Functionalist Perspective of the Family

Key idea: Organic analogy- works with other institutions to create social solidarity 

GEORGE MURDOCK- Four main functions: 

• Reproduction of the next generation
• Provides stable satisfaction of the sex drive for adults
• Socialisation of the young 
• Meeting its members economic needs (Nuclear family is key and universal, gender specific roles and heterosexual relationships between adults.)

• CRITICISMS-
• not only the nuclear family exists 
• homosexual relationships are classed as family
• not all couples can reproduce 

TALCOTT PARSONS- two major roles of the family

Primary Socialisation of the young: child must internalize and committ to norms and values

Stabilisation of adult personalities: warm bath theory, emotional support prevents them from getting stressed 

CRITICISMS -1. Ignores exploitation and inequality 2. Assumes all gender roles are fixed