Functionalist theory of the family

What four functions did Murdock argue the family performed?

1) Sexual- sexual urges would be unregulated and men and women are exclusive sexual partners. This leads to the reproductive function- more members for society.

2) Reproductive- there would be due no members of society- this maintains wider society. Without this, there would be a decline in the birth rate- people would have to work for longer.

3) Economic- without the provision and preparation of food life would cease. Murdock claims this is best achieved by family members living together (division of labour).

4) Educational- primary socialisation- Murdock claimed that without this there would be no culture. Human society without culture could not function. There would be no cultural values and norms.

Criticism of Murdock's 4 functions

Within the family as an institution Murdock did not consider whether other social institutions could perform its functions and he did not examine alternatives to the family.

What is Parsons' functional fit theory?

Parsons argues that the particular structure and function of a given type of family will 'fit' the needs of the society in which it is formed.

What were the changes that happened to the family-Parsons?

He argues that the nuclear family fits the needs of industrial society. In Parson's view, when Britain began to industrialise from the late 18th century onwards the extended family began to give way to the nuclear family. The emerging industrial society had different needs from pre-industrial society and the family had to adapt to meet those needs.

What does Parsons see industrial society as needing?

Two essential needs- a geographically mobile workforce and a socially mobile workforce.

A geographically mobile workforce

In traditional pre-industrial society- people often spent their whole lives living in the same village (agrarian society). In modern society, industries constantly spring up and decline in parts of the country, this requires people to move to where the jobs are. Therefore, Parsons claims that it is easier for the company two generation nuclear family to move, this family type is better fitted to the needs of modern industry for a geographically mobile workforce.

A socially mobile workforce

In modern society an individual status is achieved by their own efforts and ability- achieved status. This makes social mobility possible. Parsons argues, the nuclear family is better equipped to meet the needs of industrial society. Adult sons leave the nuclear family to go form their own. The nuclear family encourages social mobility and geographical mobility.

Evaluation of Parsons

Laslett studied English households from 1564-1821 and he found that they were almost always nuclear. Late childbearing and short life expectancy meant that grandparents were unlikely to be alive for much longer for the birth of their first grandchild.

What were the two irreducible functions-Parsons?

1) Primary socialisation- equips them with basic skills and societies values- begin to integrate them into society.

2) Stabilisation of adults personalities- the family is a place where adults can relax and reduce tensions, enabling them to return to the workplace refreshed and ready to meet demands.

Criticism of Parsons theory- socialisation

Parson's view of the socialisation process can be criticised. He sees it as a one-way process, with the children being pumped full of culture and their personalities being moulded by powerful parents. This tends to ignore the two way interaction between parents and children.

Murdock's view on the family

He researched 250 societies . Murdock found that the nuclear family was universal as it was prevalent in each of Murdock's societies. The family lives together and pools its resources and works together and produces offspring. He concluded that the nuclear family is a universal human social grouping.

Criticism of Murdock's theory

Stacey on the Mosuo people (tribal group), she found that the girls when they turned thirteen were given a sleeping room (known as their 'flower chamber'). The women are free to take as many sexual partners (lovers) as they choose. The matrifocal family functions without the dad or male in the home- it is extended family households.

What does civil partnership mean?

Same legal rights as married couples but no religious ceremony and no exchanging of vows. This was available for same sex couples in 2004, opposite sex couples in 2019.

What does divorce mean?

Legal ending of a marriage

What does marriage mean?

The legal registration of a partnership. This can include a religious ceremony but a religious ceremony by itself, without the registration does not count.

What does empty shell marriage?

Spouses live together, remain legally married but their relationship has broken down and their marriage exists in name only.

What does separation mean?

Couples agree to live apart after the breakdown of a marriage without divorcing. This can be legal or informal.

What does cohabitation mean?

Two people live together but they are not married or in a civil partnership.