Sociology Flashcards

Nuclear Family

A two-generation family unit consisting of a father, mother, and their dependent children.

Murdock-Functions of the family

Functionalist

Four essential functions of the family: Sexual Educational Economic Reproductive

Parsons-Functions of the family

• Functionalist

• Argues that family has lost some of its’ functions to other social institutions

• States that there are 2 main functions the nuclear family performs

• Socialisation of children & Stabilisation of adult personalities

Parsons-Functional Fit Theory

• Functional Fit Theory argues that the nuclear family best fits the needs of modern industrial societies.

• The NF is socially mobile & geographically mobile

Extended Family

A family that extends beyond the nuclear family, often 3 generations, living under the same roof, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.