ?

Answer 6

Without reproduction society would stagnate and put strain on the elders in society

Question 7

Evaluations of Murdock ( 2 points )

Answer 7

1. Outdated theory and fails to acknowledge changing gender roles and family diversity
2. Feminists criticise Murdock for failing to understand that mother and child are the most universal unit