The Functions of the Family Flashcards
What sociologists believe the family performs the function of socialising children?
Functionalists
Which sociologist suggested that the family provides four essential functions meet the needs of society and its members?
George Peter Murdock (1949) who is a functionalist sociologist
What were George Murdock’s four essential functions that the family provided?
A stable satisfaction of the sex drive, producing children to continue society, socialisation of children into the norms and values of society, and it provides food and shelter for people in society which meets the economic needs.
Which sociologists criticise George Murdock’s idea of the family providing four essential functions that meet the needs of society and its members?
Marxists and Feminists.
What do Feminists say about George Murdock’s idea?
That the family serves the needs of men.
What do Marxists say about George Murdock’s idea?
That the family serves the needs for capitalists.
What is a nuclear family?
A family that consists of parents and dependent children.
What is an extended family?
A family that consists of 3 generations living under one roof; parents, grandparents and children.
Who created the idea of the extended family and the nuclear family?
Talcott Parsons
When did the nuclear family exist?
After Industrial Britain (which was around the 19th century)
When did the extended family exist?
Pre-industrial Britain (19th century)
Why is the nuclear family more suited to modern society?
Because the nuclear family can move to where work is whereas this is more difficult for the extended family to do.
What does modern society need to do for people work wise?
Be able to teach people the right skills for work.
What are the two types of status’?
Achieved status and ascribed status?
What is an achieved status?
A person’s status which is achieved by their own efforts?
