Functionalist Perspective

Question 1

What do functionalists refer to the family as?

Answer 1

Family is a ‘vital’ organ in maintaining the ‘body’ of society and is a key building block within society.

Question 2

What does Murdock believe the functions of family are?

Answer 2

1. Sexual - provides a stable sexual relationship for adults.
2. Reproduction - provides new members of society.
3. Socialisation - teaches children the norms and values of society.
4. Economic - pools resources and provides for all of it’s members.

Question 3

What does Parson believe the functions of family are?

Answer 3

1. Socialisation - provides primary socialisation of children.
2. Stabilisation of adult personalities - the emotional relationships between parents give support and security to cope in wider society and acts as a sanctuary from everyday life.

Question 4

What are the criticisms of the Functionalist perspective?

Answer 4

1. Feminists - Murdock only focuses on the nuclear family.
2. Other institutions could perform these functions.
3. Young and Wilmott - still a lot of extended families in 1970s East London.
4. Out of date, in terms of Parsons expressive and instrumental roles.