Functionlist View Of The Family

Question 1

What do functionalist see the family as

Answer 1

Institution that contributes to the smooth running of society, it is beneficial to social stability

Question 2

When did Murdock argue the four main functions of family life

Answer 2

1949

Question 3

What were Murdocks 4 main functions of family life

Answer 3

1) sexual - expressing sexuality in socially approved context
2) reproduction - having children and provoking stability
3) socialisation - children learn socially acceptable behaviour
4) economic - providing money for food and shelter

Question 4

What do people argue against Murdock

Answer 4

Other institutions could perform the four functions, for example education can help with socialisation or the economy helps provide food and shelter.

Question 5

What did Murdock argue back against his criticisms

Answer 5

That family is the most practical way to do it

Question 6

When did Parsons write

Answer 6

1950’s

Question 7

What was parsons argument

Answer 7

The function of the family depends on which society it is found

Question 8

What was parsons theory called

Answer 8

The functional fit theory

Question 9

Give an example of Parsons theory

Answer 9

In pre industrial society people tended to live in extended family’s where the family lived together and in the same village. The children would then inherit their family farms meaning they wouldn’t move away.

Question 10

What would a pre industrial extended family be called

Answer 10

Multi funcational unit

Question 11

What is a multi functional unit

Answer 11

Where the family provide all the needs for example food,shelter,jobs and clothes and also support, e.g. Child care

Question 12

What family came in the industrialisation

Answer 12

Modern nuclear family

Question 13

What happened in the industrialised age

Answer 13

Modern nuclear family’s move away to find work ( geographical mobility )
People also become more socially mobile because when they move away to better jobs they can move social class

Question 14

Why might being promoted lead to conflict if they are still at home

Answer 14

Because if they are still living with their father then he might not be happy because the family is changing.

Question 15

How has the family lost some of its functions

Answer 15

They are no longer units of production but they have changed to units of consumption ( buying goods )
School has also taken over some of the four functions

Question 16

What did the modern nuclear family specialise in

Answer 16

1) the primary socialisation of children

2) the stabilisation of human personalities

Question 17

What is primary socialisation of children

Answer 17

Learning the language, history and values of society.

Socialisation actually becomes part of an individuals personality.

Question 18

What is the stabilisation of human personalities

Answer 18

Lack of power, pressure to achieve and Boredom at work threaten to destabilise personalities
The sexual division of labour in the family helps to stabilise individuals. E.g. Women have an expressive role and men play the role of the bread winner.