Murdock

organic analogy

functionalists compare society to the human body. all our organs are important to keep us healthy; in the same way, institutions are important to keep society healthy

what are institutions?

education, family, entertainment, criminal justice system

what is the value consensus?

the belief held by functionalists that all members of society agree on the norms and values of society. without this, society would break down and be in a state of anomie (normlessness)

what research did Murdock study?

Murdock (1949) studied 250 societies and concluded that the family is universal. He concluded that the nuclear family exists in every society and is the best to upbring children

what were Murdock’s 4 functions of the family?

sexual drive stabilisation, reproduction, educational, economic

what is the sexual drive stabilisation function and how does it benefit families + society?

the family allows for peoples sexual needs to be met through their partners.