functionalist view

Question 1

Functionalist view of the
family

Answer 1

family is one of the corner stones of society. It performs essential functions which support social stability and social cohesion.

Question 2

Functions of the Family: Murdock

Answer 2

Sexual stabilisation
reproduction
Socialisation
Economic

Question 3

Functions of the Family: Parsons - Socialisation

Answer 3

Agrees with Murdock that the family is essential in the
primary socialisation process and ensuring the that
each generation are fully equipped with the norms and values of society

Question 4

Functions of the Family: Parsons- Stabilisation of adult
personalities

Answer 4

emotional security which is achieved within a marital relationship between two adults. According to Parsons working life in Industrial society is stressful and the family is a place where the working man can return and be ‘de-stressed’ by his wife, which reduces
conflict in society. This is also known as the ‘warm bath theory’ Stabilization is achieved the through the biologically
determined roles- Expressive and instrumental.

Question 5

Parsons: Internal Criticisms
Best Fit Theory

Answer 5

Nuclear family is not universal, the structure of the family changes as the needs of
the society changes. Pre industrial families were extended families with multiple
generations living together, where as post industrial families needed to be geographically mobile and therefore became isolated nuclear families.

Question 6

Parsons: Internal Criticisms
structural Differentiation

Answer 6

Some functions of the family as identified by Murdock have moved to other institutions for example the economic function has be taken on by the welfare state
and the NHS.

Question 7

Evaluation-Down plays the role of conflict

Answer 7

In particular the oppression of women and domestic
violence. The family is not always the safe and warm
place

Question 8

Evaluation- Out of Date

Answer 8

Women now go out to work and the biological roles as set out by Parsons no longer apply
as clearly.

Question 9

Evaluation Deterministic

Answer 9

Assumes that the members of society
automatically take on the norms and values.

Question 10

Evaluation - Ignores family diversity

Answer 10

– Assumes that all families are
best when nuclear however many family structures
are apparent in todays society and still fulfil the same
functions.