Topic 2: Functionalist view of the family
Functionalism
Functionalists see the family as the cornerstone of society because it is functional or
beneficial both for the individual and for society
Meets the needs of individuals for emotional satisfaction, social support, personal
development, identity and security.
Meets the needs of society for social order and stability + plays a key role in making
individuals feel part of society.
Name: G. P MURDOCK
Concept: Social Structure- 4 vital family functions
Argument
1. Production of new generations: Couples living together produce children more regularly in a
setting where fathers can protect mothers and new-borns.
2. Regulation of sexual activity: Established families avoid the competition between potential
partners that are found in the animal kingdom
3. Provision of economic support and the necessities of life through the division of labour:
Men undertake strenuous tasks while women’s complimentary role entails pregnancy,
nursing and lighter tasks
4. Socialisation of children into the culture of the community: Children learn norms and
values and each adult teaches children of the same sex about their future roles
Criticism
He claimed to have found a similar gendered division of labour in 250 societies.
Feminist Ann Oakley re-examined his data + found that he had ignored societies in which
traditional gender roles were reversed or shared by both sexes. (e.g. kibbutz)
Murdock’s division of labour is not universal and the exceptions show that gender roles are
socially constructed and so can be changed.
Name: PARSONS
Concept: 2 irreducible functions of family
Argument
Agreed with Murdock but focused his attention on the ‘modern isolated’ nuclear family
1. Socialisation of children into their society’s culture-internalising society’s culture and
structuring personality
2. Stabilisation of adult personalities (sexual relationships)- adults gain stability from
emotional security, responsibility for children and a haven from the stresses and strains of
modern society
Functionalism
Functionalists see the family as the cornerstone of society because it is functional or
beneficial both for the individual and for society
Meets the needs of individuals for emotional satisfaction, social support, personal
development, identity and security.
Meets the needs of society for social order and stability + plays a key role in making
individuals feel part of society.
Name: G. P MURDOCK
Concept: Social Structure- 4 vital family functions
Argument
1. Production of new generations: Couples living together produce children more regularly in a
setting where fathers can protect mothers and new-borns.
2. Regulation of sexual activity: Established families avoid the competition between potential
partners that are found in the animal kingdom
3. Provision of economic support and the necessities of life through the division of labour:
Men undertake strenuous tasks while women’s complimentary role entails pregnancy,
nursing and lighter tasks
4. Socialisation of children into the culture of the community: Children learn norms and
values and each adult teaches children of the same sex about their future roles
Criticism
He claimed to have found a similar gendered division of labour in 250 societies.
Feminist Ann Oakley re-examined his data + found that he had ignored societies in which
traditional gender roles were reversed or shared by both sexes. (e.g. kibbutz)
Murdock’s division of labour is not universal and the exceptions show that gender roles are
socially constructed and so can be changed.
Name: PARSONS
Concept: 2 irreducible functions of family
Argument
Agreed with Murdock but focused his attention on the ‘modern isolated’ nuclear family
1. Socialisation of children into their society’s culture-internalising society’s culture and
structuring personality
2. Stabilisation of adult personalities (sexual relationships)- adults gain stability from
emotional security, responsibility for children and a haven from the stresses and strains of
modern society
