1.1 - Functionalist Theory

Question 1

Who is Murdock?

Answer 1

A functionalist

Question 2

What functions do families perform according to Murdock?

Answer 2

Sexual
Education
Reproduction
Economic

Question 3

Sexual AO1 AO2 (Murdock) (2)

Answer 3

Basic needs met and legitimate outlet for sex.

Sets ground rules for acceptable social behaviour

Question 4

Sexual AO3 (Murdock)

Answer 4

Not all married couples stay faithful to each other

Question 5

Economic AO1 AO2 (Murdock)

Answer 5

Attitudes and values of workplace instilled in the home (support smooth running of economy)
Adults need to provide food and shelter so kids become economically productive workers

Question 6

Economic AO3 (Murdock)

Answer 6

Some adults cant provide this as on low income or disabled

Question 7

Reproduction AO1 AO2 (Murdock)

Answer 7

Pass on norms to next generation and pass on inheritance

Question 8

Reproduction AO3 (Murdock) (3)

Answer 8

Increasing population
Infertile
Not want kids

Question 9

Education AO1 AO2 (Murdock)

Answer 9

Taught how to be good moral citizens

Question 10

Education AO3 (Murdock)

Answer 10

Everyone’s morals are different

Question 11

Who is Parsons?

Answer 11

A functionalist

Question 12

What theory did Parsons come up with?

Answer 12

The Fit Theory

Question 13

Name 2 functions of the family according to Parsons

Answer 13

Primary socialisation

Stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 14

AO1 AO2 primary socialisation (Parsons) (3)

Answer 14

Happens in family before school

Mould personality to fit needs of capitalism

Achieved by internalisation of society’s culture which ensures value consensus is maintained

Question 15

AO1 AO2 stabilisation of adult personalities (Parsons)

Answer 15

Adults get emotional security and a source of release from stress.

Question 16

AO3 stabilisation of adult personalities (Parsons) (3)

Answer 16

Assume family is a positive thing

Assume both partners of opposite sex

Only benefits bread winner

Question 17

What is stabilisation of adult personalities similar to?

Answer 17

Warm bath theory

Question 18

AO3 primary socialisation (Parsons)

Answer 18

Can pass on negative norms and values

Question 19

Parsons - a nuclear family should be ………. and ………… mobile

Answer 19

Socially and geographically

Question 20

Why should a family be geographically mobile

Answer 20

Move around the country for job opportunities

Question 21

Why should a family be socially mobile

Answer 21

Able to move between social classes (lower to middle)

Question 22

How does Fletcher criticise Functionalist views?

Answer 22

Function of family has increased

Family helps in welfare and money

Question 23

How are Functionalists outdated?

Answer 23

Postmodernists - Heteronormality (assume everyone is heterosexual)
Changing roles as women work

Question 24

What do Feminists think about Functionalist views? (2 and who?)

Answer 24

Women can work and are against gender roles
The family is oppressive and exploits women

Delphy and Leonard - Women are exploited ot men’s benefit

Question 25

What do Marxists think about Functionalist views? (2)

Who?

Answer 25

Ansley - warm bath theory and takers of shit

Reinforces capitalist ideologies