THEORIES OF THE FAMILY - FUNCTIONALISTS Flashcards
(5 cards)
What are Murdock’s four functions of the family?
1/ Stabilsation of sex drive od adults
2/ Reproduction of next generation
3/ Socialisation of the young
4/ Meetings members economic needs
What are criticisms of Murdock’s theory?
It is a ‘rose tinted’ harmonious consensus view that that the family meets the need of both wider society and all the members of the family. In reality, this may not actually happen.
What is Parsons’ ‘functional fit theory’?
Families have two irreducible functions:
- Primary socialisation of children
- Stabilisation of adult personalities, warm bath theory
What is the geographically mobile workforce?
An essential need society has according to Parsons, modern societies have industries constantly spring up and decline in different parts of the country. Nuclear family is an easy unit of people to move, thus suiting this geographical workforce.
What is the socially mobile workforce?
An essential need society has according to Parsons, in modern society an individual’s status is often achieved through effort, not ascribed to them at birth. Essential that talented people are able to win promotion and take on the most important jobs.
