Theories of the family

Question 1

Functionalism

Answer 1

Functionalist believe that society is based on a value consensus - a set of shared norms and values - into which society socialises its members
They regard society as a system made up of different sub - sections that depend on each other such as the family - they often compare society to the human body

Question 2

Murdock (1949) - Essential Functions

Answer 2

He argues that the family performs four essential functions to meed the needs of society and its members
Sanctification of the sex drive - with the same partner, preventing social disruption
Reproduction of the next generation - without which society could not continue
Socialisation of the young - into society’s shared norms and values
Meeting its economic needs - such as food ans shelter

Question 3

Criticisms of Murdock

Answer 3

• Murdock accepts that other institutions could perform these functions. However , he argues that the practicality of the nuclear family as a way of meeting these four economic needs explains why it is universal - found in human societies without expectation
• Others have criticised Murdock’s approach. Marxists and Feminist’s reject his “rose - tinted” consensus view that the family meets the needs of both wider society and all the different members of the family