The functionalist view

Question 1

Murdocks 4 functions performed by family:

Answer 1

• stable satisfaction of the sex drive :because it makes a strong bond between couple and allows the creation of next generation
• reproduction of next generation: we need this for society and economy to continue.
• primary socialisation: socialise young ones into the societies norms and values.
• meeting members economic needs: by everyone in a family peforming each task.

Believes nuclear»>

Question 2

Critisms of murdock?

EVALUATION

Answer 2

• some sociologist talk about how other family structures and institutions can also perform these functions
• feminist see family as serving needs of men and oppressing women
• marxists argue families only benefit capatilsm.

Question 3

Parsons ‘functional fit theory’ ?

What are the two main functions he talks about for family

Answer 3

• Believes that the nuclear family is the best for this industrialised society.
• two main functions are:
  -primary socialisation
  -stabilsation of adult families - where adults can relax tensions to be mentally prepared to return back to the workforce

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Question 4

what are two features of nuclear family that makes nuclear family»?

Answer 4

-geographic mobility which is where the nuclear family can move locations with their workforce as industries constantly move around whereas in pre industrialised society, they work in the same village.
-social mobility where the society is constantly evolving tech and so needs the most talented and skilled to take in the most important roles. This is because in pre industialised society most status was ascribed and they didnt have that talent and it was inherited high status whereas now status and positions are achieved through ones own effort and ability.

Question 5

How has nuclear family lost its functions according to Parsons?

Answer 5

• the industrialised family has lost its functions. For example the pre-industrialised family used to not only be a mean of consumption but also a mean of production where they produced goods aswell as consuming it. Now the family only performs the two functions mentioned before.