Functionalism: Theories of the Family

Who are the 2 key functionalist theorists of the family?

• Murdock

• Parsons

What are Murdock’s 4 functions of the family?

• sexual

• reproduction

• socialisation

• economic

What are Parson’s 2 functions of the family?

• socialisation

• stabilisation of adult personalities

According to Murdock, what is the sexual function of the family?

• ensures that adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable

• ensures that relationships are monogamous and heterosexual

According to Murdock, what is the reproductive function of the family?

• the family ensures the biological reproduction of the next generation

• without the next generation, society cannot continue

According to Murdock, what is the socialisation function of the family?

• the socialisation of the young

• teaching basic norms and values to the next generation so that they are fully integrated into society

According to Murdock, what is the economic function of the family?

• the family meets its members’ economic needs

• e.g., pooling resources, producing food, providing shelter

According to Parsons, what is the stabilisation of adult personalities function of the family?

• a marital relationship between two adults achieves emotional security

• stabilisation is achieved through the biologically determined roles of men and women in the family

What is Parson’s ‘warm bath’ theory?

the family is a place where the working man can be de-stressed by his wife, which reduces conflict in society

What are some criticisms of the functionalist view of the family?

• paints an idealistic picture of family life

• many people have negative experiences of family life

• families can cause stress as well as relieve it

• conflict theorists question whether the roles families perform really benefit the whole of society or just benefit powerful groups within it

• feminists argue that families exist largely for the benefit of men

• these theories are outdated

• suggests families are all traditional nuclear families