Functunalism and the Family

Question 1

what are Murdock’s four functions of the family?

Answer 1

reproductive, sexual, educational, economic

Question 2

what are Parsons functions of the family?

Answer 2

primary socialisation of children

stabilisation of adult personalities

Question 3

what is a criticism for Murdock and Parsons views?

Answer 3

They only focus on the nuclear family

Question 4

what is one use of the “warm-bath theory”?

Answer 4

stabilises adult personalities as adults can let themselves go in a childish, undignified way (Steel and Kid)

Question 5

what does Cheal (2002) say parents are responsible for?

Answer 5

ensuring that children grow happy, strong, articulate etc

Question 6

what is the term used to describe children learning the cultural patterns of behaviour expected of their gender?

Answer 6

gender role socialisation

Question 7

what does gender role socialisation promote?

Answer 7

children conforming to social expectations of how males and females should behave

Question 8

what did Chapman say about gender differences?

Answer 8

they are not biological or natural but socially constructed

Question 9

who reinforces gender differences and give an example?

Answer 9

secondary agents e.g. religion, justice system, media

Question 10

which functunalist see’s the family as “moral centre of society”?

Answer 10

Murdock

Question 11

what does the “moral centre of society” promote?

Answer 11

rules of how to behave (whats morally correct) e.g. adultery = deviant

Question 12

what does Bernard argue?

Answer 12

inequalities = helpless newborn infants being chanelled into becoming a wide range of unequal adults

Question 13

what does sclater say about family income?

Answer 13

used largely on things for the family