Perspectives on the family

Question 1

Murdock (1949)
Family = four essential functions

Answer 1

• Stable satisfaction of the sex drive
• Reproduction of the next generation
• Socialisation of the young
• Meeting its member economic needs
  He ha the functionalist perspective on the family. He accept that institutions could perform these functions.

Question 2

Parsons (1955)
‘Functional fit’ theory

Answer 2

Functions that the family performs will depend on the kind of society in which it is found

Question 3

Criticisms of Murdock

Answer 3

Feminists reject this and insist that Murdock has ’rose-tinted glasses’ which adjust their veiws
Argue that functionalist reject conflict

Question 4

What are the family structures highlighted by parsons

Answer 4

• nuclear family
• extended family

Question 5

What is the organic analogy

Answer 5

Everything in society has a function and works together to help society function

Question 6

Liberal feminist

Answer 6

Family is getting better
March of progress

Question 7

Radical feminist

Answer 7

Political lesbianism
Abolish nuclear family

Question 8

Parsons roles in family

Answer 8

Expressive wife
Instrumental husband

Question 9

Parsons warm bath

Answer 9

Men can let out frustrations at home

Question 10

Eval of Parson s

Answer 10

Change in laws
More women in the workplace getting out of expressive roles

Question 11

New right

Answer 11

Advocate for nuc fam and trad roles
Breakdown of this leads to inadequate socialisation

Question 12

Patricia Morgan

Answer 12

Single parent families bread delinquents