Functionalism Families And Households

Question 1

What are four functions of the family according to Murdock?

Answer 1

• primary socialisation
• stable sex drive
• reproduction of the next generation
• meeting members economic needs

Question 2

What are two functions of the family according to parsons?

Answer 2

Soap
Primary socialisation

Question 3

What is SOAP?

Answer 3

Stablisation of adult personality. When the husband comes home from work and entering a nice home usually taken care of by the woman - like entering a nice warm bath.

Question 4

What is parsons functional fit thesis?

Answer 4

Argues that family structures adapt to the needs of society, Changing from extended families in pre industrial societies to nuclear families in modern industrial societies.

Question 5

What are instrumental and expressive roles? And who usually takes up those roles?

Answer 5

Instrumental roles - usually the hard workers and laborious stuff - typically the male role.
Expressive roles - usually the people who stay at home, taking care of the home and kids, the sympathisers - typically the woman.

Question 6

What is a socially mobile workforce?

Answer 6

Where anybody no matter their background has equal opportunities for work and advancing their careers.