Perspectives on the nuclear family: Functionalism and the New Right

Murdock: Murdock argues that the family is a universal institution (it exists everywhere) that performs four major functions: Primary socialisation, Economic function, emotional function, Reproductive function and Sexual function

Parsons: Parsons believes that every family in every society has two 'basic and irreducible' functions: the primary socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities.  The initial or primary socialisa­tion takes place in the early years of a child's life within the family group. During this period the child learns the basic elements of the culture into which she or he has been born. The second basic and irreducible function is the stabilisation of the adult's personality. The family gives the individual adult a 'safety‑valve', a place where she or he can relax, escape the stresses and strains of the world outside and feel emotionally secure.