functionalists on the family

Question 1

Murdock (1949)

Answer 1

nuclear family is universal
4 critical functions:
1. reproduction
2. sexual
3. economic
4. educational

Question 2

support of Murdock

Answer 2

most people are born into a nuclear family then grow up to create their own.
attempts to abolish the nuclear family: 1920s russian gov. made divorce and abortion easier for women in an attempt to abolish nuclear family. led to nearly 7 milion homeless children so was quickly dropped

Question 3

limitations to murdock

Answer 3

• functions no longer effective e.g. women no longer having as many children
• doesnt consider DV, Child abuse,
• family diversity e.g. feminisation of workforce
• ethnocentric
  feminists critique murdock - implies that womens main role is to be caregiver for children